GUELPH – The first COVID-19 vaccinations in the Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health (WDGPH) region will be delayed by several days.
On Jan. 4, the same day the health unit’s first batch of vaccines was to arrive, officials were informed by Pfizer that the shipment will be delayed.
“As a result, public health will be cancelling today’s vaccinations, as well as rescheduling 500 long-term care and retirement home staff vaccination appointments,” stated an WDGPH press release.
Officials say that based on Pfizer’s update, vaccines will arrive as late as Jan. 8, “with no advance notice of arrival.”
“This is obviously a disappointment,” said Medical Officer of Health Dr. Nicola Mercer.
“Public health has been preparing to begin vaccinating our region against COVID-19 for months.
“While we can all recognize this is a complex logistical challenge, I share the frustration of everyone in the region at this delay.
“I want to assure residents of Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph that Public Health remains ready to administer the vaccine as soon as it arrives.”
WDGPH officials previously stated vaccinations will begin with staff at long-term care and retirement homes “before moving on to other high-risk healthcare providers as more vaccine stock arrives in the region.”
Due to transportation and storage requirements, vaccinations will initially be offered at WDGPH’s office in Guelph.
Officials say COVID-19 immunizations will be offered at other locations as other vaccines become available or the Pfizer vaccine is able to be moved.
For more information on the COVID-19 vaccine, visit https://wdgpublichealth.ca/covid19-vaccine.
