Huron-Perth Public Health has released the Huron Perth COVID-19 vaccine implementation plan overview.
In a release on February 11th, HPPH says the plan is based on the goal of "bringing vaccines to people."
The release goes on to say that the plan will rely on the three M's; mass vaccination clinics, mobile clinics and multiple sites and partners.
Officials say as more vaccine supply arrives during Phase 2 and 3 of the provincial vaccination plan, numerous mass vaccination clinics and smaller-scale community clinics will take place across Huron and Perth. Planning is being done to determine the community clinic sites across both counties. Mobile clinics will also be used for those who have barriers such as transportation.
The release lists some prospective sites for clinics in Huron-Perth including Wingham, Clinton, Goderich, Exeter, Listowel, Stratford, St. Mary’s, Milverton, Mitchell and Seaforth More clinics and increased hours could be implemented depending on vaccine supply.
HPPH says its goal is to vaccinate 75% of the eligible population in Huron-Perth as quickly as possible.
The release states "eligible recipients in Huron Perth are currently those 16 years or older, without a medical contra-indication, who want to receive the vaccine."
“Huron-Perth is a large geographic area with small populations distributed throughout,” said Dr. Miriam Klassen, Medical Officer of Health. “We are committed to providing vaccinations equitably across Huron-Perth for everyone who wants to be vaccinated and want to remove as many barriers as possible. Given these factors, the model that made the most sense was to bring vaccines to people instead of people to vaccines.”
“The Huron-Perth COVID vaccination model is possible because of enthusiastic and dedicated partners who have offered their resources to make mass vaccinations happen throughout Huron and Perth, reaching as many people as possible,” added Dr. Klassen.
Dr. Klassen explains the phase they're working on right now continues to be residents, staff and essential care givers for long term homes and high risk retirement homes.
“The one that we're working on right now continues to be residents, staff and essential care givers for long term homes and high risk retirement homes. It also includes other retirement homes, that sort of thing. Phase one also includes front line health care workers in sort of high risk settings. As they dispense the vaccine, they also provide direction as to who the priority populations are and there's an IT system where people are registered that are eligible to receive a vaccine and then can therefore make an appointment at a clinic.”
-With files from Bob Montgomery
