NWHU/CKDR Files
The first doses of the COIVD-19 vaccine have been given to all consenting and eligible Long-Term Care Home residents across the region.
Medical Officer of Health with the Northwestern Health Unit Dr. Kit Young Hoon.
“I am happy to report that all eligible residents of local Long-Term Care Homes who wanted to get their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine were able to do so. Across the province, COVID-19 infections in this vulnerable population have shown to be quite severe, and it is reassuring that they now have some protection against the COVID-19 virus.”
The health unit expects that all residents should receive their second dose of the vaccine within the acceptable timelines.
Young Hoon says at this time the health unit doesn’t have any further information on which priority group will be next for the vaccine roll-out in the area.
“We will continue to follow provincial guidance regarding priority groups and will share that information with the public when we have it.”
The health unit reminds the public to continue practising personal preventive measures while vaccine roll-out continues, even after they have been immunized.
Although the vaccine has been proven to protect the person who received the shot, they still may be able to spread the virus to others.
It is expected that when enough people have been vaccinated to achieve herd immunity, and it is deemed safe to do so, public health measures will begin to be slowly loosened.
The Northwestern Health Unit Long-Term Care Homes, and other local partners worked together to plan, distribute, and administer the vaccine to LTCH residents by the Ministry of Health’s target date of February 10, 2021.
