Dr. Chirico: COVID-19 vaccines still have 'tremendous value'

Nearly three years into the pandemic, the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit's top doctors agree, despite their continued efforts to provide COVID-19 vaccine education and delivery efforts, the campaign has reached its peak.

"At this point in the pandemic, I feel that most people have made up their minds about the vaccine," said Dr. Carol Zimbalatti, associate medical officer of health. "Most are in favour and some are opposed. We continue to make ourselves available to those that have a genuine interest in learning more about vaccines."

See related: Physicians speak out against threats over COVID-19 public health measures

Dr. Jim Chirico, the district's medical officer of health, added, "One of the biggest issues is there is a lot of misinformation out there about vaccines and we are more than happy to provide what we believe to be unbiased information that is from credible sources. It is really up to the individual to then decide — the ones that are hesitant about vaccines.

"What we can certainly say — it's solid scientific information — that the vaccines have been of tremendous value. Yes, there are certainly complications that can arise with any drug or vaccine, with whatever you ingest or put into your body. [Vaccines] have had a tremendous benefit, including prior to COVID-19."

Chirico and Zimbalatti spoke following Wednesday's Board of Health meeting.

The Health Unit's call centre staff does remain available to field questions about the vaccines, although Zimbalatti shared it "has seen a decrease in calls related to vaccine hesitancy."

See: Local COVID-19 data

"We don't judge. If somebody is hesitant it means they are really trying to get more information. Whatever they decide, we are available to help and provide them with accurate information," said Chirico. He added, "I am happy to answer anyone's questions about vaccines."

See also: NBRHC top boss: 'No plans to bring any terminated employees back'

And: City vax policy unchanged; fate of fired 12 still in limbo

As of Monday, the North Bay Parry Sound District had so far escaped the latest COVID-19 variant. The newest sub-variant, the Omicron XBB — also known as Kraken — was found in Sudbury last week. Experts say the variant is the most transmissible one detected to date and projections are it will make up over 20 per cent of all strains detected in Ontario.

Despite recent news that Ontario is through the worst of respiratory virus season, Dr. Kieran Moore, the province's chief medical officer of health is advising Ontarians to stay home when sick, observe hand hygiene practices and cough etiquette. Moore also strongly recommends indoor masking and for people to keep their COVID-19 booster shots current, particularly for those who are more susceptible to the virus.