THUNDER BAY – A first round of COVID-19 vaccinations in Thunder Bay long-term care homes is complete, with health authorities reporting approximately 95 per cent of local residents received an initial dose of the vaccine.
The Thunder Bay Distrit Health Unit made the announcement Friday evening, calling the development an important milestone in the local fight against the virus.
“To have the first round of vaccinations completed at these long-term care homes is a significant achievement,” said medical officer of health Dr. Janet DeMille. “The protection of long-term care homes is an important first priority, as we’ve seen the impact this virus has had in these settings.”
Long-term care residents account for 23 of 26 deaths attributed to COVID-19 in the district, with all of those the result of an outbreak at Southbridge Roseview.
The Thunder Bay District Health Unit, in partnership with Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, announced last week they’d been given the go-ahead to administer doses of the Pfizer vaccines off-site at long-term care homes.
Until then, it could only be given out locally at the hospital.
Staff at long-term care facilities were among the first to be vaccinated in Northwestern Ontario, with the goal to have all residents, staff, and essential caregivers vaccinated by mid-February.
Preparations are already underway to administer second doses of the Pfizer vaccine, the health unit said Friday, and to roll out the vaccine to smaller communities.
It takes time for those who have received the vaccine to develop immune response, and homes must continue to implement all infection prevention and control measures.
