A public health nurse administers the COVID-19 vaccine. (File photo by Miranda Chant, Blackburn News)A public health nurse administers the COVID-19 vaccine. (File photo by Miranda Chant, Blackburn News)
Sarnia

Sarnia-Lambton targeted in phase two of vaccine rollout

Sarnia-Lambton will be part of the second phase of Ontario's three-phased COVID-19 vaccination rollout.

MPP Bob Bailey said Tuesday that phase two will be introduced in the coming weeks.

"I have been in constant contact with the ministry of health, Lambton Public Health and Bluewater Health, who have all assured me that Lambton County’s most vulnerable citizens and critical healthcare workers will receive vaccinations as soon as they are available for distribution in phase two," Bailey said in a statement. "Lambton Public Health and Bluewater Health are coordinating the implementation of the local vaccine rollout and have a comprehensive distribution plan in place for when local vaccine supplies arrive. They are ready and prepared for when that happens so they can start immunizing people as expediently as possible."

Lambton's medical officer of health said it appears the Moderna vaccine would be a better fit for Sarnia-Lambton.

Dr. Sudit Ranade told Sue Storr on CHOK (103.9 FM, 1070 AM) Tuesday morning, that logistics associated with the Pfizer vaccine are more complicated.

"The Pfizer vaccine, until we get word that that vaccine can be moved from where it is shipped to, that vaccine would have to be given at the place that it's delivered, and right now that place would probably be the hospital," said Ranade. "Which means you need to bring people to the vaccine instead of the vaccine to people."

Dr. Ranade said the Moderna vaccine doesn't require ultra-cold storage temperatures.

"If we are to get Moderna, that vaccine my understanding is, is a little bit more stable in transport and so we could actually get that to long-term care homes and have long-term care homes immunize their residents which I believe to be the priority, and then work on the next levels which is staff and healthcare workers etc."

Dr. Ranade said while there has been a tremendous increase in new cases recently, the vaccine remains a reason for hope and optimism in 2021.

-With files from Sue Storr

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