A majority of long-term home residents have received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Officials with both the Thunder Bay District Health Unit and the Thunder Bay Regional Health
Sciences Centre report 95% of residents have the first shot and many have been administered their second dose.
The Regional Health Sciences Centre received a shipment of Moderna vaccine in the past week, which played a part in the accomplishment.
The second dose of the Pfizer vaccine is also being administered to residents who received their first dose with this vaccine three weeks ago.
“This is a major step towards protecting Long Term Care homes and the residents and staff from the potentially devastating impacts of COVID-19 within these settings,” indicates Medical Officer of Health Dr. Janet DeMille. “It’s also a success to be able to extend protection against COVID-19 beyond Thunder Bay and into the district communities. There is a lot more to do but we should celebrate this significant accomplishment. ”
The Regional Health Science Centre’s President and CEO Dr. Rhonda Crocker-Ellacott knows there’s been frustration and anxiety with the Pfizer vaccine slowdown.
“We are very proud that despite temporary setbacks with vaccine shipments, we have succeeded in administering first and second doses to LTC residents within the Ministry’s target time frame. In addition to LTC residents, protecting access to second doses for those who have already received their first dose is our top priority.”
