Local pharmacies roll out AstraZeneca pilot project

REGIONAL — After much speculation and confusion, the Ontario government’s pilot project for the distribution of the AstraZeneca vaccine rolled out last week.

For those in the 60-64 years age group, this pilot project came as a welcome surprise, as they didn’t expect to see a vaccination until July.

There had been reports in past weeks that the AstraZeneca vaccine may not be suited for those 65 years and over. In order to keep the 194,500 doses they received viable, the government had to pivot and use them in the younger age group before expiry.

A decision was made to run pilot projects in pharmacies in three health unit areas in the province, including Toronto, Windsor-Essex and the Kingston area.

About 325 pharmacies in these areas received about 500 doses each, all to be administered starting last week.

The confusion came when the government announced Wednesday, that the project would begin Friday, which left many of the pharmacies scrambling to set up appointment schedules.

Leamington Walmart Pharmacist, Sri Etikala, administers the first dose of AstraZeneca COVID vaccine at that location to Bryce Phillips on Friday, March 12. Walmart Leamington was among 57 pharmacies in Windsor-Essex to take part in the pilot project, targeting the 60-64 year age group.

Photo submitted

Costco was ahead of the game, with an online portal ready to book appointments, while others began taking phone calls.

There was also a report out of Europe that the AstraZeneca vaccines in Norway had possibly been linked to blood clots. Canadian officials were quick to dispel those reports and assure Canadians that the vials received here are perfectly safe.

Local residents in the age group scrambled to make appointments and hundreds of doses were administered over the weekend in Windsor-Essex.

Many of those who received that first dose, now have appointments for the second dose in mid-July.

Another 29,000 doses of AstraZeneca went to family health teams in six public health areas, which did not include Windsor-Essex or Chatham-Kent.

If you were born between 1957 and 1961, you are eligible for the AstraZeneca pilot project.

Seven pharmacies in Leamington and Kingsville were administering doses to the target group on the weekend. They included Zehrs Kingsville, Shoppers Drug Mart Kingsville, Kingsville IDA, Shoppers Drug Mart Leamington, Walmart Leamington, Real Canadian Superstore Leamington and Central Pharmacy Leamington.

Call the pharmacy of your choice for appointment availability.