Hastings Prince Edward continues phase one of COVID-19 vaccine rollout

Prince Edward Family Health Team Dr. Anne Nanckievill getting her COVID-19 vaccination.

COVID-19 vaccines are beginning to roll out in the region with Hastings Prince Edward Public Health reporting 1,483 people have received doses.

HPE Public Health, in its new weekly vaccine update, notes it will “continue to work with local hospitals, paramedics services and other health care providers to implement phase one and prepare for phase two.”

First-dose vaccination priority includes residents, staff and essential caregivers in long-term care homes, high-risk retirement homes and First Nations elder care homes; those in hospital confirmed to enter long-term care, retirement or other congregate care homes for seniors and priority health care workers.

First doses have been provided for all residents in local long-term care and high risk retirement homes and at Tyendinaga Elders Lodge. Second doses are prioritized to these groups.

With timelines based on vaccine availability, the province has outlined its next priorities for first-dose vaccinations include adults 80 years of age and older, staff, residents and caregivers in retirment homes and care settings such as assisted living; high priority health care workers, Indigenous adults, and adult recipients of chronic home care.

Phase one was expected to run from January to March. The province’s initial plan was to also include essential workers – first responders, teachers, construction and food industry workers.

Phase two was initially planned for April to June before supply issues emerged. It initially targeted adults 80 years of age and older, then residents aged 65 to 75. The third phase was previously planned for August to December when all remaining residents would be able to get the shot.

The phase plans were disrupted with vaccine shipping delays. As of Tuesday, there have been 467,626 COVID-19 vaccine doses administered in the province.

HPE Public Health states it continues to plan and secure locations in preparation for public immunization clinics, also based on provincial priorities and vaccine availablity.

A HPE Public Health Population Health Assessment in 2017 notes the population for the region in 2016 was 161,180 – 58.5 per cent in urban Belleville or Quinte West and 41.5 per cent in rural areas.

Statistics Canada provides further breakdown, also from 2016, indicating there were 36,410 residents over age 65 – or 22.6 per cent of the population. There were 12,080 aged 65 to 69; 8,865 aged 70 to 74; 6,345 aged 75 to 79; 4,580 aged 80 to 84 and 4,545 residents 85 years of age and older.