Halton Region Asks Federal Government to speed up COVID19 Vaccines

By: Laura Steiner

Halton Region Council is asking the Federal Government to speed up delivery of the COVID-19 vaccine.  The resolution requests clear and consistent communication to the public on priority populations eligible for vaccination, timing for delivery for those priority populations, as well as the general public.

“We have a responsibility to stand up for our residents and do everything we can keep them safe,” Halton Regional Chair Gary Carr said.  Halton’s vaccinations started last month with hospital staff.  Earlier this month Paramedic services started vaccinating residents and staff at long-term care and retirement homes using the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.  The teams have been working 7 days week depending on supply.

Pfizer has announced a reduction in vaccine deliveries due to production issues.  Canada was to receive another 400,000 doses this month, and approximately 2 million into February.  Shipments will be cut by approximately 50% over the next four weeks. “This news is another significant change, requiring us to pivot our plans on short notice,” said Halton Regional Chief Medical Officer of Health (CMOH) Dr. Hamidah Meghani.

The vaccines are approved by the federal government, and distributed to the provinces.  The provinces are then able to prioritize rollout which includes who gets the vaccine, and where, and vaccine distribution.  The Region’s role is to distribute and administer the vaccine to long-term care and retirement homes contingent on supply.   Phase two will be expanded priority populations, while phase three will go to the general public.  Halton hospitals, including Joseph Brant are responsible for storing the vaccine and administering it to priority populations through hospital clinics. For more information on the vaccination process visit their website