A trio of local pharmacies have been given the go-ahead to start doling out vaccines to those in the 55 to 64 age group.
THUNDER BAY – Monty Peters says he feels like he won the lottery.
The 59-year-old Thunder Bay man was front and centre on Thursday at the Shopper’s Drug Mart on Red River Road, where he was one of the first in the city to receive a dose of AstraZeneca vaccine, available to all Ontarians between 55 and 64.
Peters, whose wife is getting her shot on Saturday, said he was not concerned in the least about which vaccine he got, brushing aside reports of blood clots associated with the AstraZeneca brand.
There was no hesitation when his wife received an email from Shoppers advising them of the vaccine availability for their age group, thanks to having signed up for a flu vaccine this past fall.
“I read that there were 18 million doses of AstraZeneca in Britain and 30 cases (of blood clots),” Peters said. “That’s about one in 600,000. I’d have a better chance of being hit by a comet when I go for a run.””Peters said he was anxious to get vaccinated because he wants to be able to safely visit his daughters, one who lives in Sault Ste. Marie, the other who lives in Barrie, Ont.
“It weighed on me mostly because I can’t go out of town to visit my daughters,” said Peters, adding he still plans to practice COVID-19 protocols, including wearing a mask and social distancing, until it’s deemed safe not to do so any longer.
“Basically I’ve been staying home all the time. I walk my dog daily. I haven’t been out before today in just over a week. My wife and I alternate doing groceries, we go about every 12 days.”
Pharmacist Maggie Wilmore, who owns the Shopper’s Drug Mart Red River Road location, said she received 500 doses of the vaccine and spots have long been filled up. In fact, there’s a waiting list for those hoping to fill no-show spots.
Willmore said there have been about a dozen cancellations already, mainly people who now qualify for the Thunder Bay District Health Unit clinic, which this week dropped its age eligibility to 60 from 70. All were able to secure appointments there, Willmore said.
So far, the process has run smoothly, she said.
The impact is going to be huge.
“I think it’s wonderful they’re including pharmacies in terms of getting vaccinations out as quickly as possible,” Willmore said. “Really it’s about working as a team – so pharmacies, the hospital, the health unit – distributing as much as possible.”
She noted it’s unclear when they will get more doses. Three pharmacies in Thunder Bay were added to the list of pharmacies permitted to administer vaccines in Ontario, when the province last week expanded a pilot program initially only available in three southern Ontario public health districts.
Those getting the vaccine can expect a pretty smooth process, but are asked to wait around for 15 to 30 minutes afterward to ensure there are no complications, the length of time dependent on any underlying health conditions.
source tbnewswatch