So, where do we stand now and....what is next?

The 7 day rolling average in Ontario is 305, the lowest yet. It was over 4700 in mid- April.

The number of new cases was 256 today; the fifth time we have been under 300 in the last week.

In GWD: 76 % have received one dose of vaccine and 27 % have received two. That is outstanding. Dr. Nicola Mercer has predicted that we could all have access to two doses by August.

66 % of the population of Ontario has received one dose and 25 % have received two.

As the number of vaccines go up, the number of new cases go down. Vaccines work!

I spent the afternoon yesterday giving second doses of the Moderna vaccine. For those of you who are booked for a second appointment at the mass vaccination clinics in our area, please feel at ease with this vaccine. Several of my patients were somewhat hesitant about receiving a Moderna vaccine after an AstraZeneca (AZ) vaccine. The National Advisory Committee on Immunizations ( NACI ) has recommended that people who have received the AZ vaccine as their first dose and have the option of getting a mRNA vaccine as their second dose, should get the mRNA vaccine. Why? Because the AZ vaccine followed by a mRNA vaccine is a more effective combination against the Delta variant. If you can receive a more effective combination, you should. This recommendation was given a week ago Thursday. Many people had already received two doses of the AZ vaccine. More on that in a minute.

We have two available mRNA vaccines in Canada: Pfizer and Moderna. They are virtually indistinguishable. These vaccines are based on the same brilliant technology. Synthesized mRNA is injected into your upper arm muscle ( deltoid) where it enters into your cells at this site. Once it enters, it triggers your cells machinery to produce spike proteins similar to the spike proteins found on the COVID-19 virus. The spike proteins stick to the surface of these cells. Your immune system sees these proteins as foreign. It creates antibodies to the spike proteins which then eliminates the cells at the site of the injection. No worries here. You have billions of cells in your body. The immune system is constantly eliminating cells that are old, unusual, or defective. They are constantly replaced by new cells. It's a wonderful process.

But these 'spike protein' antibodies remain in your system. If you are infected by the COVID-19 virus, the spike proteins on the virus stimulate the immune system to direct these antibodies to kill the virus.

Remember this very novice youtube video I threw together last December. Here it is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=50Ft7VyG6Qc. Silly in many ways but it does explain how the mRNA vaccines work!

Moderna, Pfizer....same technology, interchangeable, one is not better than the other. They are both excellent vaccines. Researchers continue to study the effect of these vaccines on millions of people. They are over 90- 95% effective against COVID-19 and it's variants after the second dose. This means that both these vaccines reduce your risk of becoming infected by COVID-19 after an exposure to the virus by 90-95%. Truly remarkable. If you sit down for your second dose and moderna is offered to you, take it. The two vaccines can be mixed safely and they create a brilliant immune response with an extremely low rate of adverse events.

If you have received two doses of the AZ vaccine, an also brilliant combination, you are 80 % protected against acquiring COVID after the second dose and your risk of serious illness if infected is less than 5 %. You are protected.

So, what now? Keep lining up for those vaccines. Many, Many pharmacies have the Moderna vaccines and some have the Pfizer vaccine. If you are anxiously waiting to hear from public health and you want to get your second shot earlier, call around to the pharmacies in your area who have the vaccine. Public health will call if you are registered. If you have not had your first dose, GWD public health welcomes you to show up at any mass vaccination clinic in our area. You will be given a vaccine on the day you arrive or the next day if appointments spots are full and all the vaccines are spoken for.

Get vaccinated. The vast majority of individuals who are acquiring COVID 19 and becoming seriously ill from COVID-19 are unvaccinated. The message is clear. Get vaccinated. Protect yourself, your community and help prevent a fourth wave in the fall... It's all good!

New guidelines for the vaccinated announced today are embedded in this article. Very interesting!

https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/coronavirus/public-health-agency-of-canada-releases-guidance-on-what-fully-vaccinated-can-do-1.5485955

Anne-Marie

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And if you'd like to help Bracelet of Hope work towards making sure that Lesotho has access to these vaccines, donate here:

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We are smashing it Canada!

