COVID-19 vaccination efforts are moving forward across Algoma.
While it's in the process of administering second doses to residents of long-term care homes and First Nations elder care lodges, Algoma Public Health says first doses are now being administered to long-term care home staff and essential caregivers, as well as "highest priority" health care workers, as defined by the province.
It's also preparing for vaccination clinics covering adults 80 or older - expected to start in the coming weeks - will vaccinations will continue to be offered to "priority Indigenous adults" on-reserve and in urban settings.
APH's website shows plans are to hold such clinics in North Algoma at the end of the month, at Wawa's Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre March 23rd and 26th, at the Dubreuilville Medical Centre the 24th, and in White River on the 25th, though some details are still pending - it emphasizes the clinics will be by appointment only, with all individuals to be contacted directly, so do not show up without an appointment.
Ontario's vaccine rollout task force previously announced plans to launch an online booking system and service desk March 15th, when those 80 and older could start booking appointments, hoping to lower that to 75 on April 15th, 70 May 1st, 65 June 1st, and 60 July 1st.
The health unit emphasizes that public health measures are still important - particularly until the vaccine's widely available - urging everyone stay home as much as possible and avoid non-essential travel, gatherings, or close contact with people you don't live with, wearing a mask and physically distancing when in public places - and to stay home when ill, even with mild symptoms.