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2 bd 3 JOANNA FRKETICH = jfrketich@thes pec.com choice to get a é fourth COVID shot has ® been leftin the hands of the ia young and healthy. "It is up to fhe individu- al,” said Dr. Zain Chagla, infectious "iisease physi- cian at St. Joseph's Health- care in Hamilto: Unlike other doses, there is no universal rec- ommendation for those un- der age 60 with no underly- ing health conditions. @ IFP - Halton Hills | Thursday, August 11, 2022 | 2 DOWNTOWN GEORGETOWN 83 Mill Sc | 905 873 1867 formed choice. yo SHOULD GET A FOURTH Dt There is no question that adults age 60 and over should get a fourth shot now. It's also recom- mended for Ontarians who are moderately to severely immunocompromised. “These folks have been eligible for some time, there is prevention from se- vere disease and death in this up, and so pr ple should head out to get their shots," said Chagla. Razak aying, “High risk groups, go get it now." WHO SHOULD CONSIDER IT? Razak suggests three groups of young and healthy adults might con- sider getting a fourth dose now: Those who had their 371 Mout Day, Evening and Saturday Hours | Same day appointments for urgent eye care. Please pho! third shot six months ago or longer; Front-line work- ers worried about a higher chance of potential expo- sure; and Close contacts of those at higher-risk of se- vere infection. SHOULDN'T EVERYONE GET A FOURTH DOSE? "It might be better for some individuals to wait, especially as the data for fourth doses is temporary protection in younger indi- viduals," said Chagla. "On ‘op of this a lot of people th three doses got Omi- wen, and so they are func- tionally boosted in that context, so may be worth it to wait." ‘WHY WAIT? "There is a novel vac- cine likely coming in the fall, plus the fall respirato- ry season, and we know longer intervals can leadto better responses," said la. + The new shot is biva- OPTOMETRY METRO PLAZA RdS a 873 1861 DO | NEED A FOURTH DOSE? ONTARIO EXPERTS ANSWER QUESTIONS ABOUT SECOND COVID BOOSTER lent, which means it tar- gets the original coronavi- rus strain as well as Omi- cron. + "The Moderna vaccine data suggests higher anti- body responses to Omicron with the bival vaccine, said Chagla thats good news going into a high transmission season." + But Razak cautions the difference might not be as dramatic as hoped with the new vaccine — plus, the vi- rus is constantly evolving 0 it's hard to say what the fall will bring. WHAT DOES THE FOURTH SHOT DO? "It will temporarily give protection against infec- tion but this is very short lived," said Chagla. He said it's likely to last six to eight weeks com- pared to more than 20 weeks with the third dose. "In a young healthy per- son those benefits are tiny," Metroland file photo If you're young and healthy, it's up to you to decide if this is the right time to get a second COVID booster. said Chagla. However, it's worth itfor those who are older and im- mune compromised be- cause it will reduce their bar] of severe disease," he TE BOTTOM LINE For young and healthy Ontarians, the third dose is the most important. "The biggest opportuni- ty that hasn't been pursued is the third dose," said Ra- zak. "There's very clear evi- dence it's highly effective." Chagla agreed saying, “Three shots still offers sig- nificant protection from se- vere disease." Temporary Road Closure due to Event - Acton Leathertown Festival theifp.ca 1 Halton Hills D Acton Leathertown Festival, organized by the Acton BIA. Sunday, August 14, 2022 from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Mill Street East/Highway 7 between Main Street and Eastern Avenue, Acton. Halton Hills, L7G 5G2 | 905-873-2600 | 1-877-712-220' 5 | halt Notice is hereby given in accordance with the provisions of the Municipal Act, S.0. 2001, and Town of Halton Hills By-law 2008-0020 regarding the following temporary road closure for the purpose of the following community event: If you require any additional information regarding this road closure, please contact the Recreation and Parks Department 905-873-2600, ext. 2269.