The COVID-19 vaccine will eventually be available at local doctors offices and pharmacies for all residents who want to be immunized, according to a York Region associate medical officer of health.
“As more vaccines become available, public health is ready with plans to distribute the vaccine using different models and partnering with local physicians and pharmacists and other immunizers,” said Dr. Fareen Karachiwalla in a video update today.
Last weekend, York Region Public Health began delivering the Moderna vaccine to the region’s 28 long-term care homes and about 3,700 residents.
The “life-saving vaccines” are being dispatched on a priority basis, while also taking into account resources and readiness, but will ultimately make their way to all long-term care facilities, Karachiwalla said.
Health-care workers and residents of long-term care homes are prioritized to be among the first to receive the vaccine, while residents of retirement and other congregate care settings for seniors will be included in the next phases of the provincial plan, she added.
“We’re optimistic that the rollout of the provincial immunization program will make great strides in protecting and saving the lives of some of our most vulnerable residents,” Karachiwalla said.
“The idea is that eventually every resident in York Region who wishes to receive a vaccine will be offered the opportunity,” she added. “COVID-19 vaccines will serve as an important tool in helping to stop the spread of the virus and allow people and families the chance to return to a normal way of life.”
While the vaccines are voluntary, public health is highly encouraging anyone who is eligible to get inoculated, “not only for your own protection but the safety and well-being of others, as well as the protection of our health-care system at large and society,” Karachiwalla said.
“Immunization is one of the most safest ways to protect you and your family.”
Visit here for more COVID-19 vaccine information and updates.
For now, as the vaccine rolls out, residents must continue to persevere and follow public health measures, she said. After 28 days of lockdown, the province will review all the COVID-19 metrics to see if it’s safe to lift any restrictions.
Ontario's lockdown began at 12:01 a.m. on Dec. 26 and will last for 28 days in the southern portions of the province, including York, Toronto and Peel, and 14 days in the northern areas.
Until then, discount and big box retailers selling groceries are limited to 25 per cent capacity for indoor shopping, while grocery stores, supermarkets, and pharmacies can operate at 50 per cent capacity, she said.
Restaurants can only offer food by take-out, drive through and delivery.
Karachiwalla made a request that anyone contacted by public health investigators, as they “work around the clock” to follow up with all cases and contacts, “be forthcoming and respectful” in providing the information needed “to put a ring around every case and prevent further spread."
A York Region resident who tests positive may receive a text message with a secure link to complete a voluntary form that will help with contact tracing, she added.
