With a war of words underway between the provinces and our federal government on how long it's taking to get people their COVID-19 vaccines, Dr. Cathy Groh of the Elliot Lake Family Team (ELFHT) has some thoughts of her own on the subject.
"Mass vaccination clinics continue to be held at Collins Hall for priority groups as directed by Algoma Public Health," Groh said in a social media post.
Groh noted that vaccination efforts have begun for people in the 75-79 age group along with high priority healthcare workers and Indigenous people 55 and up.
"At this time, everyone needs to continue to follow public health guidelines, including those who are vaccinated. Daily new cases continue to increase in Ontario and thousands of people in our community have not been vaccinated. Of those vaccinated, most have only had one dose and so are not fully protected," Groh said.
"Next week Public Health has asked that vaccines continue to be offered to those aged 75+, as well as very high priority healthcare workers and now Indigenous people aged 18+. There are a proportion of the vaccines allocated to each group as directed by Algoma Public Health.
"People have asked why other communities are offering vaccines to more groups, including those younger than 75. Vaccines are distributed to different communities and groups based on risk. Risk is higher for those living in hot spots where there are higher rates of infection," Groh explained.
"It would not be advised to leave an area where there is a low rate of COVID-19 to travel to another region to get a vaccine a week or two earlier than it would be available in the region where someone lives."
Groh also addressed concerns about people being missed.
"The clinic is calling people in the eligible age groups but people can also call when their age group is eligible and book an appointment. (705-461-8882)," she said.
One reader who said he is 78 and unvaccinated, and with prior conditions, complained people the same age have already been contacted by ELFHT.
"We have only vaccinated a small group of the 75-79 years old and will probably take the next two weeks to finish vaccinating this group," Groh replied.
In an assessment of Elliot Lake's favourable infection levels compared with other areas in the province, she concluded, "I do believe that is because people in Elliot Lake have been so careful that we have not had the spread of COVID-19 that other communities have seen. Kudos to the people in this town!"