Three hundred and eighteen cases today in Ontario today; a slow but gradual decline but still a decline.

Will we get to zero? Maybe but, maybe not. Will we get to 80 % or more people in the country double vaccinated? You bet we will and that, my friends, is what counts. COVID-19 may be with us for a long time to come but we will be protected by vaccines from both death and serious illness. The variants may continue to mutate, shift and change as variants do, but the vaccinated will move towards a normal life with no restrictions. We may get a mild version of COVID-19. We may need to isolate if we do and we may need to get a COVID booster shot at intervals. That may be the new normal but our lives will return to much the same as they were before for the most part. Canada, my home and native land, you are crushing it. Today's national rolling average for new cases of COVID-19 is 984 ( first time under 1,000 since mid- September). That's a 90 % drop from the height of the third wave in April. NINETY PERCENT in just 2 months. Hospitalizations have dropped 73% and the number of national daily deaths have dropped by 61 %. Three quarters of all Canadians have received one dose of vaccine and 20 % are fully vaccinated, a huge milestone we reached this weekend. THANK YOU CANADA! Some important facts: 1/ The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are both mRNA vaccines. They are biologically the same and they produce the same antibody response making both equally effective. “These are interchangeable,” said Dr. Peter Jüni, director of Ontario’s COVID-19 Science Advisory Table. If you had Pfizer for your first, take Moderna for your second if the Moderna is offered to you. Absolutely anything you have heard about Moderna being a lesser vaccine is absolutely, absolutely false. See that. I am so certain of this that I used 'absolutely' three times in this paragraph ( that's four actually)! 2/ If you received AZ as your first dose, the National Advisory Committee on Immunizations now recommends that if a mRNA vaccine is available, take it over a second AZ vaccine. This combination is proving to be more effective than any other combination of vaccines. That's right. More effective than two mRNA vaccines or two AZ vaccines. But......if you have already received two AZ vaccines, you have received an excellent vaccine serious that has a 30 - 40 % efficacy against the delta variant after the first dose and 60 -80% efficacy after the second plus you are at very low risk for serious illness or death after two doses. It's the same as Iphones. My Iphone 10 is by all intents and purposes, just as good as the new Iphone 13; fewer bells and whistles but the pictures it takes are amazing and it gets the job done. Get your second dose. That is key. YOU DO NOT HAVE ENOUGH PROTECTION AGAINST THE VARIANTS OF CONCERN, specifically the delta variant, if you have had only one vaccine. 3/ We are in the early days of resuming travel. There are no hard and fast rules from country to country yet but there might be. Look carefully at requirements from other countries before travel and be prepared for shifting rules. It may take time for countries to accept each others data around vaccines but we will catch up to one another. It will be very difficult for the USA, for example, to shut out people who have had the AZ vaccine since millions have received it in the UK, India and Canada. ( Bruce Springsteen took back his AZ rule for concert goers. Thanks for setting the world right, Bruce). 4/ Starting in early June, a new feature of the ArriveCan app will go live. The app will allow travellers to take a photo or upload a snapshot of their vaccine documentation before going through customs. Some may not feel comfortable with 'vaccine passports' but most experts agree, they will become necessary as countries open up their borders to travel. 5/ Cases of myocarditis in young people after vaccination with a mRNA vaccine may be a true side effect of these vaccines with a incident rate of 1:800,000. This is being followed very closely in many countries. At this point, if the side effect occurs it leads to chest pain, shortness of breath and a loss of exercise tolerance leading to a short hospital admission followed by a full recovery and it appears to be happening manly in young men between the ages of 19 and thirty. These vaccines are not without rare complications. We all know that now. No medical intervention is without risk. It is all about a risk-benefit analysis: do the rare, serious complications of the vaccines outweigh the illness and death caused by COVID-19 in the unvaccinated.....ABSOLUTELY, NOT! Signing off on this beautiful father's day. A happy day to you and yours whether your father is still with you or not. And blessings to all those who lost their dad in the last year. Heading out to my garden. It's a good one this year and.....the carrots are up!! Anne-Marie Please share For non-Facebook users, you can find this post here: https://braceletofhope.blogspot.com/ And if you'd like to help Bracelet of Hope work towards making sure that Lesotho has access to these vaccines, donate here: https://www.braceletofhope.ca/ways-to-

