Based on guidance from Health Canada and the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI), Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health is recommending high-risk individuals receive their next COVID-19 booster dose this spring.

The post COVID Booster Recommended For High-Risk Individuals This Spring, Province Says appeared first on Muskoka411.

“Vaccination has saved thousands of lives and prevented tens of thousands of severe illnesses from COVID-19 in Simcoe Muskoka. I am profoundly grateful to RVH for their collaboration and tireless work providing accessible and essential vaccination services in our community,” says Dr. Charles Gardner, Medical Officer of Health, Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit. “Together as a community of healthcare and community service agencies and providers we have given more than 1.5 million COVID vaccinations, reaching over 80 per cent of our population. This has been the most severe pandemic of the century; however, it would have been far worse without all that we did together, including vaccinations.”

Vaccination remains the best defense against infection, severe illness, long-term COVID-19 symptoms, hospitalization, and death. The health unit continues to operate the Immunization Clinic five days a week with walk-ins and appointments available Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for eligible individuals aged six months and older. Appointments for the Immunization Clinic can be made on the provincial booking site.

RVH will continue to operate the Testing Clinic and COVID, Cold and Flu Care Clinic at 29 Sperling Drive. Appointments for the Immunization Clinic can be made on the provincial booking site.

Appointments for COVID-19 vaccines are available at health unit office locations in Midland, Orillia, Cookstown, Collingwood, Huntsville and Gravenhurst and can be booked through the COVID-19 vaccination portal or by calling the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900. Appointments may also be booked with the Couchiching Ontario Health Team Clinic located in the Orillia Soldier’s Memorial Hospital Kiwanis Building – West Entrance 170 Colborne St., W. Pop-up clinics will continue to be scheduled throughout Simcoe and Muskoka.

Individuals six months of age and older may also receive the vaccine at some local pharmacies or booked appointments through some primary care providers, and Family Health Teams who are offering the vaccine as part of their regular clinical practice. Individuals are recommended to receive a bivalent booster six months after their last dose of COVID-19 vaccine or COVID-19 infection.

For more information about COVID-19 vaccination, dose eligibility and booking an appointment, please visit www.smdhu.org/GetVaccinated.

The post COVID-19 Vaccinations Continue At 29 Sperling Dr. In Barrie appeared first on Muskoka411.

In December 2020, RVH was one of 17 hospitals in the province to be given the first doses of the Pfizer vaccine for distribution, initially to residents of Long-term Care Homes. Together with the SMDHU and the City of Barrie, RVH worked tirelessly during the darkest days of the pandemic to bring hope to the people of Simcoe Muskoka.

Over 293,000 vaccinations were administered at the clinic by 138 doctors and 115 nurses (many of which came out of retirement to help), in addition to the 70 patient service clerks, 18 pharmacy techs, 15 security guards, 10 screeners, four EVS workers, who kept the clinic running smoothly. The Immunization Clinic staff have been relocated to positions within RVH, while many returned to retirement or have stayed on to provide essential support to the COVID, Cold and Flu Care Clinic.

“At a time when our world was upended and so many people feared what was to come, RVH staff and physicians stood strong, providing care for those who were infected and sick. We provided leadership and manpower to vaccinate the community against further spread. My deep thanks and admiration go out to all RVH employees who worked at the Immunization Clinic through tremendously difficult circumstances to keep our community safe,” says Gail Hunt, RVH President and CEO.

The Immunization Clinic will remain open five days a week, now under the supervision of the SMDHU. Appointments for the Immunization Clinic can be made on the provincial booking site.

“Vaccination has saved many thousands of lives and prevented tens of thousands of severe illnesses from COVID-19 in Simcoe Muskoka. Together as a community of healthcare and community service agencies and providers we have given more than 1.5 million COVID vaccinations, reaching over 80 per cent of our population. This has been by far the most severe pandemic of the century; however, it would have been far worse without all that we did together, especially with vaccinations,” says Dr. Charles Gardner, Medical Officer of Health, Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit. “This clinic is where vaccination commenced in Simcoe Muskoka, and it has always been high profile, accessible, and greatly valued by the community. Indeed, RVH has continued to provide vaccination in this way much longer than almost all other hospitals across the province. I am profoundly grateful to RVH for this and for the COVID-19 assessment centre and COVID, Cold and Flu Clinic that it also operated.”

