Halton Healthcare set to receive first doses of COVID-19 vaccine

On December 18, 2020, the Province announced Halton Healthcare is among 17 new hospital vaccine delivery sites who are set to receive the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. The doses will be administered to health care workers in high-risk settings first, such as long-term care homes and hospitals, followed by the other priority populations Ontario has identified. “This is an important step in our collective response to stopping the spread of COVID-19,” said Halton Region Chair, Gary Carr. “Since March, health care workers have been on the frontline of this fight, making significant sacrifices in their own lives to help others. I am in support of the Province’s plan to make sure that these heroes are front of the line for the first doses of this monumental vaccine. I would also like to thank the staff at Halton Healthcare and Halton Region Public Health for their all of their efforts in planning this first phase.” While this latest announcement is great news for our community and province, Halton Region Public Health is reminding everyone that following all other public health measures remains critical. “While this is a new light at the end of the tunnel, we cannot let our guards down, said Halton Region Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Hamidah Meghani. “No matter where you live, please continue to stay home as much possible, only go out for essential reasons and do not gather with anyone who does not live with you – indoors or outdoors. These are early days for this vaccine, and we have a long road ahead to achieving herd immunity and understanding how it protects others. Thank you to everyone for continuing to follow public health direction and supporting one another.” The Province continues to lead the plan for vaccine distribution across Ontario. For information and emerging details on vaccine distribution timelines, priority regions and populations, please visit Ontario’s COVID-19 vaccine webpage. To learn more about COVID-19 vaccine, including safety, please visit halton.ca/COVID19.