HOW TO BOOK YOUR FIRST AND SECOND DOSE IN WDG

This is the link to their website which gives a great summary: https://www.wdgpublichealth.ca/your-health/covid-19-information-public/covid-19-vaccine-information/first-and-second-dose First doses remain priority. Pfizer appointments are currently full. Additional Pfizer spots will open when they have inventory to support. Moderna inventory outweighs Pfizer inventory, so for the next week or two they are offering Moderna only as first dose for 18 plus in order to try and match as many mRNA doses as they can ( exceptions for medical contraindications) They continue to make an attempt to match the 1st and 2nd dose mRNA vaccines where possible Those who are eligible for a second dose mRNA, ( please review the info at the link above to find out if you are eligible for a second dose) may book a Moderna dose if they chose this option, or they can wait for more Pfizer spots to open up Another option for clients is to access the extra doses that become available throughout clinic days from no-shows. These extra doses are advertised daily for all mass clinics via Instagram, Twitter, and sometimes carried by local radio. These are a first come first serve basis All 70 plus without an appointment are getting emails or calls this week with information on how to book second doses. Plan is to have this complete by Friday this week. RESIDENTS WHO RECEIVED A FIRST DOSE WITH ASTRAZENECA and choose to receive an mRNA vaccine for their second dose: 1/They are currently booking second doses for this group at an 8-week interval. If you received your first dose more than eight weeks ago, please pre-register so we can send you an invitation to book an appointment. 2/You may get your second dose at a participating pharmacy that is offering Pfizer or Moderna or from your healthcare provider. Please contact them directly. 3/To get your second dose of an mRNA vaccine through Public Health, you can now pre-register online for an appointment. Be sure to select “Received AstraZeneca as my first dose…” for your Reason for Immunization. Please note, this selection on the pre-reg site is only for people who got AstraZeneca as their first dose. Hope this helps. Anne-Marie Please share.

For non-Facebook users, you can find this post here:

https://braceletofhope.blogspot.com/

And if you'd like to help Bracelet of Hope work towards making sure that Lesotho has access to these vaccines, donate here:

https://www.braceletofhope.ca/ways-to-

 

Kindness and selflessness....