The post RVH Hands Over Immunization Clinic Supervision To Health Unit appeared first on Muskoka411.

Wednesday, Feb. 8

Clinic location: Pop-up clinic – Orillia Common Roof, 169 Front St. S., Orillia Time: 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Clinic location: GO-VAXX Bus – Bradford Community Centre, 125 Simcoe St., Bradford Time: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Thursday, Feb. 9 

Clinic location: Pop-up clinic – Penetanguishene Library, 24 Simcoe St., Penetanguishene Time: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 10          

Clinic location: GO-VAXX Bus – Stonebridge Town Centre, 291 Main St. Wasaga Beach Time: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 11 

Clinic location: GO-VAXX Bus – Walmart South Barrie, 35 Mapleview Dr. W., Barrie Time: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Sunday, Feb. 12

 Clinic location: GO-VAXX Bus – Bradford Greenhouse Garden Gallery, 4346 County Rd. 90, Springwater Time: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.       

Monday, Feb. 13           

Clinic location: Pop-up clinic – Baysville Autumn Leaves Senior Club, 12 University Ave., Baysville Time: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Please note that adults and youth aged 12 years and older wishing to receive a first or second vaccine dose at a GO-VAXX clinic must book an appointment.

The health unit offers COVID-19 vaccinations by walk-in and appointment on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the COVID-19 Immunization Clinic at 29 Sperling Dr. in Barrie. RVH’s Immunization Clinic continues to offer COVID-19 vaccinations at this location on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Appointments are also available at the health unit office immunization clinic locations in Midland, Orillia, Cookstown, Collingwood, Huntsville and Gravenhurst.

Anyone wishing to book an appointment at a pop-up, GO-VAXX bus and mobile clinics, local health unit offices, or the COVID-19 Immunization Clinic at 29 Sperling Dr. in Barrie may do so through the COVID-19 vaccination portal or by calling the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900

Appointments may also be booked with the Couchiching Ontario Health Team Clinic  located in the Orillia Soldier’s Memorial Hospital Kiwanis Building – West Entrance, 170 Colborne St., W.

Individuals six months of age and older may also receive the vaccine at some local pharmacies or booked appointments through some primary care providers, and Family Health Teams who are offering the vaccine as part of their regular clinical practice.

Staying up to date with all COVID-19 vaccine doses you are currently eligible for remains the best defense against infection, severe illness, long-term COVID-19 symptoms, hospitalization, and death.

Individuals are recommended to receive the bivalent booster six months after their last dose of COVID-19 vaccine or COVID-19 infection; however, people who want to receive their booster earlier can do so at a minimum of three months. As the respiratory season continues, high-risk populations are recommended to receive their bivalent booster as soon as they are eligible (i.e. the minimum three-month interval) to protect themselves as people spend more time indoors.

For more information about COVID-19 vaccination, dose eligibility and booking an appointment, please visit www.smdhu.org/GetVaccinated.

The post COVID-19 Pop-Up And Walk-In Vaccination Clinics In Simcoe Muskoka Feb. 7 To 13 appeared first on Muskoka411.

Tuesday, Jan. 17

Clinic location: Pop-up clinic – Bracebridge Salvation Army Church, 456 Manitoba St., Bracebridge Time: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. 

