Lambton Public Health's interim medical officer of health is stressing the need to boost COVID-19 vaccination rates.
Dr. Christopher Greensmith led his first media teleconference on Thursday after stepping back into the role last week.
Greensmith said it has been an "interesting" experience so far, adding he's pleased with the work the health unit has done during the pandemic.
Lambton Public Health reported Wednesday that 72.3 per cent of adults are fully vaccinated while less than 20 per cent of youth have received both shots.
Greensmith said "there's no time to waste" when it comes to getting vaccinated as the pandemic isn't over.
"There has been talk about herd immunity and what those numbers would be... those numbers are off the table now," he said. "It needs to be very high -- if not all of our population needs to be immunized, certainly over 90 per cent for sure."
Greensmith said he's confident vaccination rates will increase as more institutions, such as sporting venues, implement immunization policies.
"This is about protecting the community. Although individual rights are very important, the rights of the community -- of the group are important as well. I personally believe there should be consequences to not being vaccinated."
The provincial government announced last week that third vaccine doses would be made available for the most vulnerable populations.
Greensmith said the rollout for third doses for residents living in congregate settings, such as long-term care homes, will begin within the next few weeks.
"They can get the third dose about five months after their second, which for most, I think we completed second doses back in February or March so we're about there," he said.
Greensmith said third shots are available for other high-risk groups such as transplant recipients and hematological cancer patients eight weeks after their second dose.
"They'll be approached by their health care provider and they can get their third dose through the health unit's clinics," he said. "If they're coming to the health unit, they'll require proof of eligibility from their health care provider."
Third doses for the general population are not being recommended at this time. However, Greensmith said he believes that will change over time.
