Provincial chief medical health officer Dr. Saqib Shahab says recent data that has crossed his desk show just how effective the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine has been.

Shahab says that data which goes back to those getting their first dose up to and including April 17 shows only 263 people have come down with the virus with almost 310,000 vaccines having been delivered.

He says this is news that has even caught him off guard.

“This is quite remarkable actually, that with just one dose the vaccine is protecting us so well. It reinforces the fact that all of us need to get vaccinated, and of course follow up with the second dose as well,” Shahab said.

Those 26 and over are now eligible to be vaccinated with the number dropping to 23 on Friday.