Ontario Plans to Vaccinate Over 8 Million:

by Macleod Roy

It has been one year since the first case of Covid 19 was detected in Ontario.  Premier Doug Ford has announced plans to immunize up to 8.5 million Ontarians. This is the 2nd phase of the province’s vaccination plan. The first phase is well under way with a goal of  immunizing all residents of Long Term Care homes by Feb 15 2021.

“We now have a well-oiled machine, led by General Hillier, and we are making tremendous progress. We know this second phase will be an even larger logistical undertaking than the first. That’s why we’re ramping up our capacity on the ground to ensure these vaccines are administered quickly, beginning with the people who need them most.” said Ford.

Those qualified to receive the vaccination in phase two include the following:

• Older adults, beginning with those 80 years of age and older and decreasing in five-year increments over the course of the vaccine rollout;
• Individuals living and working in high-risk congregate settings;
• Frontline essential workers (e.g., first responders, education workers, food processing industry);
• Individuals with high-risk chronic conditions and their caregivers; and
• Other populations and communities facing barriers related to the determinants of health across Ontario who are at greater COVID-19 risk.

If you don’t fit into one of those categories this is not reason to panic. Rather this phase marks the first steps towards providing immunity to all in Canada’s most populous province. Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health felt confident in the way the province was moving forward stressing the need to vaccinate those who are most vulnerable first.

“When Ontario receives sufficient doses of vaccines, we will ensure that every person who wants to be vaccinated will receive it. Until then, everyone must continue to follow the public health guidelines and stay home, stay safe and save lives.” said Elliott.

Many Ontarians eagerly await the end of the emergency measures which were quickly extended though still set to end in February. Unfortunately this project has not gone off without a hitch as Pfizer-BioNTech’s shipment delays forced the government to adjust their plan. The expected deliveries for the week of January 25 will be missed and the province will receive just over 26,000 doses for the first weeks of February. In response Ford’s government is accelerating the vaccinations of the most vulnerable; specifically those in retirement and long term care.

“I know this will mean that some people may have to reschedule their vaccine appointments, but it is critical that our most vulnerable seniors receive the protection they need as soon as possible.” said Ford.