A local health unit's blaming vaccine supply as it fell short of the province's target for this time.
Public Health Sudbury and Districts says about 60 percent of the region's residents who are 18 and older received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine by the end of May - short of the 65% provincial target - though it is now attempting to balance first doses with second doses for those eligible for the shorter dose interval, such as those at higher risk due to an underlying health condition resulting in a weakened immune system, certain frontline health care workers, and Indigenous individuals.
As the health unit has fallen behind, it says it isn't yet following the province's move to accelerate second doses for those 80 and older - instead, the timing of appointments for such people will be "based on local considerations and vaccine supply", meaning they aren't likely until the week of June 28th, especially as it gears up for a three-week "youth and family vaccination blitz" starting next week.
It is booking appointments for the first dose for anyone 12 and older.
North Algoma's COVID-19 vaccination clinic partners have expanded appointment booking eligibility to anyone 18 and older, with youth 12 to 17 years old and their household to be eligible tomorrow, at which point they will be prioritized for vaccination.