As the COVID-19 vaccine becomes more readily available, Northwestern Health Unit (NWHU) expects to receive its first shipment of vaccine in early February. At this time, the health unit has been instructed by the Ministry of Health that the first doses will be given to residents, staff, and essential caregivers at Long Term Care Homes across the region.
Using Ontario’s Vaccine Distribution Implementation Plan, vaccine distribution must follow the guidelines set out in the 3-phased plan. “We will adhere to the Province’s plan to determine who gets the vaccine first. These decisions have been made using an Ethical Framework to ensure those who need the vaccine most, receive it first,” says Dr. Kit Young Hoon, Medical Officer of Health at NWHU. The health unit is currently working with local partners so they will be ready to begin implementing Phase 1 of the Province’s plan as soon as the vaccine arrives in our area.
Much of the general public is longing to receive a vaccination, however shots for lower risk populations are still months away. “I understand the desire to be immunized, however, according to timelines set out by the Province of Ontario, it looks like shots for those who are not in a high risk group will begin in early summer,” explains Dr. Young Hoon.
NWHU reminds the public that receiving the vaccine does not mean that life will immediately return to normal. “Even once immunized, we must continue to practice all COVID-19 prevention measures. The number of shots given will be closely monitored throughout the immunization process to assess when it is safe for prevention measures to be loosened,” Dr. Young Hoon says.
