After much anticipation, Saultites now have some clarity on when they can expect the COVID-19 vaccine to be distributed locally.
According to the Algoma Ontario Health Team (AOHT), the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine will be available in the coming weeks through the COVID-19 Community Vaccine Hub. The hub will launch on March 5, a press release from AOHT reads, in the format of a large-scale accessible clinic at the GFL Memorial Gardens.
Starting March 5, vaccinations will be administered to long-term care workers and essential caregivers. Individuals who are identified as essential caregivers will be contacted individually to make appointments, AOHT says.
In terms of the general public, the press release states, "The Hub will expand to provide vaccinations to priority populations, including adults 80 years of age and over, priority healthcare workers, Indigenous adults, and other provincial priority groups, before rolling out to the general population of Sault Ste. Marie in accordance with Ontario Ministry of Health guidelines."
AOHT advises that hub partners are also planning mobile health units to reach additional locations and leverage existing infrastructure in the community.Timing of vaccine rollout continues to depend on supply and priority recipient groups are determined by the province of Ontario. Individuals are asked to talk to their primary healthcare providers or seek out information from Algoma Public Health’s COVID-19 vaccine webpage if they have any questions about vaccination.
Appointment booking is not available at this time - additional information will be provided as soon as it becomes available.
In other parts of Northern Ontario, the area's largest hospital, Sudbury's Health Sciences North, has kicked off its COVID-19 vaccination program.
It is in the process of providing vaccines to the people who work there.
