The Middlesex-London Health Unit (MLHU) announced today that over 500,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered in the region since the first dose was given, just over six months ago. The total includes both first and second doses delivered to individuals at either mass vaccination clinics, pharmacies, primary care offices or pop-up community clinics. Over 100,000 of these doses were administered since June 21, when the region’s Vaccine Olympics first began. New vaccine coverage data by age groups will be released tomorrow.

In addition to the milestone, the Medical Officer of Health strongly recommends rebooking second dose COVID-19 vaccine appointments as soon as possible, due to the rise of the Delta variant. A single dose of vaccine offers good protection against hospitalization and death from the Delta variant, but two doses are needed for 90% protection against any illness and potentially spreading the variant to others. Twenty cases of the Delta variant have been reported in Middlesex and London, while some neighbouring communities have reported large Delta variant outbreaks.

Of the COVID-19 cases reported to the Health Unit in the two weeks leading up to July 2nd, 92% were among individuals who were unvaccinated; 8% of cases reported were among partially vaccinated individuals (only one dose) and there were no cases reported among individuals who were fully-vaccinated.

“We are deeply grateful to all the staff, partners, and clients who have allowed us to administer over half a million doses,” says Dr. Chris Mackie, Medical Officer of Health with the Middlesex-London Health Unit. “With the Delta variant causing cases here and outbreaks in neighbouring areas, it’s more important than ever to get those second doses rebooked earlier.”

Anyone 12 years of age and older is now eligible to book a second dose appointment at the shortened 28-day interval. To book an appointment, at least 28 days after your first dose:
• Visit www.covidvaccinelm.ca (new appointments open daily at 8:00 a.m.)
    o Enter Gate #4 (I need to re-book my scheduled second dose).
    o For those who received a first dose in another setting or out of region and need         to book a second dose within four weeks of their first dose, enter Gate #5, I             received my first dose elsewhere and now need to book a second dose.
• Call 226-289-3560 (8:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Monday to Sunday)

Media Contact:
Dan Flaherty, Communications Manager, Middlesex-London Health Unit,
519-663-5317 ext. 2469 or 519-617-0570 (cell.)

Spokesperson:
Dr. Chris Mackie, Medical Officer of Health, Middlesex-London Health Unit