Wednesday, Jan. 18

Clinic location: GO-VAXX Bus – Creemore Community & District Recreation Centre, 281 Collingwood St., Creemore Time: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 19

Clinic location: POP-UP Clinic – Orillia Common Roof – Board Room, 169 Front St. S., Orillia Time: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Clinic location: POP-UP Clinic – Parkview Community Centre, 189 Blake St., Barrie Time: 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Clinic location: POP-UP Clinic – Tay Township Library, 715 4th Ave., Port McNicoll Time: 12:30 – 4 p.m. by walk-in only 

Friday, Jan. 20 

Clinic location: GO-VAXX Bus – Walmart North Barrie 450 Bayfield St., Barrie Time: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 21 

Clinic location: GO-VAXX Bus – Penetanguishene Arena, 61 Maria St., Penetanguishene Time: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Sunday, Jan. 22 

Clinic location: GO-VAXX Bus – Stonebridge Town Center, 291 Main St, Wasaga Beach Time: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Please note that adults and youth aged 12 years and older wishing to receive a first or second vaccine dose at a GO-VAXX clinic must book an appointment.

The health unit offers COVID-19 vaccinations by walk-in and appointment on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the COVID-19 Immunization Clinic at 29 Sperling Dr. in Barrie. RVH’s Immunization Clinic continues to offer COVID-19 vaccinations at this location on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Appointments are also available at the health unit office immunization clinic locations in Midland, Orillia, Cookstown, Collingwood, Huntsville and Gravenhurst.

Anyone wishing to book an appointment at a pop-up, GO-VAXX bus and mobile clinics, local health unit offices, or the COVID-19 Immunization Clinic at 29 Sperling Dr. in Barrie may do so through the COVID-19 vaccination portal or by calling the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900

Appointments may also be booked with the Couchiching Ontario Health Team Clinic  located in the Orillia Soldier’s Memorial Hospital Kiwanis Building – West Entrance, 170 Colborne St., W.

Individuals six months of age and older may also receive the vaccine at some local pharmacies or booked appointments through some primary care providers, and Family Health Teams who are offering the vaccine as part of their regular clinical practice.

Staying up to date with all COVID-19 vaccine doses you are currently eligible for remains the best defense against infection, severe illness, long-term COVID-19 symptoms, hospitalization, and death.

Individuals are recommended to receive the bivalent booster six months after their last dose of COVID-19 vaccine or COVID-19 infection; however, people who want to receive their booster earlier can do so at a minimum of three months. As the respiratory season continues, high-risk populations are recommended to receive their bivalent booster as soon as they are eligible (i.e. the minimum three-month interval) to protect themselves as people spend more time indoors.

For more information about COVID-19 vaccination, dose eligibility and booking an appointment, please visit www.smdhu.org/GetVaccinated.

The post COVID-19 Pop-Up And Walk-In Vaccination Clinics In Simcoe Muskoka Jan. 17 To Jan. 22 appeared first on Muskoka411.

Tuesday, Jan. 10 

Clinic location: Pop-up clinic – Wasaga Beach RecPlex, 1724 Mosely St., Wasaga Beach Time: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Wednesday, Jan. 11

Clinic location: GO-VAXX Bus – North Simcoe Sports and Recreation Centre, 527 Len Self Blvd., Midland Time: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 13

Clinic location: POP-UP Clinic –Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (Cookstown), 25 King St. S., Cookstown Time: 9:15 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. by appointment only

Saturday, Jan. 14

Clinic location: GO-VAXX Bus – Huntsville Active Living Centre, 20 Park Dr., Huntsville Time: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Clinic location: GO-VAXX Bus – Collingwood Home Hardware & Building Centre, 104 High St., Collingwood Time: 10:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.

Sunday, Jan. 15

Clinic location: GO-VAXX Bus – Coldwater Arena, 11 Michael Anne Dr., Coldwater Time: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Monday, Jan, 16

Clinic location: Pop-up clinic – Bradford Public Library, 425 Holland St. W., Bradford Time: Noon – 6 p.m.

As of Monday, Jan. 9, 2023, the health unit will offer COVID-19 vaccinations by walk-in and appointment on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the COVID-19 Immunization Clinic at 29 Sperling Dr. in Barrie. RVH’s Immunization Clinic continues to offer COVID-19 vaccinations at this location on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Appointments are also available at the health unit office immunization clinic locations in Midland, Orillia, Cookstown, Collingwood, Huntsville and Gravenhurst.