Extreme opinions are often rooted in fear. And, even though I object to the sometimes fatal consequences of extremism, I understand it's roots. Fear, the lack of trustworthy leadership, the lack of trustworthy information or the plethora of mis-information, the absence of understanding and education, the resulting vacuum which is often filled with prejudice, rage and anger. So, what is the antidote? Rising above. I may want to lash out, scream, vent, insult, use my words as weapons, belittle, judge, condemn, do harm....but what I do is in my control even when I am filled with fear. We can chose understanding, acceptance, selflessness and kindness especially when we are engulfed in fearful circumstances and crippled by fear. I will be the first to say that I need to practise this more diligently and I will. We will overcome. Vaccines will pull us out of the pandemic. We have conquered the third wave. Take a look at these outstanding numbers: The R value in the province of Ontario is now 0.75. The percent positivity is 2.56. The number of hospitalized is 373, in the ICU, 426 ( which is up a bit), the number on ventilators, 273. Some perspective: On April 18th, the percent positivity was 9.2, 2,107 were in hospital, 741 in intensive care and 506 on ventilators and there were 4250 new cases of COVID-19 in Ontario. The numbers today were a bit concerning. After several days under 500, we have crept above 500 for the last 2 with 530 new cases today. Crushed the third wave? Yep. Is a fourth wave avoidable. Absolutely. The answer? Vaccines, vaccines and more vaccines and not just one but two. The delta variant is here. It is 50 % more transmissible. The available vaccines in Ontario are about 30-40% effective against this variant after one dose and 80 -90 % effective after the second dose. Two doses will get us there. This is pretty amazing given the fact that our biggest fear was that our present vaccines would not be effective against any variant. Here we are….with great vaccines that keep on working. Five regions have been declared hotspots for the delta variant in Ontario: Peel, York, Halton, Waterloo and Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph. As a result, Ontario is moving up second doses of vaccines for Pfizer and Moderna in these areas starting tomorrow morning. People who got their first dose on or before May 9th are eligible. WDG will be inviting more than 60,000 residents to book their second shot this week. Between Monday and Wednesday, those who are eligible will receive an email or text message with booking instructions. As well, the allowed interval between doses of the AZ vaccine has been reduced to 8 weeks from 12 weeks. Is this a good idea? You bet it is. This vaccine is between 60 to 80 % effective at reducing your chances of getting COVID-19. Twelve weeks between doses increases the effectiveness of the vaccine but not by much compared to 8 weeks and in the setting of the delta variant, it is important to get a second dose as soon as possible. It remains your choice to receive the second dose at 8 weeks or 12 weeks if it is being offered to you earlier. We were barely out of the second wave when the alpha variant stormed into the country. That pushed us into a third wave. Now we have vaccines and 70% of Canadians have received their first dose, 12 % are fully immunized. The key to avoiding a fourth wave is to book your first vaccine and stand in line for your second when you are called. Click here to register in WDG: https://register.wdgpublichealth.ca/ Log on to your public health website for registration instructions across the province. Fearful, hesitant, or completely avoidant, these vaccines work. They save lives. We all know the potential rare risks and side effects. Become informed by sound scientific information from reputable sources. Information is power. It conquers fear and allows all of us to make the best choice for ourselves and our communities. Get vaccinated. Anne-Marie Please share. For non-Facebook users, you can find this post here: https://braceletofhope.blogspot.com/ And if you'd like to help Bracelet of Hope work towards making sure that Lesotho has access to these vaccines, donate here: https://www.braceletofhope.ca/ways-to-

NO RAGE TODAY!

NO RAGE TODAY! As I stand here, frantic in my office, trying to see patients while getting ready to administer 40 COVID-19 vaccines this afternoon, I can't help but feel just a touch of anger. I won't waste what little energy I have for today on this anger. Please click on this link and read accurate and scientifically proven information. http://byrambridle.com/ Twelve to eighteen year olds are not being vaccinated fast enough to avoid becoming ill with a COVID-19 variant and although serious illness in this age group and in children under the age of 12 remains rare, for now, the general community is not safe until the vast majority of us are vaccinated.

Vaccine hesitancy and the mis-information that perpetuates it can be dangerous. The variants of concern are now the most common COVID-19 virus we are seeing in our community. The delta variant is more transmissible ( up to 60 % more transmissible) and it causes more serious disease and illness. If you do not get vaccinated you will eventually get COVID and it will likely be this variant or another dangerous variant of concern.

Why is this true? Do you know anyone who has not had the common cold? If you breathe the air during cold and flu season, eventually you will get a cold or the flu. COVID-19 is much more transmissible than either a cold virus or a flu virus. Breathe the air without a mask on or without being vaccinated while COVID-19 is circulating in the community and you will eventually get COVID-19. You do not need scientific proof of this. It is a scientific, biological, epidemiological fact. No one needs to prove it.

There are rare medical reasons for avoiding vaccination. The greater the percentage of people who get vaccinated, the more the individuals who cannot be vaccinated are protected.

