Yukon surpasses 75 percent vaccination uptake

Monday, 17 May 2021 15:40

By Dylan MacNeil

That was once the magic number for heard immunity.

76 per cent of the territory’s eligible population has had at least one does of the COVID-19 shot.

75 per cent was once said to be the magic number to reach heard immunity. Lately though, at weekly COVID-19 updates, Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Brendan Hanley has been saying he wants to see even more people get vaccinated.

“We don’t know the exact number. There are so many variables in play. As a physician and the person responsible for public health of all Yukon residents, I would like to see that number reach even higher. Especially among certain populations such as our elderly and vulnerable.” Said Dr. Hanley last month, when vaccine uptake was around 68 percent.

Last week it was announced that vaccinations will soon be available to young people age 12 to 17. The territory will have enough doses for the entire youth population to get their shot by mid July.

The Yukon is all ready starting to ease restrictions. Next week fully vaccinated people will not have to self-isolate when they enter the territory, and bars and restaurants will be able to operate at full capacity though dancing and hanging out in common areas won’t be allowed.

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