The latest Omicron variant known as Kraken has become the dominant strain in many regions. As it continues to spread, health officials are urging people to keep up with their vaccinations, especially if they have upcoming travel plans.
According to Dr. Nicola Mercer with Wellington-Dufferin Guelph Public Health, vaccine uptake locally is low and she is urging those who last got their shot more than six months ago, to get vaccinated.
Dr. Mercer said they’ve especially seen the slowdown among children and she is encouraging parents to make sure their kids are up to date with all their vaccinations, particularly before travelling this March break.
She said she expects airports and planes to be very busy and is recommending any future travellers to get vaccinated or boosted ahead of boarding and to consider wearing a mask in crowded spaces.
“If you’re going anywhere in the world, I want to encourage you to wear a mask through airports, being on planes. Think about when you had a COVID booster or did you even have a flu shot this year?” said Dr. Mercer. “I think we all know people who have gotten to their destination and become ill as part of the travel process.”
When speaking about Paxlovid, a pill used to treat people with COVID-19, she said that it’s available for anyone testing positive and within five days of symptom onset and considered at high risk for severe illness.
Besides those over 60 years of age, this also includes anyone 18 years of age or older who is immunocompromised, has an underlying medical conditions or is under vaccinated. At risk individuals include Indigenous people, members of racialized communities, individuals with intellectual, developmental, or cognitive disability, people who use substances regularly (e.g., alcohol), people who live with mental health conditions, and people who are underhoused.
The medication can be prescribed at a pharmacy.
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