The medical officer of health for Chatham-Kent is reporting that this weekend's COVID-19 vaccination clinic for residents 80 years of age and over went really well.
Chatham-Kent Medical Officer of Health Dr. David Colby said more than 2,000 people in that age group were given their shots on Saturday and Sunday at the John Bradley Convention Centre. Jeff Moco of the Chatham-Kent Public Health Communications Team said late Monday that a total of about 3,600 doses have been given to staff and essential caregivers of long-term care and retirement homes, highest and very high priority health care workers, and residents 80 years and above since the clinic opened on Tuesday, February 23, 2021.
The COVID-19 vaccination phone lines continue to be open from Monday to Friday between 9:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. for Chatham-Kent residents 80 or older. Those residents with the last names beginning with A through M can call Monday, Wednesday, and Friday and residents with the last names beginning with N through Z can call Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. Those residents can call and leave a message at 519-351-1010 and it will be returned with an appointment time.
Public health officials said the vaccination call centre was overwhelmed with thousands of calls when the clinic opened Saturday and had to temporarily close to allow staff catch up.
"This weekend everything went really well at the Bradley Centre. The efficiency of delivering vaccinations to such a large number of people is really impressive. I am so proud of everyone’s contributions in accomplishing this!" said Colby. "The demand was expected but the telephone booking line was overloaded. Changes are being made. I am very pleased."
Chatham-Kent Public Health (CKPH) had to to issue a notification through social media about delays on Saturday.
"Thanks for your patience. We are moving as quickly as we can," wrote CKPH. "The COVID-19 vaccination call centre staff continue to work hard to return your calls, and get you and your loved ones booked in to be vaccinated. We appreciate your patience as we continue to get people appointments as quickly as we can."
Paul (pictured above) was the first person to get a Pfizer injection at the clinic on Saturday.
“I am getting vaccinated because I want to see my six grandkids," he said.
The health unit also said if people called before 8:30 a.m. on Saturday when the phone line opened, their message was not able to be returned. They are being urged to call back on their designated day.