With Phase 1 of COVID-19 vaccinations underway at the St. Thomas Memorial Arena, Southwestern Public Health has announced that vaccine eligibility has been expanded to include additional cohorts.
Adults aged 75 and older (born in 1946 or earlier) as well as Indigenous adults aged 16 and older are now able to book a vaccine appointment. Also included is Faith leaders who as part of their regular role are at increased risk of exposure to COVID-19.
This could be through close contact with persons and families in the following circumstances:
-End of life care.
-Care of the deceased, funerals, bathing, or other ceremony with direct contact with deceased
persons.
– Home visits to unwell persons.
– Pastoral care in hospitals, Long-Term Care Homes, Retirement Homes, or other vulnerable
settings.
At this point, the health unit is administering hundreds of vaccines a day, says Medical Officer of Health Dr. Joyce Lock.
She also gave an update on the number of residents vaccinated in the region to date.
Phase 2 vaccinations are set to begin the week of March 29th in our region.
A complete list of those eligible for the vaccine in the SWPH region can be found here.
