The hope is written all over Carlton House, an independent senior living residence in Oak Bay as all the staff and residents received their COVID-19 vaccine on Friday.
Housekeeper Michelle Buckberrough was one of the first in line after working all night.
“That’s right,” she said. “I’m a little tired. But I’m glad I got it. It’s important. It’s important to get this shot.”
Canadians across the country woke up this morning with a renewed sense of optimism.
Exactly one week after approving the AstraZeneca vaccine, Canada’s chief medical advisor to Health Canada, Dr. Supriya Sharma, announced the green light for a fourth vaccine from Johnson & Johnson.
“I would not hesitate to roll up my sleeve and have any of the vaccines we have authorized under by Health Canada,” Sharma said today at a news conference in Ottawa.
Canada also revealed on Friday that even more Pfizer doses are coming much earlier than expected as well.
“Pfizer has informed us that we are able to move up the delivery of 3.5 million doses from the summer into the next couple of months,” said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Canada is on track to receive at least 36.5 million doses of vaccines by the end of June.
101-year old John Hillman, who was just vaccinated inside Carlton House, also was overflowing with optimism on Friday.
Last summer, the World War II veteran walked his way towards raising more than $100,000 for the Save the Children charity.
READ MORE: 101-year-old Oak Bay war veteran exceeds fundraising goal, raises $115,000 so far
Now he is happy that he’ll be able to see his wife of 78 years soon.
“My wife isn’t very patient about it,” Hillman said.
Others were feeling the same optimism, including resident Nadine Woodall.
“It’s the light at the tunnel, as Dr. Bonnie Henry would say. It’s become much brighter this morning!”
Resident Muriel Hansen said she is thankful to the administration for organizing the clinic, and the nurses.
“It was like magic. Whoever did it did a wonderful job.”
Starting Monday, registration for seniors aged 90 and older and Indigenous peoples aged 65 and older begins, with appointments starting March 15.
Mary Griffin
