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Town council is pushing for the province to lower the age eligibility for COVID-19 vaccinations to 18+ in Bradford.
Currently, only those age 50+ living in the L3Z postal code area are eligible to book a vaccine at one of the community clinics at Bob Fallis Arena.
Vaccine supply did increase last week for Bradford, which was deemed a COVID-19 'hot zone' by the province earlier this month, however, in Tuesday night's meeting of council, Coun. Jonathan Scott noted the town has a young population with an average age of 37, which is one of the reasons why Bradford's vaccination rate is behind the rest of the region.
So far roughly 21 percent of the county has received at least one dose of the vaccine, but Bradford is sitting at around 14 percent.
"The numbers don't lie, we're behind in our own region, and we need to close that gap," said Coun. Raj Sandhu.
"I think the biggest issue in getting the vaccine out is vaccine supply," said Town Clerk Rebecca Murphy, noting the recent cutbacks in deliveries to Canada from vaccine manufacturers. "We have the clinics in place, we got the staff in place, the appointments in place, the system in place to get these vaccinations in but unfortunately the supply is going to be the pinch point to getting people vaccinated."
Coun. Scott confirmed last week's appointments at Bob Fallis Arena were all filled, and the health unit should be providing a weekly update to council on the vaccination rates for the town later this week.
At least 1,000 extra doses were added to local pharmacies this week for those 40+, and appointments are still available at this week's clinic at Bob Fallis Arena for those 50+.
Mayor Rob Keffer noted that as of Tuesday at 4:30 p.m. there were 330 out of 546 appointments booked for Bradford's Thursday clinic and only 190 of the 546 spots booked for the Sunday clinic.
"It's important for everybody to get vaccinated if they're able to," said Mayor Keffer.
"The first vaccine is the best vaccine, it's as simple as that," said Deputy Mayor James Leduc. "These vaccines are in town right now...so please get out, get your vaccine as soon as possible."
Coun. Sandhu noted how other health units like York Region have opened up their vaccine age eligibility for some areas to 18+.
"If they (younger people) want to get that vaccine then let's open up the age," said Coun. Sandhu, "there are lots of people eager and waiting to do this."
Mayor Keffer stressed the importance of getting vaccines into the arms of the younger, working population.
"Whether it's food processing plants or grocery stores or auto parts manufacturing and other important businesses...if we can get those workers vaccinated it will go a long way to help solving the COVID-19 pandemic," he said.
All of council voted in favour to support the motion.
