Transit ads, bill inserts among ideas to sway unvaccinated people in Waterloo region

To increase COVID-19 vaccine uptake, Waterloo region councillors' ideas include inserts in utility bills, pop-up clinics in hot-spot areas, neighbours calling each other and turning light-rapid transit (LRT) vehicles into moving billboards that resemble giant needles.

Councillors, who also make up the board of health, offered these suggestions during an evening meeting, as COVID-19 case numbers continued to rise in the region, which reported 72 Wednesday, the highest in Ontario.

Of particular concern is the delta variant (which was first detected in India and is known as B.1.617.2) that is "circulating broadly" in Waterloo region, said Dr. Hsiu-Li Wang, the medical officer of health. 

"Waterloo region is experiencing an increasing number of cases, hospitalizations and outbreaks, believed to be due to the spread of the delta variant," Wang told councillors.

"The percentage of our cases which are delta is believed to be much higher than the number of cases currently confirmed. I expect delta will quickly become the predominant strain circulating in Waterloo region."

Wang said the region is at risk of not moving with the rest of the province into Step 2 of the reopening plan if case numbers aren't brought under control.

Wang said officials "will need to watch the next few days closely" to see where numbers move.

'Do not wait' for 1st dose

Following public health measures — including physical distancing, wearing a mask and only having close contact within your own household —  is one approach to stay safe, said Wang, stressing that getting vaccinated is also important.

"If you haven't gotten a first dose of the vaccine, do not wait."

The region's website shows 61 per cent of all residents have received at least one dose, while 10.5 per cent are fully vaccinated.

There were 37 reported cases of the delta variant in the region as of Wednesday. Wang said 83.3 per cent of delta cases were unvaccinated people, while 13.9 per cent were those who had received one dose or had the second dose, but tested positive within seven days of getting the second.

There has been one "breakthrough" delta case — a person with two doses who received a positive COVID-19 diagnosis more than seven days after the second shot.

On Wednesday, 45 people were in regional hospitals with COVID-19, including 15 in the intensive-care unit (ICU). Wang said 78.6 per cent of patients were unvaccinated, while 21.4 per cent were partially vaccinated.

Wang said people who pre-register for their first-dose appointment generally receive an email within a day to book an appointment, which would happen within days.

'We have a big problem'

Councillors' suggestions Wednesday are aimed at helping regional staff reach people age 12 and older who have not yet received a first dose.

Coun. Geoff Lorentz said he felt traditional media aren't doing a good enough job at getting the message across.

"I think we have a big problem. We're not getting our message out," he said, urging people to call neighbours, friends and family to discuss getting vaccinated.

Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic's ideas were the inserts in utility bills urging vaccination, or ad-wrapping LRT to resemble giant needles with the words: "This is your shot, Waterloo region." 

He also suggested targeted approaches to parts of the region hardest hit by the virus. Staff told him that had been done with both mail-outs and a door-knocking campaign, part of ongoing work.

Coun. Tom Galloway is concerned about a fourth wave and longer restrictions, "which is really going to crush a lot of businesses locally."

North Dumfries Mayor Sue Foxton said a direct approach is needed.

"We can't be nice about this. There's no soft sell," she said.

"You're not vaccinated, you're going to get it. Take the gloves off and stop being so damn nice."

Cambridge Coun. Helen Jowett said they needed to get the "ugly truth" out to people, and suggested releasing images or videos of patients in hospital, on ventilators.

"This is life and death for people who don't get [the vaccine]."

More vaccine supplies needed

The province has agreed to send more vaccine supplies to Waterloo region, as well as two mobile teams to help with pop-up vaccinations, likely starting next week, said Shirley Hilton, Waterloo Regional Police Service's deputy chief, who is leading the region's vaccine task force.

Hilton said where exactly the provincial pop-up teams will go have yet to be determined.

As more vaccine supplies arrive, administering doses will be ramped up, including utilizing mobile clinics and more pop-up sites.

As well, 125 pharmacies across the region are offering to vaccinate people, Hilton said.

Doses of AstraZeneca are expected to be shipped to pharmacies in the region later this week.

In mid-May, the region saw its vaccine allocation clawed back so doses could be diverted to other high-need areas, like Toronto and Peel region.

Waterloo regional chair Karen Redman said she's spoken to Premier Doug Ford and told him there's a real need for more doses in the region now. 

"We do need more vaccine. We are arguing that case."