by Mo Fahim
The region’s first shipment of COVID-19 vaccines has been fully administered by the local health unit.
505 Moderna shots were given to long-term care residents, and 16 doses to front-line LTC staff.
According to a memo sent late Friday, the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit (NBPSHU) included staff to avoid wasting any vaccine.
NBPSHU says LTC staff were prioritized over immunization staff based on a risk assessment done by Vaccine Preventable Disease Public Health Nurses.
Medical Officier of Health Dr. Jim Chirico said the limited vaccine supply across Canada is causing delays in future shipments.
Dr. Chirico confirmed the district won’t reach the province’s target of vaccinating all LTC home residents and elder care First Nations individuals until February 12th, one week past the province’s February 5th goal.
He also said the health unit will not be releasing any information on the number of COVID-19 vaccines received or the times and dates of administration for privacy concerns.
However, once all LTC residents and elder care First Nations individuals have been immunized, the information will be made public.