One dose of vaccine is only 30 % effective against the delta variant. Get two doses when the second is offered to you. Please read the information on this link. It will help dispel the myths that are now circulating. These myths concerning breast milk, breast feeding infants and the fertility of our children are ABSOLUTELY FALSE with no scientific substantiation. People who perpetuate these myths may cause vaccine avoidance or hesitancy. Vaccine avoidance and hesitancy can cause death if someone who avoids a vaccine gets COVID-19. These vaccines are safe. mRNA ( Pfizer and Moderna) vaccines have been given to hundreds of millions of people around the world with incredibly rare serious side effects (mainly related to rare allergic reactions to the ingredients of the vaccine like polyethylene glycol). These vaccines are safe in people over the age of 12 and soon we will know that they are safe in people over 6 months. Don't make my patients or the beloved members of my community terrified with false information. Stay alive and well......Get vaccinated. Anne-Marie Please share. For non-Facebook users, you can find this post here: https://braceletofhope.blogspot.com/ And if you'd like to help Bracelet of Hope work towards making sure that Lesotho has access to these vaccines, donate here: https://www.braceletofhope.ca/ways-to-

AstraZeneca or Moderna/Pfizer

 Number of cases/ 100,000 people now below 30 in WDG. R value is down to 0.72 and the percent positivity is down to 3.6.

Number of people with a first vaccine dose in our region is SIXTY-SIX PERCENT!!! That's only 9 percent shy of our goal. From May 30th to June 5th, more than 24 thousand people in this region received a vaccine dose. That's an absolutely incredible public health system and an amazing public health team led by Dr. Nicola Mercer. It is no coincidence that as we vaccinate, the number of new cases of COVID-19 plummets. VACCINES WORK.....now on to a summer of second doses. You people are a bunch of shining stars. Thank you to all of you who have filled up those vaccine clinics. I cannot keep up with the requests from my patients to receive a dose of the Moderna vaccine. If you are have not received your first dose, register here: https://register.wdgpublichealth.ca/ If you are waiting to here about your second dose, you will receive an appointment time from the place where you received your first dose. And this brilliant document just in from the University of Waterloo school of Pharmacy and a group of physicians, pharmacists, science communicators and patients who worked through the weekend to create this easy to follow summary: Should you get the AZ vaccine or a mRNA vaccine as your second dose if the AZ vaccine was your first dose? AstraZeneca Moderna/Pfizer A second dose of AstraZeneca A second dose of Moderna or may offer less protection Pfizer may offer more against the variants protection against the than Moderna or Pfizer variants than AZ less It might be best to get Canada has a large supply AstraZeneca now if you of Moderna and Pfizer have to wait several weeks They may be easier to find for Moderna or Pfizer. than AstraZeneca The risk of a severe blood There is no risk of blood clotting disorder from the clots with Moderna or AZ second dose is Pfizer estimated to be 1 in 600,000 With any vaccine you get for your second dose (AstraZeneca, Moderna, or Pfizer), you may feel more, the same, or fewer side effects than your first dose. Side effects can include a sore arm, fatigue, headache, body aches, and chills for 1 -3 days. Rest, fluids, and acetaminophen can help with common side effects from all vaccines. Some people may need to take 1 - 2 days off from usual activities. Very nice. Thank you University of Waterloo School of Pharmacy and team. Your primary care provider or pharmacist may be able to help you with this decision. Anne-Marie Please share

For non-Facebook users, you can find this post here:

https://braceletofhope.blogspot.com/

And if you'd like to help Bracelet of Hope work towards making sure that Lesotho has access to these vaccines, donate here:

https://www.braceletofhope.ca/ways-to-

Mixing and Matching: mRNA or AstraZeneca

Ok, here it is. Some general information which may help you decide on your second dose when your first dose was AstraZeneca.

633 new cases in Ontario today and I know it's the weekend and some of you will chirp about fewer tests being done on the weekend. Seven day rolling average refutes that theory. It is now 844. It was 4326 on April 22nd. Perspective is stronger than negativity any day.

