The Health Department will be ready to assist when necessary with the rollout of the Covid-19 vaccine in Durham Region, according to Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Robert Kyle.
“While there’s still a lot of information to come about the role that public health units (PHUs) will have, we do know that the provincial government has developed a vaccine distribution implementation plan which indicates that PHUs will receive vaccine supply in early 2021,” he said.
“Whatever our responsibility, Durham Region Health Department will be ready. The Health Department has expertise in vaccine distribution and administration that spans many years,” Dr. Kyle said.
He pointed out that each school year, the Health Department works with area school boards through the School Immunization Program to ensure that all students receive the appropriate vaccines at the correct time as outlined in the provincial immunization schedule.
Dr. Kyle said Health Department staff spend many hours tracking thousands of students across Durham Region to confirm that all vaccines are up to date, and any missing vaccines are identified so they can be administered to ensure that students are protected from a wide-variety of vaccine preventable diseases.
Health Department staff also manage a number of department immunization clinics geared toward students who may have missed a school vaccination clinic, or members of vulnerable populations who may be challenged in accessing a health care provider.
“For almost 20 years, we have overseen and managed the province’s Universal Influenza Immunization Program in Durham Region, working with countless health care offices, pharmacies and other providers to deliver influenza vaccine to members of our community. Whatever role we will play in the delivery of the Covid-19 vaccine, we will be ready – we look forward to working with the province and other partners, including Region of Durham Paramedic Services, Durham Emergency Management and Lakeridge Health, as more information is received regarding the availability of Covid-19 vaccine in Durham Region,” Dr. Kyle added.