Not only has the vaccine for COVID-19 arrived in Chatham-Kent, the inoculations have begun.
The Moderna vaccine arrived about 10:30 this morning and at 2:12 this afternoon the first shots began at Chatham’s Riverview Gardens.
Trained staff from CK Public Health and EMS were administering the shots.
“I felt like I was witnessing a historic moment” said Dr. Dixon, attending physician at Riverview Gardens. “The combination of months of hard work coupled with scientific research enables us to deliver one of the safest vaccines in the history of public health. I am filled with emotion for those who have suffered great losses and recognize the emotional burden this has placed on all of us these past 11 months.”
“This is the shot in the arm we have been waiting for,” said Lori Marshall, President and CEO, Chatham-Kent Health Alliance. “This initial rollout is a major turning point for us in the pandemic; we’ve seen rising cases in our own community and increased hospitalizations. The vaccine is critical to help save lives and protect hospital services.”
“Under the province’s Ethical Framework for COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution, LTCHs are the first priority population to receive the COVID-19 vaccination. This population is most vulnerable to the transmission and spread of the virus. Frankly, I could not be happier that this moment has arrived!” said Dr. David Colby, Medical of Officer for Chatham-Kent.
Riverview Gardens resident Bill Breedon was the first person to receive the shot “I’m very grateful to be the first resident at Riverview Gardens to receive the COVID-19 vaccination. I am saying yes to the vaccine for health reasons; I have a history of strokes and want protection from the disease and the severe symptoms that can come along with it,” said Mr. Breedon.
