The second batch of COVID-19 vaccines for Chatham-Kent has arrived.
CK Medical Officer of Health Dr. David Colby promised on Thursday that the next shipment of doses would arrive this week and the promise has been kept.
“We can confirm that the second shipment of COVID-19 vaccine arrived late Friday morning. Our vaccination teams are being mobilized to complete the remaining first vaccinations for those residents in Long-Term Care Homes, high risk retirement homes, and Indigenous elder care homes beginning today [Friday] to meet the February 10 provincial deadline," said Jeff Moco of CK Public Health Communications.
He added local health officials hope to share a progress update early next week with further details.
So far, 404 total doses have been administered in Chatham-Kent. Dr. Colby said on Thursday there are still 600 long-term care residents in the area to be vaccinated and the next delivery should be enough to get all local long-term care residents vaccinated. Chatham-Kent is in Phase 1 of Ontario's COVID-19 Vaccination Program, which focuses on residents, essential caregivers, and staff of congregate care settings for seniors, health care workers, adults in Indigenous populations, and adults getting health care at home for chronic conditions.
CK Public Health said vaccines are safe, effective and the best way to protect individuals and those around them from serious illnesses like COVID-19.
"Vaccines work with your immune system so your body will be ready to fight the virus if you are exposed. This can reduce your risk of developing COVID-19 and make your symptoms milder if you do get it," said health officials.
Currently, two COVID-19 vaccines have been approved for use by Health Canada -- Pfizer and Moderna.
The first COVID-19 vaccine shipment for Chatham-Kent arrived January 25.
For more information about the COVID-19 vaccine click here.
The Public Health Unit reported seven new cases of COVID-19 in Chatham-Kent on Friday. However, 13 more cases have been marked as resolved so the number of active COVID-19 cases has gone down slightly to 136.
Fairfield Park Nursing Home in Wallaceburg, which has a large outbreak, reported late Friday the total number of active cases at the home is now 76. Home Administrator Tracey Maxim said 34 are resident cases, 41 are among the staff, and one is an essential caregiver. Maxim added to date, eight resident cases have been resolved and three resolved staff members have been able to return work. The home reported the death of a resident Thursday night but CK Medical Officer of Health Dr. David Colby said it was not related to COVID-19.
