COVID vaccine arrives at NGH

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The first vaccines for the coronavirus touched down in Norfolk and Haldimand this week at Norfolk General Hospital.

This shipment involves the Pfizer vaccine, which is one of the first developed and approved for mass distribution.

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“Today is a historic day for our hospital and a huge step forward in how our region will combat COVID-19,” says Lucy Bonanno, president and CEO of NGH and West Haldimand General Hospital in Hagersville.

“We hope this marks the beginning of the end of a difficult time for our hospital and the communities we serve. We look forward to working with our hospital partners on getting this historic project off the ground and we hope it will have a positive impact on our communities.”

The Pfizer vaccine comes with challenges. At a budget meeting last week, Norfolk CAO Jason Burgess said the vaccine must be stored at temperatures in the range of minus 70 degrees C. Burgess noted that NGH has freezers capable of this deep cold, adding the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit is in the process of installing this capacity as well.

Norfolk Mayor Kristal Chopp, chair of Norfolk and Haldimand’s board of health, is pleased and relieved that the hard work of vaccination can begin.

“I can’t begin to say how pleased I am to see this initial rollout of vaccines for some of our most vulnerable community members,” the mayor said in an email.

“Vaccination represents our best chance of bringing this pandemic to an end. But there is still a long way to go. That’s why I urge everyone to continue to follow the guidance of public health officials and – when the time comes – to get themselves vaccinated against the virus.”

Dr. Shanker Nesathurai, Norfolk and Haldimand’s medical officer of health, echoed similar sentiments.

“It remains critical that we all remain vigilant against the spread of the virus,” he said. “Continue to stay home unless there is a compelling reason to leave the house. Wear a mask when you must go out and wash your hands frequently.”

Front-line workers are NGH are thrilled and relieved that there is a glimmer at the end of the tunnel after nine months of pandemic.

“We can now see a ray of light during a challenging time,” says Kim Mullins, vice president of patient care and chief nursing officer at NGH and WHGH.

The Ford government is responsible for co-ordinating the rollout of vaccines across Ontario. The province has prioritized vulnerable populations. Top of the list are residents of long-term care facilities, front-line care-givers and health-care providers, and indigenous populations.

“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,” NGH said in a news release.

“The first clinic will not be open to the general public. Those identified to receive the first dose of the vaccine will be contacted. Clinic planning is underway based on provincial guidelines. The details will be released when available.”