Hamilton’s lagging vaccination could stall Ontario’s return to normal

Hamilton could be one of the regions to hold Ontario back from dropping COVID restrictions as vaccination rates continue to lag.

In addition, one in three young people ages 12 to 34 failed to get a COVID shot by July 27, which would allow them to be fully protected before school starts.

Consider this Hamilton's call to arms," medical officer of health Dr. Elizabeth Richardson said at a city briefing Monday. We do have a bit of a ways to go yet in getting those vaccination rates up."

The city has so far rejected mandatory vaccination of staff or putting a vaccine passport in place for its facilities or events.

We'll evaluate this as we go through the fall and see what may need to change, but at this stage none of that is being contemplated," said Paul Johnson, director of the city's Emergency Operations Centre.

The hope is residents will make that choice on their own without the need for the fiercely debated incentives that were rejected by the premier - but urged by others in medicine and science.

Richardson didn't provide her stance other than saying she was very supportive of ways to increase vaccination rates."

It's such a critical debate," said Richardson. I think there's some things that will help us to increase those rates - exactly how far they go is the question we are still looking at and debating."

How far behind is Hamilton?

As of Monday, first shots had been given to 76 per cent of those age 12 and over. The aim is 80 per cent.

Second doses are key to dropping almost all COVID restrictions as early as Aug. 6. The province's threshold is 75 per cent of those eligible, with no public health department lower than 70 per cent. Hamilton is at nearly 63 per cent with just over a week to go.

It's close," Richardson said about whether the city will make the deadline. We certainly have enough vaccine ... We are going to continue to see a slow rise and it's a matter of, Do we make that ... or is it going to take some time after that to reach it?' Everybody is watching it across the province."

Hamilton has lagged throughout the rollout - Ontario had 81 per cent of adults with one shot as of Monday compared to Hamilton's 77 per cent.

When it comes to second doses, Ontario was at 68 per cent of adults while Hamilton was at 64 per cent.

Vaccination is stalling as first doses increased just 0.2 per cent for ages 12 and above from Friday to Monday in Hamilton. A similar trend is being seen across the province.

When it comes to second doses, some long-eligible people are holding off despite walk-ins now being accepted at city clinics. One example is those in their 50s, with 68 per cent having a second dose compared to a rate of 81 per cent for a first dose.

Our vaccine supply is abundant," Richardson said, urging residents to get a second shot as soon as 28 days have passed from their first dose. There are numerous locations throughout the community to get a COVID-19 vaccine."

What does it mean for schools?

To be fully protected for the start of school, first doses needed to be in arms by July 27 and second doses by Aug. 24.

Only about two-thirds of young people ages 12 to 34 met that mark. Less than half of those age 12 to 29 have had a second dose. For ages 30 to 34, it was 53 per cent.

Even if you miss that deadline ... just keep coming on out to get vaccinated," said Richardson, calling it one of those critical ingredients" to school getting back to normal.

Richardson joined McMaster Children's Hospital in endorsing a call for in-person learning - including extracurricular activities - made by the Ontario COVID-19 Science Advisory Table.

It also recommended against masks, cohorting and physical distancing when virus rates and risk of severe illness are low.

What I'm most concerned with is that kids get back to school," said Richardson. We know that's where they learn best, where they connect best with their teachers and their friends."

Ontario's chief medical officer of health has said the advice may be difficult to implement unless more get vaccinated immediately.

What is the city doing?

Public health is counting on neighbourhood leaders to combat vaccine hesitancy, especially in parts of the city where first doses are as low as 56 per cent.

We know that speaking with people who are trusted members of the community that one comes from is a really important piece," said Richardson.

Family doctors, religious leaders and community organizations are part of the rollout, as well as vaccine ambassadors who go to apartment buildings, parks and neighbourhood groups to spread the message.

Anyone coming into contact with the health-care system is being asked what they need in terms of information or accessibility, such as children being allowed to accompany parents being vaccinated.

What is at stake?

Vaccination is key to stopping the spread of Delta, which is predicted to surge in fall.

With herd immunity pegged at a 90 per cent vaccination rate, the province is trying to get as many protected as possible by September to avoid numbers going back up again.

Our case activity does continue to be low," said Richardson. Our local activity continues to mirror ... late September and early October of 2020. It continues to be low among all age groups. Our average number of new hospitalizations is low, the average number of deaths per day are low."

How to start the conversation?

People turn to those closest to them so conversations about vaccine hesitancy are important to have, said Richardson.

Approach with curiosity and caring - that's really critical," she said. You must not approach with judgment or shaming ... If someone approached me like that, I wouldn't be open for conversation."

For some, the concern is that it's a new vaccine and they don't know that it went through the same rigorous process to be approved as other vaccines, said Richardson.

For others, they're waiting to see how the vaccination rollout goes before deciding to take part themselves.

There's a group who have other medical issues or unanswered questions about how the vaccine works.

Some have socioeconomic factors that make all kinds of health care a barrier, including vaccination.

Next month you are going to see a continued push around increasing vaccination rates across all areas of our communities," said Richardson.

Joanna Frketich is a Hamilton-based reporter covering health for The Spectator. Reach her via email: jfrketich@thespec.com