First of all, NACI, the National Advisory Council on Immunizations, recently approved mixing and matching vaccines. You can receive one dose of mRNA vaccine (Pfizer) as a first dose and another mRNA vaccine (Moderna) as your second and vice versa. You can also receive the AstraZeneca vaccine as your first dose and one of the mRNA vaccines available in Canada as your second dose.

So, how do you choose? Whatever option you choose, two vaccine doses will protect you against COVID-19 and it's variants much better than one. Get two doses. Two doses will protect you against the Delta variant....to some degree. Adhere to physical distancing protocols until they are slowly released. Let's not let this variant get a foothold.

Here's the early data on mixing and matching.

1/ The UK study, mixing AZ with the Pfizer vaccine, involved 830 study participants divided into four groups with each group getting different mixes and matches possible with these vaccines.

Participants who received different vaccines for their first and second doses, regardless of sequence of vaccination, had more side-effects (non-serious ones that resolved on their own) than those who received the same vaccine twice but no safety concerns were noted.

2/ The Spanish study randomized 633 people who received AZ as their first dose and either Pfizer or placebo as a second dose.

Those who received AstraZeneca followed by Pfizer developed twice as many antibodies against COVID-19 as historically seen in people who received two doses of AstraZeneca alone. No safety concerns were identified.

3/ Preliminary data from a German study with only 26 study participants showed that the antibodies developed after one dose of AZ and the second of Pfizer eight weeks later, had neutralizing activity that was 3.9 times greater against the alpha variant ( formerly the UK variant) and similar against the Delta variant ( formerly the variant that originated in India). No safety concerns, a very small number of study participants and not yet peer reviewed. This research is in it's early stages. It can tell us much at all except that it's results may be heading in the same direction as the UK and Spanish studies.

This is important. These studies are small. THE DATA IS NOT YET DEFINITIVE. But, the early data suggests that a dose of AZ followed by a dose of a mRNA vaccine is as effective or more effective at reducing the risk of getting COVID-19 including the alpha and delta variant of COVID-19 with no safety concerns, no cases of clots and possibly more short-term, non-serious side effects after the second dose.

Back to AstraZeneca:

The saga of AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine has been complicated. Clinical trials and real-world data from the United Kingdom have demonstrated its superb efficacy against severe illness and hospitalizations due to COVID-19. But, the risk of VITT ( that rare but serious blood clot) is 1:60,000 after the first dose of AZ and 1:600,000 after the second. Seventeen cases of VITT have been reported out of 10 million second doses of the AZ vaccine in the UK. That number of people in real world data is massive. We can say with much greater certainty, what the risk of VITT is after the second dose.

This is what you might take into consideration as you make your decision but first and foremost, get a second shot or your will not be protected from the new variants, specifically the delta variant which is circulating in Ontario.

The data around mixing and matching looks very promising but is not yet definitive. More research on more study participants needs to be completed. Biologically, it makes sense that the second dose of a mRNA would be more protective against the variants with no risk of VITT. Early evidence shows this but the final word is not out yet.

T

There are many reasons why one might choose AstraZeneca over an mRNA vaccine for their second dose. We know more about this combination. Much more real world evidence is out there, at present, involving millions of vaccinated people.

Your risk of VITT is 1:600,000 with that second dose.

The COM-CoV - United Kingdom study on mixing and matching vaccines, will report data on immunogenicity (antibody response) later this month. It may or may not be supportive of a mixing and matching approach. Some may prefer to wait for this data before deciding. Others may just be happy to take whatever vaccine is available and offered to them first.

Regardless of one’s decision, the critical point is for everyone to get a second dose as soon as they are eligible, whether it be AstraZeneca or an mRNA vaccine. The available evidence gives confidence that both options are safe and efficacious, so there’s no “wrong” choice here. Being fully vaccinated provides optimal protection against current and emerging strains, including the delta variant.

And that's a wrap. I hope this helps.

Anne-Marie

Please share.

Enjoy this beautiful day and consider some exercise. It is good for our weary souls.

