Nearly 10 percent of newly eligible children received a COVID injection in four days

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Nearly 3,300 Windsor-Essex children received their first COVID-19 vaccine in the first four days they were eligible, about 10 percent of the region’s population between the ages of five and 11.

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Nicole Dupuis, executive director of the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit, reported Monday that despite high demand for youth vaccines, “timely” appointments remain open at the Devonshire Mall mass vaccination clinic.

“It’s really encouraging for the first few days of our launch and we look forward to seeing more,” said Dupuis. “Our grand total of children is approximately 33,000.”

To book a vaccination appointment for a child five to 11 years old at the Devonshire Mall Vaccine Clinic, visit wevax.ca or call 226-773-2200. Primary care providers and participating pharmacies also offer the jab to children by appointment.

“We know that many would prefer, certainly when it comes to their children, to take them to their GP,” Dupuis said. “There are some family physicians who are already registered and vaccinate from five to 11. Hopefully more will join in and we encourage families to speak with a family doctor about their vaccination preferences.”

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The mall clinic continues to offer first and second doses for walk-ins ages 12 and older.

Third-dose booster shots are also available by appointment at the mall clinic, select pharmacies, and participating physician offices for individuals age 70 and older, healthcare workers and essential caregivers in congregated settings, indigenous individuals, and members. from your home, AstraZeneca recipients, and moderately to severely immunosuppressed individuals. To be eligible for a third dose, people must have received their second injection at least 168 days ago.

So far, 80.7 percent of all residents five years and older have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and 76.8 percent are fully vaccinated. More than 22,000 residents have received a third dose.

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The health unit reported 71 new cases of COVID-19 since Saturday, 86 since Sunday and 82 since Monday.

No additional COVID-related deaths were reported.

To date, 21,742 local residents have tested positive for COVID-19, including 498 currently active cases, 471 people who have died, and 20,773 cases considered resolved.

As of Monday morning, area hospitals had 18 COVID patients.

The COVID-19 outbreaks remain active in one hospital, two long-term care homes, seven schools, eight community settings, and nine workplaces.

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