So, it’s a couple weeks out from Thanksgiving now, and “the poop don’t lie”:
About 1 in 19 people in Canada are currently infected. Estimated infections are at/nearing peak of all previous Omicron waves except Dec/21 wave.
Canadian COVID-19 Hazard Index
And it’s being felt in hospitals already. For example, in Waterloo Region:
Hospitalizations for COVID-19 have climbed to almost the most seen this year. The regional public health unit reported 52 patients in three local hospitals Wednesday. The last time local hospitals had this many patients was New Year’s Day, with 53.
Waterloo Region Record
But, the new vaccine is becoming increasingly available. It should be attainable for high-risk people pretty much everywhere in Ontario, and in many cases, “regular-risk” people can access it, too (try pharmacies). It’s approved for ages 6 months and up.
The vaccine—which is a good match for currently dominant strains— provides some protection against infection, particularly in the first two months (that will include Christmas, considering that it takes a week or two to kick in). It reduces risk of Long COVID (see Review estimates 69% 3-dose vaccine efficacy against long COVID). And it makes infections less severe. For more, see Yes, everyone should get an updated Covid-19 vaccine.
(Of course, wearing an N95 or KN95 in crowded indoor spaces also helps reduce viral spread, not only against COVID but also flu, cold, RSV, and every other airborne disease.)
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