'Vax the North' pushes to bring vaccines to Toronto areas that are falling behind
Some areas of Toronto are lagging behind in vaccination rates — so, the city has turned to a targeted push to finish the job.
One of these involves a weekend long clinic called “Vax the North” at Mel Lastman Square in North York, complete with a band, a festival atmosphere and prizes.
“We’re aiming for 90 per cent vaccination rate,” said Dr. Rebecca Stoller at the event. “We’re aiming high and we’re hoping to get there.”
The city estimates there are thousands of people in the vicinity of the square who haven’t yet received a shot.
The city says some North York neighbourhoods are between 6 and 10 per cent below Toronto’s average vaccine rates.
The clinic, which runs Saturday and Sunday from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., is open to anyone without an appointment.
It’s a low barrier clinic designed to give a shot to everyone who wants one, and if they’re lucky, something more: 12-year-old Jayla Akinbode won a draw for a gift certificate.
Far better, she said, is now she’s double-vaccinated, shortly after she became eligible on her birthday.
“It feels good because I can go see my family now. I haven’t seen them in a year,” she said.
Three of the four lowest vaccination rate communities in the GTA are located in Toronto. M9N, Pelmo Park, and M4H, Thorncliffe Park, sit just under 60 per cent. In Jane and Finch and in L4X in Mississauga they are sitting just over 60 per cent, according to data from ICES.
That means about 40 per cent of residents in these areas are vulnerable to the Delta variant that is surging in other countries.
“Almost everyone who is getting seriously ill has not been vaccinated. Vaccination is saving lives. What we are doing here today is helping people save lives,” said Rudy Dahdal, a VP of North York General Hospital.
As he kicked off the event, Toronto Mayor John Tory said it’s important for the clinic to be accessible.
“It’s accessible for people with varying abilities, but it’s also very open. You can make an appointment or just show up. What we’re anxious to do is vaccinate anybody and reduce the risk of the Delta variant,” he said.
Jayla’s mom had a message for the stragglers: “They’d better come,” she said. Her daughter was the last to get vaccinated in her family because of her age.
“I’m relieved. Because it’s been a long time coming. I’m happy that we’re all complete,” she said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Live updates: What star witness in Trump hush money case has said on the stand so far
The star prosecution witness in Donald Trump's hush money trial is set to take the stand Monday with testimony that could help shape the outcome of the first criminal case against an American president.
Police release 3D images of young child found in an Ontario river two years ago
Police have released a three-dimensional image of a young child whose remains were discovered in the Grand River in Dunnville, Ont. almost two years ago.
Steve Buscemi punched in the face while walking in N.Y.C.
Hollywood actor Steve Buscemi has been treated for injuries after being punched in the face while walking in New York City.
'Be very, very careful': Wildfire conditions 'still extreme,' says Alberta fire chief
As wildfire conditions remain 'extreme' in northern Alberta, residents are being urged to be extra cautious and follow a fire ban.
Air quality advisories issued in 5 provinces, 1 territory
Air quality advisories are in effect across Western Canada as smoky conditions plague some areas, according to the latest forecasts. Here's where.
Canucks' Zadorov fined $5,000 for post-game crosscheck on Oilers' McDavid
A Vancouver Canucks defenceman has been given the highest possible fine under the NHL's collective bargaining agreement after a scrum broke out at the end of Game 3 against the Edmonton Oilers Sunday night.
Jerry Seinfeld speech prompts pro-Palestinian demonstration at U.S. university graduation ceremony
A tiny contingent of Duke University graduates opposed pro-Israel comedian Jerry Seinfeld speaking at their commencement in North Carolina Sunday, with about 30 of the 7,000 students leaving their seats and chanting "free Palestine" amid a mix of boos and cheers.
Just how bad are ultraprocessed foods? Here are 5 things to know
Many foods fall under the category of ultraprocessed foods, depending on their exact ingredients. This type of food has been studied a lot lately, and the results aren’t great.
Irving Oil former president dies at age 93
Arthur L. Irving, chairman emeritus and former president of Irving Oil, has died at the age of 93.