Anyone wishing to book an appointment at a pop-up, GO-VAXX bus and mobile clinics, local health unit offices, or the COVID-19 Immunization Clinic at 29 Sperling Dr. in Barrie may do so through the COVID-19 vaccination portal or by calling the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900

Appointments may also be booked with the Couchiching Ontario Health Team Clinic  located in the Orillia Soldier’s Memorial Hospital Kiwanis Building – West Entrance, 170 Colborne St., W.

Individuals six months of age and older may also receive the vaccine at some local pharmacies or booked appointments through some primary care providers, and Family Health Teams who are offering the vaccine as part of their regular clinical practice.

Staying up to date with all COVID-19 vaccine doses you are currently eligible for remains the best defense against infection, severe illness, long-term COVID-19 symptoms, hospitalization, and death.

Individuals are recommended to receive the bivalent booster six months after their last dose of COVID-19 vaccine or COVID-19 infection; however, people who want to receive their booster earlier can do so at a minimum of three months. As the respiratory season continues, high-risk populations are recommended to receive their bivalent booster as soon as they are eligible (i.e. the minimum three-month interval) to protect themselves as people spend more time indoors.

For more information about COVID-19 vaccination, dose eligibility and booking an appointment, please visit www.smdhu.org/GetVaccinated.

The post COVID-19 Pop-Up And Walk-In Vaccination Clinics In Simcoe Muskoka Jan. 10 To Jan. 16 appeared first on Muskoka411.

Wednesday, Jan. 4

Clinic location: GO-VAXX Bus – New Life Church, 28 Tracey Lane, Collingwood Time: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Clinic location: GO-VAXX Bus – Tottenham Community and Fitness Centre, 139 Queen St. N., Tottenham Time: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. 

Thursday, Jan. 5

Clinic location: POP-UP Clinic – Orillia Common Roof – Board room, 169 Front St., S., Orillia Time: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 6 

Clinic location: GO-VAXX Bus – Stonebridge Town Centre 291 Main St., Wasaga Beach Time: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 7 

Clinic location: GO-VAXX Bus – Walmart (Barrie South), 35 Mapleview Dr. W., Barrie Time: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Sunday, Jan 8

Clinic location: GO-VAXX Bus – Stonebridge Town Centre 291 Main St., Wasaga Beach Time: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Clinic location: GO-VAXX Bus – Bracebridge Sports Plex, 110 Clearbrook Trail, Bracebridge Time: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Monday, Jan. 9  

Clinic location: POP-UP clinic – Peggy Hill Team Community Centre, 171 Mapleton Ave., Barrie Time: 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Appointments for the GO-VAXX bus and mobile clinics may also be booked up to four days prior to the clinic through the COVID-19 vaccination portal or by calling the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900.

Appointments are also available at the health unit office immunization clinic locations in Midland, Orillia, Cookstown, Collingwood, Huntsville and Gravenhurst and can be booked through the COVID-19 vaccination portal or by calling the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900.

Please note: The health unit’s Georgian Mall COVID-19 vaccine clinic has relocated to 29 Sperling Drive in Barrie. Beginning on Monday, Jan. 9, 2023, the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit will offer COVID-19 vaccinations by appointment and walk-in on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Royal Victoria Hospital will continue to operate the COVID-19 Immunization Clinic at 29 Sperling Dr. in Barrie, continuing to offer booked appointments and walk-ins on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Appointments may also be booked with the Couchiching Ontario Health Team Clinic  located in the Orillia Soldier’s Memorial Hospital Kiwanis Building – West Entrance, 170 Colborne St., W.

Individuals six months of age and older may also receive the vaccine at some local pharmacies or booked appointments through some primary care providers, and Family Health Teams who are offering the vaccine as part of their regular clinical practice. Pop-up and GO-VAXX mobile clinics will continue to be scheduled throughout Simcoe and Muskoka.

Individuals are recommended to receive the bivalent booster six months after their last dose of COVID-19 vaccine or COVID-19 infection, however people who want to receive their booster earlier can do so at a minimum of three months. As the respiratory season continues, high-risk populationsare recommended to receive their bivalent booster as soon as they are eligible (i.e. the minimum three-month interval) to protect themselves as people spend more time indoors.

Staying up to date with all COVID-19 vaccine doses you are currently eligible for remains the best defense against infection, severe illness, long term COVID-19 symptoms, hospitalization, and death.

For more information about COVID-19 vaccination, dose eligibility and booking an appointment, please visit www.smdhu.org/GetVaccinated.

The post COVID-19 Pop-Up And Walk-In Vaccination Clinics In Simcoe Muskoka Jan. 3 To Jan. 9 appeared first on Muskoka411.

The health unit’s new clinic location will operate in partnership with the Royal Victoria Regional Health Center (RVH). The RVH COVID-19 Immunization Clinic continues to offer appointments and walk-ins at 29 Sperling Dr. on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

All appointments at the 29 Sperling Dr. clinic can be booked using the COVID-19 vaccination portal or by calling the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900. The health unit also continues to offer appointments at its office immunization clinic locations in Midland, Orillia, Cookstown, Collingwood, Huntsville and Gravenhurst and these can be booked through the above portal or phoneline.

Appointments may also be booked with the Couchiching Ontario Health Team Clinic  located in the Orillia Soldier’s Memorial Hospital Kiwanis Building – West Entrance, 170 Colborne St., W.

Individuals six months of age and older may also receive the vaccine at some local pharmacies or booked appointments through some primary care providers and Family Health Teams who are offering the vaccine as part of their regular clinical practice. Pop-up and GO-VAXX mobile clinics will continue to be scheduled throughout Simcoe and Muskoka.

Everyone 5 years of age and older is recommended to keep their COVID-19 vaccinations up to date, which includes one Fall booster (after Sept. 1, 2022) six months after their last dose of COVID-19 vaccine or COVID-19 infection, however people who want to receive their booster earlier can do so at a minimum of three months. As the winter respiratory season continues, high-risk populations are recommended to receive their bivalent booster as soon as they are eligible (i.e. the minimum three-month interval) to protect themselves as people spend more time indoors.

Staying up to date with all COVID-19 vaccine doses you are currently eligible for remains the best defense against infection, severe illness, long term COVID-19 symptoms, hospitalization, and death.

For more information about COVID-19 vaccination, dose eligibility and booking an appointment, please visit www.smdhu.org/GetVaccinated.

The post SMDHU COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic In Barrie Relocating To 29 Sperling Dr. On Jan. 9 appeared first on Muskoka411.

Monday, Dec. 19

Clinic location: GO-VAXX Bus – County of Simcoe Administration Centre, 1110 Hwy. 26, Midhurst Time: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. 

Clinic location: GO-VAXX Bus – Bradford Public Library, 425 Holland St., W., Bradford Time: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 20

Clinic location: Pop-up Clinic – Huntsville Royal Canadian Legion – Branch 232, 21 Veterans Way, Huntsville Time: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 21 

Clinic location: Pop-up Clinic – Wasaga Beach RecPlex, 1724 Mosley St., Wasaga Beach Time: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. 

Clinic location: Pop-up Clinic – Midland Public Library, 320 King St., Midland Time: Noon – 5 p.m.

Clinic location: GO-VAXX Bus – Angus Recreation Centre, 8529 County Rd.10, Angus Time: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Clinic location: GO-VAXX Bus – New Tecumseth Recreation Centre, 7900 Industrial Pkwy, Alliston Time: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 22

Clinic location: GO-VAXX Bus – Stonebridge Town Center, 291 Main St., Wasaga Beach Time: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. 

Friday, Dec. 23

Clinic location: GO-VAXX Bus – Wasaga Beach RecPlex, 1724 Mosley St., Wasaga Beach Time: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. 

