WDGPH has received its first shipment of COVID-19 vaccines

GUELPH – After a short delay, Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health (WDGPH) will offer its first COVID-19 vaccinations on Jan. 6.

The health unit announced on Jan. 4 that a shipment of Pfizer vaccines originally scheduled to arrive that day would be delayed, perhaps by several days.

On Jan. 5 officials stated 975 vaccines had arrived at 9am that morning.

“This is tremendous news for our region,” stated Medical Officer of Health Dr. Nicola Mercer in a press release that day.

“I’m grateful for Pfizer’s ongoing support in ensuring we could begin vaccinations as soon as possible.

“The distribution of this vaccine on a global scale is a tremendous logistical challenge and it’s clear Pfizer is taking all possible steps to make this process as smooth and as quick as possible.”

WDGPH officials said a “partial day” of vaccinations will begin at 10am on Jan. 6, with the full program rolled out the following day.

Previously officials stated vaccinations will begin with staff at long-term care and retirement homes “before moving on to other high-risk healthcare providers as more vaccine stock arrives in the region.”

Due to transportation and storage requirements, vaccinations will initially be offered at WDGPH’s office in Guelph.

Officials say COVID-19 immunizations will be offered at other locations as other vaccines become available or the Pfizer vaccine is able to be moved.

For more information on the COVID-19 vaccine, visit https://wdgpublichealth.ca/covid19-vaccine.