This week Public Health reached an important vaccination milestone – 100,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine administered across Niagara, representing approximately 20% of the population. With nearly 450,000 people residing in Niagara, this means our Public Health team has about another 700,000 plus to go in order for everyone to receive their required two doses.  Niagara Health and our Public Health Unit has truly pulled together to make things happen as quickly as possible. It’s nice to see it handled with such professionalism and enthusiasm for the health of our communities. I feel very grateful for our health care workers and the dedication they have shown over the past year. 

What has not gone well over the past few weeks is the Provincial vaccination booking system. The Province opened vaccination appointments up to the 60 plus age group on April 6th to the ire of thousands of residents who then hit a roadblock when they tried to book an appointment. The issue here is that the Province hasn’t ensured that appointments are available prior to making these announcements, which prompts thousands of people go online or call for an appointment. In Niagara this represents an additional 67,000 people.

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