Just half of those eligible for the third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine in Windsor-Essex still haven't had it, and the CEO of the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit is concerned about uptake for the fourth.
"We anticipate initial demand probably will be high, but I don't know that we're expecting 100,000," said Nicole Dupuis.
The health unit will start booking appointments for a fourth dose for those 60 and up, those who are Indigenous and those who live with someone who is Indigenous starts on Monday.
The phone number to book those shots has changed. Dupuis said the old number was decommissioned when the health unit began accepting walk-ins at its mass COVID-19 vaccination clinics.
Booking at pharmacies and other locations across the region may be different.
"We continue to recommend everyone should stay up to date," said Dupuis. "It's a critical part of our response to COVID."
Meanwhile, Thursday's epidemiology summary indicates an increase in COVID-19 in the region.
The number of cases in high-risk settings is up 9.9 per cent from last week to 145.1 for every 100,000 residents. The percentage of tests coming back positive from the lab is up 3.9 percentage points to 19.3 per cent. Hospitalizations are up, and wastewater data indicates an uptick.
As of 3 p.m. Thursday, there were 53 patients being treated for COVID-19 in Windsor-Essex hospitals. Windsor Regional Hospital has 41 of them, with 25 primarily admitted for the virus. Thirty-one of those 41 patients have been fully vaccinated. WRH has one unvaccinated patient in intensive care.
Erie Shores Healthcare reported seven patients in hospital, but only one is being treated for the virus. Hotel-Dieu Grace Healthcare had five patients at last check.
The health unit reported 145 new high-risk cases of COVID-19 Thursday. The active caseload has dipped slightly from 394 to 383. There are 18 active outbreaks, with 11 in long-term care, five in the community, and two at hospitals.
Across Ontario, Thursday's data shows a 22 per cent increase in the number of cases in high-risk settings. That number climbed to 4,224, up from 3,444 on Wednesday. The province also reported 16 new deaths, 1,126 people in Ontario hospitals who have tested positive for COVID-19, and 159 in intensive care.
Those wanting a booster at the health unit's Windsor office can book an appointment on the health unit's online system. If you need help, you can also call (519) 258-2146, ext. 4500.
