An exciting boost on the COVID-19 vaccine front came from the province today, as Retired General Rick Hillier announced the province is expecting to receive doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine tomorrow.
According to Hillier, roughly 50,000 doses are set to be delivered to four sites in the province, to be redistributed to long-term care and retirement homes.
While it’s not clear when those Moderna doses will arrive in the region, our local vaccine distribution task force says it’s already vetting its plans in anticipation. Speaking during today’s regional COVID-19 vaccine briefing, Medical Officer of Health Dr. Hsiu Li Wang said it’s anticipated that the Moderna vaccine will arrive in small volumes, requiring some time to have a more guaranteed supply like the Pfizer vaccine.
Speaking to the region’s current capacity of vaccination, Police Deputy Chief Shirley Hilton said the region has held three clinics and administered approximately 230 vaccines. Receiving direction from the province, Hilton said this week’s clinics are expected to vaccinate 300-400 people per day, as the Ministry has offered further direction on supply levels of the Pfizer vaccine.
“We have now been informed by the Ministry that sites should continue holding clinics using their full number of received doses rather than holding back the second dose…” said Hilton. “We anticipate another vaccine shipment next week and will continue to prioritize long term care staff and high-risk retirement home care staff – in addition to essential caregivers from both settings.”
With the Pfizer vaccine requiring two doses twenty-one days apart, Hilton said the region had been following direction from the province in holding back vaccines to ensure there’d be a supply for follow-up doses from the same batch. According to Hilton, the Ministry of Health has assured the regional vaccine task force that there will be enough supply – with an additional vaccine shipment expected next week.
Hilton was also sure to remind the public that safe distribution to the public will take time, as she asked the community to continue to follow public health guidelines.
