CK Public Health officials say it was an exciting day and a major turning point in the pandemic locally, as the first individuals in Chatham-Kent were vaccinated for the COVID-19 virus.
CK Public Health officials say a shipment of COVID-19 vaccine arrived in Chatham-Kent on Monday morning, January 25, 2021 and CK Public Health staff promptly prepared the vaccine for delivery to Long-Term Care Homes (LTCHs) to begin inoculating residents.
The vaccines are being safely administered by trained staff from both CK Public Health and Chatham-Kent EMS.
“I felt like I was witnessing a historic moment,” said Dr. Dixon, attending physician at Riverview Gardens, in a press release.
“The combination of months of hard work coupled with scientific research enables us to deliver one of the safest vaccines in the history of public health. I am filled with emotion for those who have suffered great losses and recognize the emotional burden this has placed on all of us these past 11 months.”
“This is the shot in the arm we have been waiting for,” added Lori Marshall, President and CEO, Chatham-Kent Health Alliance, in a press release.
“This initial rollout is a major turning point for us in the pandemic; we’ve seen rising cases in our own community and increased hospitalizations. The vaccine is critical to help save lives and protect hospital services.”
Dr. David Colby, Medical of Officer for Chatham-Kent, said under the province’s Ethical Framework for COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution, LTCHs are the first priority population to receive the COVID-19 vaccination.
“This population is most vulnerable to the transmission and spread of the virus,” Dr. Colby said in a press release.
“Frankly, I could not be happier that this moment has arrived.”
Bill Breedon, a resident at Riverview Gardens (RVG), led the way as the first individual to receive the vaccine at the Long-Term Care Home.
“I’m very grateful to be the first resident at Riverview Gardens to receive the COVID-19 vaccination,” Breedon said in a media release.
“I am saying yes to the vaccine for health reasons; I have a history of strokes and want protection from the disease and the severe symptoms that can come along with it.”
Mary Alice Searles Director, Seniors Services, RVG, shared the elation and sense of relief that is being felt amongst residents, staff and essential caregivers at the home.
“Riverview Gardens is thrilled to be receiving the COVID-19 vaccine,” Searles said in a media release.
“It has been a long 11 months, and we have been fortunate that with diligence, hard work and a healthy dose of luck, that we have not had any of our residents contract the disease. We are relieved and thankful we can protect our residents, staff and caregivers against this deadly virus. This is the light at the end of a very long tunnel.”
This first shipment of vaccine will be administered as quickly as possible.
The first dose in Chatham-Kent was given on Monday at 2:12 p.m.
While vaccine remains in limited supply, CK Public Health, Chatham-Kent EMS and CKHA will follow the provincial framework in the rollout of the vaccine locally over the coming months.
For information on the province’s vaccine implementation plan: https://www.ontario.ca/page/ontarios-vaccine-distribution-implementation-plan.
To stay up to date on vaccine distribution in Chatham-Kent: https://ckphu.com/covid-19-vaccine/.
