The medical officer of health in Chatham-Kent is expressing concerns about sending younger students who can't be vaccinated against COVID-19 yet back to school in the fall.
Work continues to get a vaccine for children under 12 but it is not ready yet. Dr. David Colby said he would like to have all children immunized before school starts in September because the virus has the potential to be easily transmitted among indoor groups of unvaccinated people.
"The more kids we get vaccinated the better but we have to wait for Health Canada approval for doing that," said Colby. "It's anybody's guess when that will come and I just can't say when."
Colby said we have to be patient and wait for the information to come.
Colby also said he doesn't believe in giving incentives to convince people to get vaccinated but he's open to it if it'll help get people inoculated. The U.S. gave out lottery tickets, scholarships, marijuana, and more to encourage people to get vaccinated but Colby doesn't believe they're all that effective.
He said Canada did just fine without them and has comparable vaccination numbers to the U.S.
Colby said the greatest incentive of all is keeping yourself, your loved ones, and your community safe.
"Giving people lottery tickets, I can't imagine that would be the defining factor for the majority of people deciding whether to get vaccinated or not," he said. "It rubs me the wrong way to be very honest."
He said paying people off is not the way to go because there's a tremendous benefit for everyone to get vaccinated and there's no need to provide more incentives.
Dr. Colby is not alone in that thinking, either. A study out of Boston University School of Medicine showed that incentives don't increase COVID-19 vaccination rates.
However, Dr. Colby also added that he is a practical guy and while a specific incentive program hasn't been discussed locally yet, he is prepared to explore the idea if it helps get more people vaccinated.
Chatham-Kent Public Health may not be providing incentives but they are making vaccinations easier.
All those in Chatham-Kent still needing their first dose can now get them by walking into the Bradley Centre without an appointment. Pfizer shots will be offered at the walk-in clinics on Saturday from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., July 14, 2021 between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m., and July 15, 2021 from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m.
Those looking to get their second doses must still book an appointment. Appointments can be booked by visiting www.getyourshotck.ca or by calling 519-351-1010 and leaving a message.
