No COVID-19 Vaccine Provision for Youth in Tofield

No COVID-19 Vaccine Provision for Youth in Tofield

Michelle Pinon - News Advertiser

Get vaccinated.

That’s been the message from Premier Kenney, the Chief Medical Officer of Health and the Minister of Health since COVID-19 vaccines became available. Despite that message, no vaccine provision has been made for youth in the community of Tofield.

Tofield Mayor Deb Dueck and members of council are now lambasting those government officials because of the situation. In a strongly worded letter dated Jan. 13, it stated that, “During the first availability of vaccine, rural Alberta felt that they were being slighted or ignored in not having vaccine provision to those who were unable to travel or not wanting to leave the comforts of their community, to truly do the right thing and become vaccinated.

Many across rural Alberta, Tofield included, reached out to advocate and make our voices heard in having this service provided in our communities through our very capable means such as our pharmacies and competent pharmacists.”

Darren Erickson, who owns Tofield Pharmachoice and Guardian Pharmacy, said he has been waiting since the government announcement was made in early December to receive the vaccine for adolescents and children. “I’ve been ready for one and a half months.”

Erickson said there shouldn’t be a distribution issue and doesn’t know why Alberta Health, which makes provision for the distribution of vaccines hasn’t already done so. “The Christmas holidays were a good opportunity to get the children’s vaccine,” noted Erickson.

That didn’t happen and as a result, Dueck stated that, “Members of our community wanting to have their children vaccinated are being forced to drive between 50 and 70 kilometers one way to have this service provided. The decision of many is to not contend with these barriers, which is resulting in a lower vaccination rate in our rural locations.

The path forward from our vantage point appears clear, provide vaccine to our rural pharmacies to vaccinate our youth. Globally, we know that the way back to a normal life requires vaccination. In not having this ability in rural Alberta, the pandemic and its challenges to our health care system, economy and Albertans mental health will continue.

Erickson also pointed out there is way less health support in rural areas. The number of available hospital beds and ICU’s are limited, and in general, rural communities have higher rates of nonvaccinated people.

Time is of the essence and Erickson said its important vaccines for youth are available. Erickson said he’s discussed the issue with local United Conservative Party MLA Jackie Lovely, who represents the Camrose Constituency.

Erickson said Lovely is advocating on his behalf and would be providing information to the Premier and Health Minister. Erickson said he did ask Lovely why no vaccines were made available to youth in Tofield, but had not received an explanation from her.

Mayor Dueck estimates there are 800 plus youth in Tofield and surrounding area that would have access to local services.

While Mayor Dueck has not spoken directly to the MLA regarding vaccine provision for youth, she had previous discussions when the vaccines were initially being rolled out and the difficulty that was seen in rural Alberta in regard to supply.