Island Health has outlined that officials have started to administer COVID-19 immunizations to health care workers in long-term care in the central and north Vancouver Island regions Thursday.
The health authority says that an additional 3,900 doses of the Pfizer vaccine were received this week, which has allowed for the expansion of immunization clinics beyond the Greater Victoria area.
According to Island Health, clinics will be set up in Nanaimo and Campbell River, with medical staff who work or volunteer in long-term care residences being the ones eligible to receive the vaccine.
“It’s something we’ve been waiting for since the Spring,” said the Island’s director of public health Tara Fitzgerald. “Getting to administer vaccines into arms today, saving lives, really it’s a pretty emotional day for everybody.”
Residents in Nanaimo and Campbell River received the first doses at the clinics on Thursday.
“Our number one goal throughout this pandemic has been to protect our residents,” said Sharron Traub, Manager of Dufferin Place long-term care home in Nanaimo. “Providing the vaccine to frontline health care workers in long-term care is a critical line of defence to keep this virus out, and an important show of support for those caring for and protecting some of the most vulnerable members of our community.”
Although the Pfizer vaccine needs to be stored at extremely low temperatures, the Island’s top doctor says that wasn’t why it took longer for the rest of the island to get the vaccine.
“We prioritized the long-term care facilities that were the oldest and had the greatest number of four-bed units and where there was a greater likely hood of having outbreaks. There were more of those facilities in the South Island than anywhere else,” said Dr. Richard Stanwick.
But now, he says Pfizer is guaranteeing a steady flow of the vaccine every week through February, meaning every part of the Island will have a better opportunity to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
“If you don’t get called this week but you are one of those critical workers in long-term care, you will be receiving a call it may just not be this week,” said Stanwick.
He says Victoria and Campbell River are each receiving 950 doses in the coming days and Nanaimo is getting 1900 doses with the possibility of more later on in the week.
Island Health notes that any eligible individuals in both Nanaimo and Campbell River will receive direct communication on how to book an appointment.
“Receiving the COVID-19 vaccine gives all of us working in long-term care renewed hope and a sense of relief after many months of vigilance,” said Jae Yon Jones, Manager of Yucalta Lodge long-term care home in Campbell River. “While our entire team is weary, they are resilient and heartened by the added layer of protection the vaccine will provide for both themselves and the residents they care for.”
B.C.’s current COVID-19 vaccination plan prioritizes residents and staff in long-term care facilities, individuals in hospital essential visitors to long-term care and assisted living, hospital health care workers, paramedics, public health, and remote and isolated First Nation communities.
The general public is unable to book COVID-19 immunization appointments at this time.
According to Island Health, a “detailed approach for a mass vaccination strategy” is currently being developed and more details are expected in the coming weeks.
Earlier this week, vaccines started to be administered in remote Vancouver Island First Nations communities as well.
More information about the Province’s vaccine plan can be found here.
CHEK News
