Waterloo Region aims for a higher than 75 per cent full vaccination rate

Waterloo Region – Today, Waterloo Region surpasses an important milestone in the fight against COVID-19. Three-quarters of all eligible local residents have received both a first and second dose of the vaccine. The Waterloo Region Vaccine Distribution Task Force is celebrating the achievement of its initial target and acknowledging that greater vaccine uptake is still required.

“When you make the choice to get vaccinated, you’re protecting yourself and your loved ones, and you’re also protecting our community,” said Karen Redman, Regional Chair. “We wouldn’t be reaching this milestone without the incredible support of our community partners, vaccination clinic staff and volunteers.”

The 75 per cent vaccination rate is a minimum target originally set by both the Province and the Task Force. To protect the community, including children under 12 years of age, from COVID-19 and the Delta variant, greater vaccine uptake is required. Currently, 83.93 per cent of Waterloo Region residents 12+ have at least one dose. Anyone still requiring a second dose is encouraged to get it as soon as possible, as long as it has been 28 days since their first dose.

“We recognize that higher vaccination rates are needed, especially since the more infectious Delta variant has become prevalent in Waterloo Region,” said Dr. Hsiu-Li Wang, Medical Officer of Health for the Region of Waterloo. “Those who are not vaccinated are at greater risk of serious illness, hospitalization and death. Taking public health precautions and getting vaccinated are the best tools we have to beat COVID-19.”

Find a vaccination clinic on the Region of Waterloo website: Clinic locations and information.

Vaccines are also available at many family doctors’ offices (for their patients) and local pharmacies. Call ahead to find out if appointments are required.

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