Halton Region council calls on government to speed up COVID-19 vaccine delivery
Published January 21, 2021 at 3:36 pm
Halton Region Council is calling upon the Federal Government to speed up the delivery of COVID-19 vaccines.
On January 20, 2021, Halton Regional Council passed a resolution calling upon the Federal Government to accelerate the delivery of vaccines to support the needs of Canadians and residents of Halton Region amid the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.
“We have a responsibility to stand up for our residents and do everything we can to keep them safe,” said Halton Regional Chair Gary Carr.
“Our Public Health team and many partners have been working so hard to get these life-saving vaccines to our most vulnerable populations. There is tremendous planning that happens behind the scenes and without the ongoing, predictable supply of vaccines, their plans are forced to change and the risk of severe illness or death rises. I cannot thank our Health Department enough for all they are doing, even in the midst of daily changes, to vaccinate those who need it most.”
Halton Region Public Health and Halton Region Paramedic Services began vaccination for residents and staff at long-term care and retirement homes in mid-January, which aligned with Ontario’s vaccine implementation plan, using the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.
Mobile teams have been working seven days a week to transport vaccines from the hospital to each home as well as complete first dose vaccinations for these priority groups, subject to supply.
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“This news is another significant change, requiring us to pivot our plans on short notice,” said Halton Region Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Hamidah Meghani. “While these changes are a challenge, this has not stopped our efforts to get the vaccine to our most vulnerable. We are continuing with our current supply and working with our partners to get the first dose to all long-term care home residents by the end of this week, conditional of supply. I would like to thank our Paramedic Services team and hospital partners for their ongoing commitment and dedication to this effort.”
Additionally, the resolution requests that both Federal and Provincial governments consistently communicate which priority populations are eligible for vaccination as well as the timing of delivery for each priority population and the general public.
Currently, priority populations include residents, staff and essential caregivers of long-term care and high-risk retirement homes.
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