SLFNHA provides COVID-19 update, Ontarians 18+ eligible for second booster shot

Tim Brody - Editor

Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority (SLFNHA) has been reporting an increase in the average daily new and active COVID-19 cases in the last few weeks.
According to SLFNHA’s COVID dashboard https://www.slfnha.com/covid/), there were 648 active cases in First Nation communities represented by SLFNHA as of July 15, with the majority, 523, being in Sandy Lake First Nation. 
“As of July 13, 2022, 741 regional active cases were reported, with over 600 cases in Sandy Lake and new cases increasing in communities including, North Caribou and Webequie. Currently, there are no hospitalizations associated with this recent surge,” shared SLFNHA Public Health Physician Dr. Lloyd Douglas, in a media release shared by SLFNHA.
“Across the region, the uptake of First Nations community members receiving the first and second COVID-19 booster doses is relatively low. Among adults aged 18 and older, only nine percent (9%) have received the second booster (4th) dose. Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority (SLFNHA) recommends that individuals who are eligible stay up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. During this seventh/summer wave, it is important to continue to practice mask wearing, especially in indoor settings and physical distancing where possible. If you have COVID-19 symptoms and/or test positive for COVID-19, stay home and do not attend work, school, childcare or other public places,” SLFNHA informed. 
“Throughout the pandemic and the subsequent community outbreaks, community leadership, pandemic teams and local health staff have been confidently managing cases and contacts in their communities. We acknowledge the excellent work being done in community with regards to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and appreciate everyone’s commitment to keeping each other safe,” SLFNHA added.
“Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Kieran Moore, has confirmed that the province has officially entered its seventh wave of COVID-19 with the new Omicron BA.5 subvariant driving transmission. The BA.5 subvariant rose in early June and has now become a dominant strain with cases rates increasing exponentially in majority of public health units, and in all age groups. In the last week of June, the number of reported cases in Ontario increased to 6,499 cases up from 5,420 the week before,” SLFNHA further stated.
In a July 15 media release, the Northwestern Health Unit (NWHU) stated, “NWHU is pleased to hear that the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine for children 6 months to 5 years of age has been approved by Health Canada. Vaccines are an effective tool to help reduce the spread and severity of COVID-19 for those who get vaccinated, their families, and the community.”
“We can minimize the impact of COVID-19 in our communities when people get vaccinated and practice other measures such as appropriate self-isolation, wearing a well-fitted mask, physical distancing, and hand hygiene” said Dr. Kit Young Hoon, Medical Officer of Health at Northwestern Health Unit (NWHU).
“With the vaccine for children now approved by Health Canada, the Ontario Ministry of Health will develop guidelines for use in this province and can start shipping vaccine to local public health units,” NWHU explained. 
Dr. Young Hoon stated, “we expect to have vaccine here in the local area within the next few weeks and will tell the public when it is available.”
Current information about COVID-19 vaccinations in our region is available on the health unit’s website at www.nwhu.on.ca.
On July 13, the Ontario government shared that, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, it is expanding eligibility for second booster doses to Ontarians aged 18 and over.
“Starting on Thursday, July 14 at 8:00 a.m., eligible individuals can book an appointment through the COVID-19 vaccination portal or by calling the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900. Eligible individuals can also book an appointment directly through public health units that use their own booking systems, through Indigenous-led vaccination clinics and participating pharmacies. Appointments are based on availability, which may vary by region,” the province shared in a July 13 media release.
“Second booster doses are being offered at an interval of five months after an individual receives their first booster dose. While most individuals aged 18 to 59 years old will continue to have strong protection more than six months after their first booster dose, expanding second booster dose eligibility will ensure that Ontarians can make an informed decision based on their personal circumstances. A new bivalent COVID-19 vaccine is anticipated to be approved by Health Canada this fall, which may offer more targeted protection against the Omicron variants. Ontarians are encouraged to speak with their health care provider about whether getting a second booster dose now is right for them,” the province shared.
The Government of Ontario further informed that high-risk individuals who should get their second booster dose as soon as possible and many of whom have been eligible to do so for months include:
•    Individuals aged 60 and over;
•    First Nation, Inuit and Métis individuals and their non-Indigenous household members aged 18 and over;
•    Residents of a long-term care home, retirement home, or Elder Care Lodge and older 
adults living in other  congregate settings that 
provide assisted-living and health services; and
•    Individuals who are moderately to severely immunocompromised.
“Expanding eligibility to second booster doses and providing continued access to testing will empower Ontarians to make the best decisions for their circumstances and help keep our communities safe,” said Dr. Kieran Moore, Chief Medical Officer of Health. “Staying up to date on vaccination is the best protection against severe outcomes from COVID-19.”