Vaccination efforts in Sarnia-Lambton are being expanded to high-risk patients of four primary care practices.
Lambton Public Health has partnered with Central Lambton Family Health Team, Twin Bridges Nurse Practitioner Clinic, Rapids Family Health Team, and North Lambton Community Health Centre on a new pilot project.
The arrangement will see the practices administer Moderna vaccines to their patients with high-risk chronic health conditions beginning this week.
A media release from the health unit said eligible patients who belong to those practice groups will be contacted to book an appointment for their immunization soon.
It also said the pilot is designed to increase access to immunizations to eligible patients in the region, build capacity for delivery of vaccinations through primary care, and expand vaccine distribution channels.
Lambton Medical Officer of Health Dr. Sudit Ranade said primary care providers will play an important role in the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines.
“It is anticipated this pilot will give these providers experience with storage and handling of the COVID-19 vaccines, as well as the provincial reporting system (COVAX) that is critical to ensure every dose is accounted for,” said Dr. Ranade. “Most importantly this pilot will also help protect some of our community's most vulnerable.”
A small number of doses have been allocated to each of the providers – a total of 2600 doses initially.
The health unit said as vaccine supply becomes more readily available, and with the expected increase in availability of AstraZeneca, more local primary care providers will be able to participate.
