WELLINGTON COUNTY – Local public health officials say the expected arrival of over 51,000 does of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine means more than half the region’s eligible population (those aged 16 and up) should be vaccinated by the end of May.
Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health (WDGPH) expects to receive 7,020 doses of the Pfizer vaccine this week and “the province now projects” the arrival of an additional 44,460 doses in May.
“This is tremendous news,” stated Medical Officer of Health Dr. Nicola Mercer in an April 26 press release.
“Our local vaccination program has the capacity to increase volumes at a moment’s notice once we receive increased supply of the vaccine.
“Many thanks to the province for this increase that should make a significant impact on our local vaccination timelines if the shipments arrive in Canada as projected.”
As of April 26, 87,304 residents in the WDGPH region have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine via public health clinics, partner clinics, pharmacies and doctor’s offices.
WDGPH officials say if vaccine shipments arrive as planned most of the 60,000 residents currently pre-registered for an appointment will receive a vaccination by the end of May – which will allow the health unit to reach the 50% threshold.
“That’s tremendous progress in a very short time,” stated Mercer.
“But, in order to end this pandemic, we must continue to strive toward meeting and surpassing the goal of 75% of eligible residents vaccinated against COVID-19.
“The higher we can push the number of people vaccinated, the better we protect all of us and the faster we are able to get back to normal.”
Mercer urged those not yet pre-registered for a vaccine appointment to do so as soon as possible.
Officials say WDGPH will follow the province’s vaccine framework, “booking people for appointments by age and risk as the vaccination program flows from phase two to phase three.”
Visit wdgpublichealth.ca/register to pre-register for a vaccination.
