Grey Bruce will receive its first doses of Covid vaccine this month, according to the region’s medical officer of health.
In an appearance on the Open Line on 560 CFOS Friday, Dr. Ian Arra said a small amount of the Pfizer Covid vaccine will be delivered later in January and it will be distributed to high-risk groups in accordance with the province’s ethical framework.
A further statement sent out by the health unit explains shipments will be arriving the weeks of Jan. 11 and Jan. 25.
In total, the two shipments will contain approximately 1,000 doses of vaccine.
“My aim is to (utilize it) in one window of time that’s very short,” Arra explained on the Open Line. “And if we can do this, and I believe we can, we can pick up the phone and call (Ontario Covid Vaccine Task Force Chair Gen. Rick Hillier) and say we need more.”
The initial amount of vaccine will be limited to residents, staff and essential workers in long-term care, according to the health unit.
“Due to the small shipment, not all residents and staff will be able to receive the vaccine immediately. However, as more shipments arrive, this priority population will continue to be first in line,” a statement from Public Health explained.
Arra noted dates, times and locations with long-term care facilities will be coordinated as the first phase of Covid vaccinations in Grey Bruce begins.
The Health Unit is asking the community to avoid calling in an attempt to schedule vaccinations at this time.
“Public Health remains the lead in COVID-19 response in Grey-Bruce, as we have been since the genesis of this pandemic. With no deaths related to COVID-19 in Grey Bruce, we know that our collaborative efforts with our local partners have been successful in containing the greatest harms of this virus,” Arra added in a statement. “With the Province sending us this shipment of the vaccine, we are now able to look forward to hammering the first nail in the coffin of this pandemic”.
“The vaccine is key to ending this pandemic, and allowing all of us to get back our normal lives,” continued Arra. “Until then, it is critical we continue to practice as we have been; this is not the time to let our guard down.”