Residents and staff at Norview Lodge long-term care facility have received the area’s first doses of COVID-19 vaccine.
Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit nurses and Norfolk County paramedics delivered the vaccinations as part of the first phase of the region’s vaccination roll-out.
“It’s hard to put what this day means into words,” says Bill Nolan, Norview’s Administrator. “Without the hard work and dedication of our team and the support from our community, this would not have been possible. To see our residents and staff get vaccinated – it’s amazing.”
According to the prioritization framework determined by the Province, vaccinations will first be provided to those most at risk: residents of long-term care facilities and health care providers who are working in higher risk settings.
While Ontario’s COVID-19 vaccination roll-out is being organized by the province, hospital and health unit staff will work closely with long-term care providers to ensure vaccinations are successfully administered at facilities in both Haldimand and Norfolk in the coming days.
“This is a day we’ve long been waiting for, and while it doesn’t mean the pandemic is over, it does represent a significant turning point in our battle against the virus,” says Mayor Kristal Chopp, chair of the Haldimand-Norfolk Board of Health. “We still have a long road to travel, but these initial vaccinations will go a long way to ensuring some of our community’s most vulnerable members are protected against COVID-19.”
Vaccines are safe, effective and the best way to protect against serious illnesses like COVID-19.
Vaccines work with your immune system so your body will be ready to fight the virus if you are exposed. This can reduce your risk of developing COVID-19 and make your symptoms milder if you do get it.
Learn more about Ontario’s COVID-19 vaccination plan here.
