A long-term care worker in Ontario is the first person in Canada to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
Anita Quidangen received the first dose of the vaccine on Monday just after 12PM at the University Health Network in Toronto. Quidangen is a personal support worker (PSW) at the Rekai Centre at Sherbourne Place, also in Toronto.
The vaccine arrived in Hamilton by airplane from the U.S. on Sunday evening.
Several other health care workers also received the first of two doses today as well.
Premier Doug Ford calls the administration of the vaccine historic and a “watershed moment”
“Today is a historic day for Ontario and for Canada as the first Health Canada-approved COVID-19 vaccines have started to be given to our frontline health care heroes,” said Ford. “This is a watershed moment – the beginning of the end of this terrible pandemic. The light at the end of the tunnel grows brighter every day, but we must remain on our guard.”
The Premier also recognized Quidangen, who has worked in long-term care since 1988.
“Anita has spent years rolling up her sleeves to protect our province, and today, she didn’t hesitate to find a new way to do so. She represents the best of the Ontario Spirit,” added the Premier.
Ford says the beginning of vaccinations officially launches the first phase of the three-phase implementation.
“(It) marks the beginning of the long journey to return life back to normal,” he said. “Over 2,500 health care workers in our hospitals and long-term care homes will be vaccinated over the coming days and weeks, with more people to follow as additional shipments arrive.”
The Premier is also encouraging Ontario residents to be patient as the immunization process begins.
“This is the biggest immunization program in a century, and our vaccine supply will arrive in stages. General Hillier and the COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Task Force are working with Health Canada and other provincial and territorial partners to ensure the vaccines are distributed quickly, so people can get immunized as soon as possible,” Ford said. “As we continue to rollout these vaccines, I’m asking all Ontarians to please continue following the public health measures to keep everyone safe and healthy, especially during the holiday season. Avoid social gatherings, wear a mask when required, practise physical distancing, wash your hands frequently, and download the COVID Alert app. As we await the arrival of more vaccines, this is our best and only defence against this deadly virus.”