Saturday, Dec. 24 

Clinic location: GO-VAXX Bus – Collingwood Home Hardware, 104 High St., Collingwood Time: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Clinic location: GO-VAXX Bus – South Barrie Walmart, 35 Mapleview Dr. West, Barrie Time: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 28

Clinic location: GO-VAXX Bus – Alliston Memorial Arena, 49 Nelson St W, Alliston Time: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Clinic location: GO-VAXX Bus – Sadlon Arena, 555 Bayview Dr., Barrie Time: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Appointments for the GO-VAXX bus and mobile clinics may also be booked up to four days prior to the clinic through the COVID-19 vaccination portal or by calling the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900.

Health unit offices will be closed for the statutory holidays on Monday, Dec. 26 and Tuesday Dec. 27 and will reopen on Wednesday, Dec. 28. The health unit continues to offer COVID-19 vaccinations on an appointment only basis to individuals aged six months and older at the Georgian Mall, 509 Bayfield St. (upper level) in Barrie on Wednesdays from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Appointments are also available at the health unit office immunization clinic locations in Midland, Orillia, Cookstown, Collingwood, Huntsville and Gravenhurst and can be booked through the COVID-19 vaccination portal or by calling the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900.

The RVH COVID-19 Immunization Clinic at 29 Sperling Dr. in Barrie continues to offer booked appointments and walk-ins on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Appointments may also be booked with the Couchiching Ontario Health Team Clinic  located in the Orillia Soldier’s Memorial Hospital Kiwanis Building – West Entrance, 170 Colborne St., W.

Individuals six months of age and older may also receive the vaccine at some local pharmacies or booked appointments through some primary care providers, and Family Health Teams who are offering the vaccine as part of their regular clinical practice. Pop-up and GO-VAXX mobile clinics will continue to be scheduled throughout Simcoe and Muskoka.

Individuals are recommended to receive the bivalent booster six months after their last dose of COVID-19 vaccine or COVID-19 infection, however people who want to receive their booster earlier can do so at a minimum of three months. As the respiratory season continues, high-risk populationsare recommended to receive their bivalent booster as soon as they are eligible (i.e. the minimum three-month interval) to protect themselves as people spend more time indoors.

Staying up to date with all COVID-19 vaccine doses you are currently eligible for remains the best defense against infection, severe illness, long term COVID-19 symptoms, hospitalization, and death.

For more information about COVID-19 vaccination, dose eligibility and booking an appointment, please visit www.smdhu.org/GetVaccinated.

The post COVID-19 Pop-Up And Walk-In Vaccination Clinics In Simcoe Muskoka Dec. 19 To 28 appeared first on Muskoka411.

The research was published in The American Journal of Medicine.

Using a population-based approach, the study included over 10 million adults and more than 6,000 traffic crashes throughout Ontario. “We identified adults who had or had not received a COVID vaccine, and followed each person for a traffic crash requiring emergency care,” explained Dr. Donald Redelmeier, principal investigator and senior scientist at Sunnybrook Research Institute.

The study found unvaccinated adults accounted for 1,682 traffic crashes (25%), equal to a 72% increased relative risk compared to those who were vaccinated. The increased traffic risk was more than the risk associated with diabetes or dementia and second only to the relative risk associated with a history of alcohol misuse.

“Our study demonstrated traffic risks were 50%-70% more frequent for adults who had not been vaccinated compared to those who had,” says Dr. Redelmeier. “This does not mean COVID-19 vaccination directly prevents traffic crashes. Instead, it suggests that adults who do not follow public health advice may also neglect the rules of the road.”

The authors recommend that individuals who hesitate to take the COVID-19 vaccine reflect on their choices and recognize how such decisions have repercussions in ways they do not imagine. Strategies to avoid a traffic crash include obeying speed limits, minimizing distractions, and never driving drunk.

“We don’t want unvaccinated people to feel persecuted and are not suggesting they stop driving; instead, we suggest they drive a bit more carefully,” says Dr. Redelmeier. “Physicians counseling patients who decline COVID-19 vaccination could consider safety reminders so their patients do not become traffic statistics.”

Read more in The American Journal of Medicine »

The post COVID Vaccine Hesitancy Associated With Increased Traffic Crash Risk: Sunnybrook Scientists appeared first on Muskoka411.