Lambton COVID-19 Immunization Task Force Update – March 23

Point Edward, ON – The Lambton COVID-19 Immunization Task Force met Tuesday, March 23 to discuss updates to the COVID-19 vaccine rollout plan in Lambton County. Here are some highlights from the meeting:

To date, a total of 16,454 doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered in Lambton County (14,910 first doses, 1,544 second doses).

The Mobile Immunization Team has completed all first and second doses to long-term care, high-risk retirement and Elder Care homes. Immunizations of first doses to long-term care and retirement home staff, essential caregivers, medical first responders, 90+ year old residents and their in-home caregivers are almost complete. Anyone in those priority groups who hasn’t been immunized may contact Lambton Public Health to book an appointment or visit getthevaccine.ca.

Clinics to vaccinate Indigenous adults continue to be held in all three local First Nations communities including Aamjiwnaang, Kettle and Stony Point, and Walpole Island.

Immunizations are ongoing for individuals who are 75+ years of age and older (or who are turning 75 this year) along with one in-home caregiver who resides in the same household. Vaccinations to healthcare workers and adult recipients of chronic home healthcare are also continuing.

A new high volume immunization clinic opened on Monday, March 22 at the Point Edward Arena. The Task Force would like to thank all community partners who have stepped up with contributions of funds, manpower, materials and time to bring this new clinic to fruition. If successful, and once our region sees a more steady supply of vaccines, the new model may be expanded to other fixed clinic sites in Lambton County. Immunizations at the region’s other rural fixed site clinics in Wyoming and Forest continue. Mobile clinics are also ongoing with First Nations communities, and congregate care settings, and will continue into Phase 2 of the Province’s vaccine rollout plan.

Yesterday, Lambton Public Health announced a new pilot project with four local primary care practice groups to administer Moderna vaccines to their patients with high-risk chronic health conditions. The participating primary care groups are Central Lambton Family Health Team, Twin Bridges Nurse Practitioner Clinic, Rapids Family Health Team, and North Lambton Community Health Centre. The pilot is designed to increase access to immunizations to eligible patients in the region, build capacity for delivery of COVID-19 vaccinations through primary care, and expand vaccine distribution channels.

As vaccine supply becomes more readily available, and with the expected increase in availability of AstraZeneca, more local primary care providers will be able to participate.  
The Province’s AstraZeneca vaccine delivery pilot program with pharmacies has expanded to approximately 700 locations to immunize eligible Ontarians aged 60-64, by appointment only,
in specific regions. Lambton County is not currently involved in this program.

Please visit GetTheVaccine.ca for the latest updates on the vaccine roll-out plan in Lambton County. For specific questions about the vaccine or other local inquiries, Lambton Public Health’s call centre is open Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30pm at 519-383-8331.

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Please contact:
LPH Media Inquiries

The Lambton COVID-19 Immunization Task Force is a group dedicated to the safe, comprehensive, effective, efficient and equitable rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine in Lambton County. Led by Lambton Public Health, the group consists of key stakeholders critical to the success of the plan including: Bluewater Health, Emergency Medical Services, Primary Care, Community Emergency Management Coordinators from the City of Sarnia, Village of Point Edward and County of Lambton, Aamjiwnaang First Nation, Kettle and Stony Point First Nation, and Walpole Island First Nation.  The Task Force works to make vaccinations available to eligible populations in alignment with the Province of Ontario's COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Plan.