Public Health is closing a chapter in its fight against COVID-19.
Tomorrow marks the final day of operation for the mass vaccination clinic at the Bradley Centre site.
Public Health spokesman Jeff Moco says it’s been a huge team effort to keep the community safe.
“So much work and effort by so many people, it’s really hard to put into words how much has had to happen for just over 130,000 doses,” Moco says. “Having to do a repetitive task over and over and over again but do it right, do it safely. It’ll be really interesting when the doors close on Saturday, just how proud people will feel.”
Over 435 staff and volunteers from public health, CKHA, and EMS have been working on the front lines and behind the scenes.
In an unexpected twist, Saturday marks the 100th clinic held at the Bradley Centre since the clinic opened February 23rd.
But even with the closure of the mass vaccination site, Moco says the job isn’t done yet.
“We’re going to have to get more creative in going to locations and parts of the community where we still have some work to do. We’ll just have to keep plugging away and bring our coverage rates up across all demographics.”
Medical Officer Dr. David Colby has said vaccination rates among Chatham-Kent residents under the age of 40 are among the lowest in the province.
As of Thursday’s figures from Public Health, 70,613 residents, or 75% of the population over the age of 12 have received at least their first dose of COVID vaccine, while 62,137 residents or 66% have been fully vaccinated with both shots. The lowest vaccination rates are in the 12-17 age group, where 54% have had one dose, and 37% have received both shots.
Listen to Robyn Brady’s full interview with Jeff Moco, Public Health Educator and member of the CK-PHU COVID Communications team:
