The COVID-19 vaccine has arrived in Burns Lake and area, and the first doses have been administered at The Pines long-term care facility.
Mary George (seated front and center) received the first Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine. Dr. Tammy Williams (right), Chief of Staff for Lakes District Health Center, was the second recipient of the vaccine. Seen also is Katherine King, Primary Care Nurse, and Rachel Christie, Team Lead for The Pines.
Eleven other long-term care residents were vaccinated Tuesday, with the remaining residents being vaccinated Wednesday.
The first immunizations are based on the phase one priority groups of B.C.’s vaccination strategy (developed based on recommendations from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization), and is focused on protecting those most vulnerable to severe illness first and First Nations communities.
The immunization plan developed for the North by the First Nations Health Authority and Northern Health will focus on these priorities over the next three months as the vaccine supply arrives. Vaccine rollout will depend on the types of vaccine received, timing of supply, safe storage, and transportation requirements.
The first phase of immunization for the Lakes area includes:
- Long-term care and assisted living residents, direct care staff, and essential visitors
- Eligible health care workers in Burns Lake, Granisle, and Southside
- Rural and remote First Nations communities (including health care workers and eligible residents)
- Burns Lake, Granisle and Southside residents over the age of 80
Those in the area who are eligible for immunization will be contacted directly to have an appointment booked. Phone operators will be calling those eligible starting later this week. Eligible residents will be contacted based on the information currently registered with Northern Health and/or their primary care provider.
Additional information on the vaccine and priority groups can be found on the Government of BC website and the First Nations Health Authority website.
