Margaret Wilson, 89, was among the first in line today at Orillia’s Rotary Place to receive the first does of a vaccination against the COVID-19 virus.
Today was Day 1 at the Orillia location and it appears things went smoothly.
“The vaccine set-up for Orillia was an amazing experience,” said Dale Ranson, who accompanied Wilson, her mother-in-law, to the temporary clinic set up at the arena in West Ridge.
“Everyone was kind and courteous (and it was) very clean,” Ranson said. “The help from the doctors, nurse and the volunteers was extraordinary.”
After getting her vaccination, Wilson proudly displayed her T-shirt that declared her impetus behind her decision to get vaccinated: ‘Because I miss people.'
If you or a loved one need mobility assistance when attending a COVID-19 vaccination clinic, we can help. When you arrive for the appointment please ask to see the clinic coordinator and they can assist. #SMDHU #COVID19Vaccine #VaccinesWork pic.twitter.com/1BVmwN172l
— SMDHU (@SMDhealthunit) March 3, 2021
Rotary Place is one of 13 community vaccination clinics opened by Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit this week. You must book an appointment for the clinics.
For now, the health unit is only providing vaccinations to adults over 85 years old, Indigenous adults over 55 years old as well as their adult household members, adult recipients of chronic home care, and "very high priority" frontline health-care workers.
Dr. Charles Gardner, medical officer of health for the region, notes there is a limited supply of vaccinations, which is why the initial criteria has been narrowed to ensure the most vulnerable groups get it first.
"Over the months to come, we will work through priority populations to provide vaccination to all adults who want it," said Gardner in a news release.
As of this afternoon, the health unit revealed appointments up to March 16 are fully booked, but there is a waitlist.
Mary Ann Holmes, the acting vice president of community service and immunization for Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit, is strongly encouraging seniors aged 85 years and older and Indigenous adults aged 55 years or older to join the waitlist via the health unit’s online booking system or by calling 1-877-721-7520.
“The subgroups are much larger than the vaccine we have available,” noted Holmes, explaining why there were no more available appointments. “When we have appointments, we will go to the waitlist first to fill them … we get (vaccine) allocations from the province on a weekly basis.”
She said the clinics are ready to “ramp-up” as soon as vaccine supply allows.
Those who are eligible (proof of eligibility will be required) can book an appointment online through the health unit website or by phone at 1-877-721-7520.
Able Taxi is partnering with Kevin Wood, a realtor at Century 21, to offer free cab fare for Orillia seniors who need a ride to and from Rotary Place to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Seniors can book their free ride by calling Able Taxi at (705) 325-0632.
--With files from Erika Engel