The COVID-19 vaccine has arrived in Chatham-Kent.
CK Public Health reported the first doses were given at long-term care homes on Monday after a shipment arrived Monday morning. The vaccines are being administered by CK Public Health and Chatham-Kent EMS. CK Public Health said this first shipment of the vaccine will be administered as quickly as possible. The first dose in Chatham-Kent was given on Monday at 2:12 p.m.
Bill Breedon, a resident at Riverview Gardens, was the first individual to receive the vaccine at the home on Monday.
“I’m very grateful to be the first resident at Riverview Gardens to receive the COVID-19 vaccination. 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,” said Breedon.
Director of Seniors Services at Riverview Gardens Mary Alice Searles said residents, staff, and essential caregivers at the home are elated and relieved.
“Riverview Gardens is thrilled to be receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. 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,” said Searles. “This is the light at the end of a very long tunnel!”
The attending physician at Riverview Gardens said he felt like he witnessed a historic moment.
“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," said Dr. Dixon. "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.”
CK Medical Officer of Health Dr. David Colby has said for weeks that he believed the vaccines would arrive by the end of the month but there was some doubt cast on their arrival last week after Pfizer cut production to retool its plant in Belgium. Long-term care homes are the first priority under the province’s Ethical Framework for COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution.
"This population is most vulnerable to the transmission and spread of the virus," said Colby. "Frankly, I could not be happier that this moment has arrived!"
President and CEO of the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Lori Marshall said this initial rollout is a "major turning point" in the pandemic in the community following an increased number of cases and hospitalizations recently.
“This is the shot in the arm we have been waiting for,” said Marshall. "The vaccine is critical to help save lives and protect hospital services.”
Click here for information on the province’s vaccine implementation plan. To stay up to date on vaccine distribution in Chatham-Kent click, here.