NWHU encourages kids 12-17 to get vaccinated

As the start of school is just over a month away the Northwestern Health Unit is encouraging students ages 12 to 17 to get vaccinated.

The Medical Officer of Health for the NWHU Dr. Kit Young Hoon wants to remind kids that is the last week for kids to receive their first dose and therefore be able to fit in their second dose and be fully vaccinated for when school starts.

Young Hoon did provide data on vaccine rates of those between the ages of 12 to 17

“Vaccination rates of those 12 to 17 is still limited, it's between 60-70 percent for those receiving their first dose and significantly lower for the second dose. Therefore it's not a good enough protective level to ensure herd immunity of the student's population when they return to school,” said Young Hoon

Young Hoon did add that likely when school does return this fall there will be an ongoing need for masking, physical distancing, and cohorting.