County vaccine clinic at Rec Complex March 8

REGIONAL — With last week’s announcement that Ontario Health is ramping up the vaccine rollout across the province, local officials are organizing mass-vaccination sites, getting ready for the onslaught of vaccine recipients over the coming months.

In Chatham-Kent, vaccinations of the general population over 80 began on Saturday, February 27 and continue this week into next at the John D. Bradley Convention Centre in Chatham.

Windsor-based residents are also getting shots in the arm at the WFCU Centre as Windsor-Essex rolls out their vaccination plans this week.

Starting Monday, March 8, Leamington area residents — anyone from the county for that matter — 80 years and over, will begin receiving the first doses of COVID-19 vaccine at the Nature Fresh Farms Recreation Centre (formerly the Sherk Complex).

The Nature Fresh Farms Recreation Centre will be the site for this area’s mass vaccination clinics, beginning on Monday March 8, when residents 80 years of age and over can start getting the first dose. Registration tents can be seen in the parking lot.

Sun photo

Municipal crews have been busy readying the complex for the influx of county residents wanting the vaccine.

All regional vaccination plans are following the provincial master plan, developed by Ontario’s Vaccine Task Force.

It’s expected that, once the 80-plus crowd is inoculated, the vaccines will be available to those between the ages of 75 and 79 next.

In the midst of all of that, are remaining health care workers, front-line people such as police, fire and EMS, as well as administrative folks in congregate settings.

If all goes well and vaccine supply remains steady, anyone in Ontario wanting a vaccine, should have one by Labour Day.

The steadily increasing vaccinations are said to be the ‘light at the end of the tunnel’ for Canadians and those across the world still reeling from the pandemic.

Officials caution the public to remain steadfast in their resolve to socially distance, wear a mask in public and wash your hands. They are preaching patience, as the vaccine program will hopefully finally get the virus under control.

Visit wechu.org if you live in Windsor-Essex, to sign up for pre-registration if you are 80-plus.

If you live in Chatham-Kent, go to their website at ckphu.com.