News Release: Still Unsure About the COVID-19 Vaccine? Speak to Your Health Care Provider

NIPISSING & PARRY SOUND, ON - Roughly, 13 per cent of eligible individuals in the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit’s region have yet to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Vaccine hesitancy refers to the delay of receiving a vaccine. People who are vaccine hesitant are not against vaccines; rather they want to make sure they make the best decision for themselves and their family members and may need more time or additional information.

Information about the COVID-19 vaccines have come from many different sources, some valid and others not. As more individuals turn to social media as their main source of information, misinformation is easily shared, and possibly, by individuals who believe the source to be valid.

“I encourage individuals who are still unsure about getting vaccinated against COVID-19 to speak to their primary health care provider, a local pharmacist, or call the Health Unit to have your questions answered by professionals without judgement and by an individual who has your health top of mind,” states Dr. Jim Chirico, Medial Officer of Health.

Individuals looking to read more should visit the Health Unit website, or other trustworthy websites such as SickKids, the Canadian Pediatric Society, Ontario Ministry of Health, Health Canada, Immunize BC, or the CDC.

“We are in the fourth wave of the pandemic. We have seen evidence that vaccines have reduced the severity of illness in breakthrough cases and helped prevent infections in others,” explains Dr. Chirico. “The COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective.”

The Pfizer-BioNtech and Moderna vaccines offered by the Health Unit are both mRNA vaccines. It is important to remember that mRNA technology has been in development for years. The huge world-wide investment in research to produce an effective vaccine to combat the COVID-19 pandemic allowed this existing technology to be put to practical use.

mRNA vaccines do not get into genetic material or our DNA, rather the vaccine teaches the cells how to make a piece of a protein that triggers an immune response. This helps the body’s immune system to recognize the COVID-19 virus and fight it, should it be exposed. The mRNA from the vaccine is quickly broken down in the body.

For more information on the COVID-19 vaccine or to book a COVID-19 vaccine appointment, visit myhealthunit.ca.

-30-

Media Inquiries:

Alex McDermid, Public Relations Specialist
P: 705-474-1400, ext. 5221 or 1-800-563-2808
E: communications@healthunit.ca