Although the province announced it is shortening the interval between two COVID-19 vaccine doses, Renfrew County and District Health Unit is still busy getting residents their first shot.
According to chief medical officer, Dr. Robert Cushman, that’s because the province has only been handing out 5,600 doses a week to the health unit.
Dr. Cushman says the Ontario government has been prioritizing vaccines for hardest hit areas, matching that with strong local vaccine uptake, and Public Health has ended up with more demand than supply.
“You can’t vaccinate ten people with five doses,” he laments, while also expressing an understanding of the province’s rollout strategy to prioritize vaccines for areas “devastated” by the pandemic.
A second dose strategy is still in the works for the health unit.
In the meantime. Dr. Cushman suggests booking vaccines with pharmacies who receive an independent supply from the province.