For local assistance with anxiety and depression:

www.here4help.ca

CMHA WW Website: www.cmhaww.ca

Here 24/7 at 1-844-HERE-247 or www.here247.ca.

And for post-secondary students, Good2Talk

https://good2talk.ca/

For non-Facebook users, you can find this post here:

https://braceletofhope.blogspot.com/

And if you'd like to help Bracelet of Hope work towards making sure that Lesotho has access to these vaccines, donate here:

https://www.braceletofhope.ca/ways-to-

Let's start with the good news:

 Let's start with the good news:

The number of new daily cases of COVID-19 in Canada has dropped by 70 % since mid-April.

There are now an average of 2700 cases per day. Last month, that number was 9,000 cases per day.

That "considerable decline in infection rates" is linked to vaccine uptake rates "increasing in leaps and bounds" in combination with strict public health measures in most provinces. Fifty-eight percent of Canadians have received at least one dose of a vaccine. ( Dr. Theresa Tam)

The average number of patients with COVID-19 being treated in hospital each day has dropped by 40 per cent since the peak in April.

PLUMMETING!

Make no mistake, this dramatic decline is due, for the most part, to vaccines. Thank you to everyone who has lined up to be vaccinated.

Some not so good news:

Once we get to herd immunity ( 75% vaccinated or more is preferable) COVID-19 will likely persist for years to come. It will become a part of the fabric of our society much like the common cold or flu. Everyone has suffered with the common cold and many have had the flu. People who remain unvaccinated, for whatever reason, will eventually get COVID-19. This was discussed at last night's webinar. It is not fear-mongering, it is fact. I checked this out with my epidemiologist/ toxicologist husband. He did not hesitant to agree. It only makes sense that if COVID-19 continues to circulate for years to come, the unprotected will eventually get it, just as we pick up the common cold. It will be in the air we breathe. Unless you continue to wear a mask and stay six feet from everyone, those who are not immune, will get COVID.

For those who are vaccine hesitant, take your time, educate yourself with expert knowledge, not mis-information but take this into consideration. I would much rather use kindness and patience to convince the vaccine hesitant but we all need to understand the facts in order to make an informed decision about vaccination.

The Delta variant ( formerly known as the India variant) is now circulating in Ontario. It takes two doses of vaccine for a person to be protected against this variant. It is thought to be up to 60 % more transmissible than the Alpha variant ( formerly the UK variant) which is now the dominant strain in Ontario. There is a good chance that the Delta variant will become the dominant strain. Your best protection against these variants is two doses of vaccine. The province is moving rapidly towards the second dose phase. Yes, we will have a 2 dose summer. Once this phase begins, it will be more difficult to book an appointment for your first dose. Please register now.

Here is the link: https://register.wdgpublichealth.ca/

Everyone 12 and up can register. Our public health unit is about to start calling the 70 plus year old age group for a second dose. Keep an eye on your email. GWD needs 7,000 people to register for their first vaccine in order to reach a 75% first dose vaccination rate.

Second post will follow concerning mixing and matching vaccines and how to choose between a dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine as your second dose or a dose of the mRNA vaccine as your second dose. NACI has approved mixing and matching!

I am posting last night's webinar again. All the information you are about to receive in these posts concerning mixing and matching and how to get that second dose is in this webinar. Thank you to Dr. Nicola Mercer who was our distinguished guest.

https://www.facebook.com/cmhaww/videos/498013551321145

Anne-Marie

Please share.

For local assistance with anxiety and depression:

www.here4help.ca

CMHA WW Website: www.cmhaww.ca

Here 24/7 at 1-844-HERE-247 or www.here247.ca.

And for post-secondary students, Good2Talk

https://good2talk.ca/

For non-Facebook users, you can find this post here:

https://braceletofhope.blogspot.com/

And if you'd like to help Bracelet of Hope work towards making sure that Lesotho has access to these vaccines, donate here:

https://www.braceletofhope.ca/ways-to-