Ottawa Public Health (OPH) wants to ensure that every single community in Ottawa is protected against COVID-19. To this end, they are working to ensure everyone has access to vaccines. OPH has partnered with the Ottawa Neighbourhood Study (ONS) to map neighbourhood-level COVID-19 vaccination rates.
This map provides a snapshot of COVID-19 vaccination among people 12 years and older across Ottawa, based on ONS neighbourhoods. OPH is seeing disparities in vaccine rates across neighbourhoods. Using this data, OPH continues to work with community partners including the health care sector to address inequities in accessing the COVID-19 vaccine. OPH and partners have been developing tailored options for specific neighbourhoods to ensure that anyone who wants the vaccine can get it.
To access these data, please go to the Ottawa Neighbourhood Study website.
Key Messages
- Across Ottawa, vaccination coverage is generally lower in neighbourhoods with less socioeconomic advantage than in neighbourhoods with higher socioeconomic advantage.
- Overall, between Aug 2nd and Aug 30th, Ottawa saw an increase in coverage with at least one dose from 83% to 86% and full vaccination coverage from 72% to 79% among eligible residents (12y+).
- 26 neighbourhoods saw a three percentage point increase in at least one dose coverage, including four neighbourhoods that were previously among the lowest 10 neighbourhoods for at least one dose coverage (Hawthorne Meadows – Sheffield Glen, Overbrook – McArthur, Bayshore – Belltown, and Hunt Club – Ottawa Airport).
- There are underlying structural and systemic inequities and barriers that prevent individuals from accessing services leading to lower vaccine uptake in some neighbourhoods.
- Other barriers can also include lack of paid sick leave, shift work, language, mixed messaging, transportation, lack of computer and internet access, lack of childcare, or lack of trust in government agencies and the health care system based on previous negative experiences. Lack of access to a primary health care provider or family doctor may also be a barrier to vaccination as individuals may not have a trusted health professional to discuss their questions and concerns.
- The disparity between less advantaged and more advantaged neighbourhoods has persisted over time. Similar neighbourhood socioeconomic disparities in vaccination coverage have been observed in other urban areas in Ontario.
- People and communities who have been most impacted by COVID-19 and have lower vaccine rates might face stigma. OPH has developed guidelines on how to avoid stigmatizing language when communicating about COVID-19. Please take a moment to review OPH’s position statement.
- Addressing these barriers to information and access to the vaccine continues to be a priority for OPH and community partners throughout the city and have been a particular focus for high priority neighbourhoods that are facing the largest barriers.
- OPH and partners will continue to work to ensure all communities have access to the health information they need to promote their health and the health of their families.
