Toronto has delivered more than six million COVID-19 doses so far in the effort to get residents of all age groups vaccinated, according to a city news release on Jan. 10.
This accomplishment comes after more than a year since the illness’s first arrival in December 2020.
In response to the surge of the latest variant, Omicron, the city and its health partners have doubled efforts to reach a total vaccination capacity of more than 1.2 million doses per month through hospital clinics, city-run clinics and more than 525 local doctors’ and pharmacy offices, the city says.
Clinics held at Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Woodbine Mall, Mitchell Field Community Centre, Cloverdale Mall and Scarborough Town Centre, as well as at hospital partner clinics, are continuing to operate, making appointments for first, second and third vaccine doses.
City-run clinics and health care centers across the province are still waiting for Pfizer vaccine shipments later this month. As of this week, clinics are to deliver the Moderna vaccine to residents of 30 years and older.
Long-term care homes
Meanwhile, some Torontonians are getting their fourth round of doses.
“It’s imperative that the city does what it can to help protect the residents in our long-term care homes as much as possible,” Mayor John Tory said in the press release. “We are working at wartime speed to deliver a fourth dose of the vaccine for LTC residents in conjunction with the health and safety measures implemented by City staff.”
Starting this week, the city health team and Michael Garron Hospital are administering the fourth vaccine to 145 eligible residents at True Davidson Acres, a long-term care home.
Clinics for residents have been scheduled in five other long-term care homes: Castleview Wychwood Towers, Kipling Acres, Wesburn Manor, Fudger House and Seven Oaks.
With the announcement of preparing the fourth dose of mRNA vaccine available for LTC individuals three months after their third shot, more than 1,800 people — 92 per cent of residents — in the 10 city-operated homes are eligible for the fourth.
To provide vaccination openings for residents, Toronto’s Senior Services and Long-Term Care division focused on higher infections, control practices and prevention.
Staff and caregivers are tested daily before entering a care home, they must be vaccinated as well as concrete rules on hand hygiene, masking and use of personal protective equipment.
Entry into long-term care homes have been placed on pause since Dec. 30, including outdoor visits. But “end-of-life” LTC residents are permitted visitors.
“Protecting long-term care residents with four doses of COVID-19 vaccine is a key defense for this vulnerable population,” said Dr. Eileen de Villa, Medical Officer of Health. “Vaccination, along with all of the measures of self-protection in this environment, will help decrease severe outcomes and illness for our seniors and elders.”