Much appreciation for everyone involved in local vaccinations
About the time federal and provincial governments began laying out plans for acquisition and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, I wondered how many officials fully appreciated the challenge of servicing the immensity and complexity of this nation.
With the exception of Nunavut, I have spent time in every province and territory in Canada. I have dipped feet into every one of our three oceans and all four of our Great Lakes. We have also driven thousands of kilometres in Canada.
So, I casually thought, “How many of these planners actually have wandered Canada's immense geography?” Yet, our governments and public health services seem to be succeeding despite remote distances, anti-vaxxers and assorted naysayers.
When opportunity arose to register for a first vaccination, my wife and I eagerly signed on. We were to attend at Leamington's Nature Fresh recreation centre — she on a Monday in March and I the following day. We appreciated the efficiency and helpfulness in Leamington. But how could we have known that she would receive Pfizer while I received Moderna?
Pfizer MRNA vaccine may be marginally more effective than Moderna MRNA vaccine, but how was I to know this difference would translate into an at-home relationship whereby I must now do my own laundry, fetch and make my own coffee and polish my own sneakers?
Inter-vaccine tension was palpable. Getting a second vaccine shot became more imperative.
Whoever worked out the logistics of the system ... deserves praise.
Our regional public health officer Dr. Wajhid Ahmed had worked with me in 2019 when we offered a course for Canterbury Eldercollege on the 1917-1921 Spanish flu. So, after several weeks of waiting for news about second vaccinations, I sought Dr. Ahmed's update. Coincidentally, two days later, registrations opened for second vaccinations in our age group.
As has happened so often in my many recent tussles with technology, my efforts to register us online were a failure. But my darling life partner registered both of us in 20 minutes. Once more I was suspicious of Pfizerites.
Since both vaccines would be available, we were scheduled at the Libro Credit Union Centre in Amherstburg for June 5. I'm certain whoever organized the Amherstburg vaccination site would've achieved similar results at the Windsor Family Credit Union site in Windsor.
First, all the workers — from outdoor screeners to indoor sanitizers — were exceptional. During our almost two hours at the site, and despite increasing outdoor heat, every person we met was pleasant and helpful. We lined up in three rows of vehicles, all of which had orderly access to parking and entry to the Libro Centre as space became available.
Sanitizers were everywhere and when we gave a worker our number tag, we were guided through the entire process. The maze was a long walk, but wheelchairs were available.
The only hitch was a minor wait because we required a nurse who could administer both Pfizer and Moderna. Our nurse was kind enough to allay my fears of getting shots and assure me that while I'd not receive a cookie as a reward, I would at minimum be assured I was now fully vaccinated. “And please continue to wear your mask,” she added.
Whoever worked out the logistics of the system set up by our regional Windsor-essex County Health Unit deserves praise. Dr. Wajhid Ahmed and his team — and they are a team — have delivered vaccines to thousands of local residents in an effective, efficient and compassionate manner. Thanks very much, WECHU. You have our small family's vote of appreciation. We continue to live — so, now let's finish the job.