Clock is ticking for vaccinations before back-to-school

With just six weeks to go before September, Hamilton public health is calling on youth to get their vaccines in time for the start of the school year.

Because second doses are four weeks after the first, and it takes an additional two weeks to build full immunity, the clock is ticking for students hoping to head back to the classroom come fall. Public health says to be fully vaccinated in time, students have to get their first dose by July 27 - Tuesday.

The second dose should be by Aug. 24. The city also announced a number of pop-up clinics offering walk-ins for both doses. For details, visit hamilton.ca/VaccineBooking

COVID-19 has had a (devastating) impact on many of Hamilton's young people," said the city in a release. Increasing local vaccination coverage rates is the best way to protect school communities."

More to come ...

Maria Iqbal is a Hamilton-based reporter at The Spectator covering aging. Reach her via email: miqbal@thespec.com