The Elliot Lake Family Health Team (ELFHT) has been onsite at Collins Hall this week administering doses of Pfizer vaccine to combat COVID-19 for some of Elliot Lake's oldest residents.
After registering for their shots by calling ELFHT, area seniors responded to calls to attend the clinic.
Announced earlier this week, ELFHT was instructed by Algoma Public Health (APH) to vaccinate the following groups:
• People who are 80+ years old (born in 1941 or earlier)
• Indigenous people who are 55+ and who live in Elliot Lake
• highest priority healthcare workers who have not already been vaccinated (this includes home and community care healthcare workers)
"If you are in these groups, please contact the Elliot Lake Family Health Team, if you have not already done so, at 705-461-8882," the notice stated. "We do not expect to receive enough vaccine to vaccinate everyone in these groups this week. If you are in these groups, and we are not able to vaccinate you this week, you will be our first priority when we receive additional vaccine. The vaccination clinic will be hosted at the Collins Hall (120 Hillside Dr. N.)."
Thursday night, ELFHT member Dr. Cathy Groh wrote on social media, "335 people received their COVID-19 vaccines today in Elliot Lake's first mass vaccination clinic. We expect to get more vaccine next week so that the rest of these people in these groups can be vaccinated."
A man is his 70s with high blood pressure also suffering from COPD and Diabetes wanted to know when people like himself will be vaccinated.
"We can't say for sure but with the availability of new vaccines, the current plan will likely be changed," Dr. Groh replied.
She said she's concerned that some people are not paying enough attention to social distancing and personal hygiene regulations, potentially putting others at risk.
In restaurants that have been allowed to open, there must be two metres between tables and a maximum of six people per table, who are supposed to be from one household.
She said if you suspect you might have COVID, you should call the COVID testing centre at the Elliot Lake Family Health Team at 705-461-8882 to schedule a test, then isolate until the results are available.
If you have trouble breathing, you should call the hospital to let them know you are coming in with suspected COVID. The hospital staff would prepare for your arrival, Dr. Groh advised.