Commonwealth _ Ottawa’s Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Vera Etches, is advising older adults to ensure they have their updated COVID-19 and flu vaccinations. Recent data from Ottawa Public Health (OPH) up to December 2nd has shown a noticeable increase in flu cases, aligning with the elevated levels of COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The next update on this situation is anticipated to arrive on Wednesday. Comparing the current scenario with the same period last year, there is a higher count of COVID-19 patients in hospitals. The seven-day average for hospitalizations last week reached 71, contrasting with 49 from one year ago. Alarmingly, more than 70% of these patients are aged 60 or above. Dr. Etches highlighted the differences from the previous year, mentioning, “Last year, we actually didn’t have the same level of COVID in our wastewater, hospitalizations were lower, vaccinations were higher.” The situation underscores the importance of staying vigilant, especially for vulnerable groups, by getting updated vaccinations to safeguard against the surge in respiratory viruses in Ottawa.
According to the latest update from Ottawa Public Health (OPH) on Monday, just 20% of residents aged six months and above have received a COVID vaccine dose in the last six months. When examining the approximately three months since the updated COVID vaccine was introduced, only individuals in their 70s and those aged 80 and above have surpassed the 50% coverage mark. These statistics don’t consider immunity acquired from recent infections, which varies in its duration—ranging from eight weeks to six months based on individual circumstances. Dr. Vera Etches emphasizes that even if someone is unsure about their acquired immunity, there’s no harm in getting vaccinated. Pharmacies have played a significant role, administering nearly 70% of vaccine doses in the city, as per Etches. Jordan Clark, a pharmacist and owner of two Shoppers Drug Mart locations, notes a decrease in the urgency surrounding this year’s vaccination campaign. However, he anticipates a potential shift soon.
Andrew Hanna, a compounding pharmacist at Pharmasave Avalon in Orléans, finds himself fielding numerous inquiries from patients eager to understand the effectiveness of the latest COVID dose. He emphasizes that this updated dose indeed offers improved protection compared to previous versions, providing reassurance to those seeking increased immunity. In addition to the COVID and flu vaccines, Hanna observes a growing interest among customers in the RSV vaccine. However, he notes that acquiring the RSV vaccine requires a medical directive, indicating a significant curiosity among patients about broader protection against respiratory illnesses. Hanna acknowledges a prevalent preference among his clientele for the ease and accessibility of walk-in appointments at his pharmacy over the process of scheduling online. This trend highlights the urgency felt by individuals seeking timely vaccination. Beyond pharmacies like his own, Hanna points out that family doctors and select community clinics are also actively participating in administering these crucial vaccinations.
The significance of these efforts is reflected in Ottawa Public Health’s distribution figures, revealing the widespread availability of vaccines. OPH has allocated 155,200 doses of the flu vaccine to healthcare providers, with an additional 210,320 doses delivered to various Ottawa pharmacies through pharmacy distributors. These numbers signify a concerted effort to make vaccines readily accessible to the public through multiple avenues, ensuring broader coverage across the community. Hanna noted a preference among many individuals at his location for the convenience of walk-in availability over online appointments. Apart from pharmacies, family doctors and certain community clinics are also administering shots. Ottawa Public Health (OPH) reported distributing 155,200 doses of the flu vaccine to healthcare providers, while pharmacy distributors have delivered 210,320 doses to Ottawa pharmacies.
