The Renfrew County and District Health Unit (RCDHU) says vaccination clinics have been completed in all 10 long-term care homes with first doses provided to 908 people.
Acting Medical Officer of Health with the RCDHU, Dr. Robert Cushman, says they will be making the vaccine roll-out plan publicly available on Friday.
Erin Vereyken, Manager, COVID Vaccination Program, RCDHU states, “On my drive to Barry’s Bay for the first COVID-19 vaccine immunization clinic in RCD, I couldn’t help but reflect back to the journey that not only I have been on throughout this pandemic, but also for all of my colleagues at RCDHU. I was working when RCDHU received its first confirmed positive case of COVID-19 on March 23, 2020. Together with my manager, and RCDHU Public Health Nurses, we worked into the night for the case and contact follow up. Now, I am having the privilege to be able to assist and participate in the first COVID-19 vaccines in RCD being given, making this a full circle experience. Our RCDHU team received an extremely warm welcoming when we arrived to Valley Manor, and I could sense the positivity and excitement in all the staff in being able to finally administer the vaccines to their residents. When the first COVID-19 vaccine was given at Valley Manor, the room was filled with feelings of happiness, hope and tears of joy. It was a true sign that we were all one step closer to putting this pandemic in our rear-view mirror.”
Andrew Keck, Manager, COVID Vaccination Program, RCDHU continues, “Over the past two weeks I have had the pleasure of working with each of the LTC homes to plan COVID-19 vaccinations for residents. The level of detail and preparedness in their plans has been impressive, and ultimately led to a successful vaccination campaign for the first doses to LTC residents. I personally had a chance to witness one of these immunization clinics. The enthusiasm and collaboration between the LTC homes, RCDHU, and County of Renfrew Paramedics, speaks to the level of commitment to residents we all have. Most importantly, I got to see the excitement and relief the residents had receiving the vaccine. Well done, and I look forward to completing second doses.”
Remember to stay home if you are sick, avoid contact with those who are ill, practice physical distancing (2 metres), wear a mask/face covering when physical distancing cannot be maintained, wash your hands, use the COVID Alert App, and if you are symptomatic, complete the COVID-19 self-assessment tool or COVID-19 school and child care self-assessment tool before going to work, school or daycare, to monitor for symptoms and proper guidance.
