RMH reaches 25,000 inoculations of vaccines

Today, Ross Memorial Hospital celebrated 25,000 doses of coronavirus vaccine being administered to members of the community at the hospital’s COVID-19 vaccination clinic.

Katie Richardson, of Bethany, received the 25,000 dose on Friday morning. Richardson, 29, and her fiancé Alex Gambino, 29, were given their vaccines by Ross Memorial’s Lorah Otter, a Registered Practical Nurse.

Ross Memorial Hospital’s 25,000-plus vaccine doses administered accounts for more than a third of all vaccinations delivered in the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit (HKPR) region, which includes Northumberland County, Haliburton County and the City of Kawartha Lakes.

Richardson says as soon as she could get the vaccine, she wanted to make it happen. “I had the day off work and am eligible, so I decided to come. It was a really good experience, really efficient. I feel good.”

The vaccination clinic is supported by the HKPR Health Unit, City of Kawartha Lakes, Kawartha Lakes Paramedic Services, and the Lindsay Exhibition where the clinic has been operating Monday-to-Friday since March 18. The clinic operates as a drive-through model, meaning individuals remain in their vehicles for the duration of their appointment.

Vaccination rate thresholds play a significant role in Ontario’s reopening strategy. In Kawartha Lakes, the percentages of individuals with their first dose of vaccine are as follows;

• 80 years and older: 79.03 per cent
• 65-79 years old: 82.78 per cent
• 45-64 years old: 58.42 per cent
• 18-44 years old: 28.04 per cent
• 12-17 years old: 2.49 per cent
• 12 years and older: 53.71 per cent

“We know how hard the pandemic has been and vaccinations are one of the key ways to combat the virus says Kelly Isfan, president and CEO, RMH. “That’s why we are thankful to everyone in our community who have done their part to keep us all safe by receiving a coronavirus vaccination. This is a special moment in history where individuals, communities, countries, and the entire world is banding together to combat COVID-19. I am proud of the work that Ross Memorial has done to help bring an end to the pandemic.”

All 25,000 doses administered by Ross Memorial Hospital have been the Pfizer vaccine. Vaccinations are by appointment only and must be booked through the provincial booking system at www.ontario.ca/bookvaccine or by calling 1-888-999-6488.

Appointments at the drive-thru vaccination clinic are not available through health care providers or by calling the local public health