Haldimand and Norfolk’s COVID-19 Vaccine Task Force is preparing for the vaccination of the general public over the coming months.

As per the Province’s vaccine rollout plan, vaccines are first being distributed to priority groups, such as acute healthcare workers and residents of long-term care and retirement settings.

Vaccination of Haldimand and Norfolk’s long-term care and retirement home residents is complete, while vaccination of healthcare workers continues.

Once the vaccination of healthcare workers is complete, doses will be allocated to community-residing individuals over the age of 80.

Only when all priority groups have had the opportunity to get the vaccine will it be offered to members of the public who wish to receive it.

An announcement will be made when vaccines are available to members of the general public. Updates will be provided to the community on an ongoing basis.

Due to uncertainty regarding vaccine availability and timing, the COVID-19 Vaccine Task Force has been actively working to plan and implement community vaccination clinics.

Large amounts of vaccines could be made available at any time for certain segments of the population and in order to respond quickly, facilities must be equipped to administer a high volume of doses.

In Haldimand County, the Dunnville Community Lifespan Centre and Cayuga Memorial Arena will be utilized as community vaccine clinics.

In Norfolk County, the Vittoria and District Community Centre and Norfolk General Hospital will be used as community vaccine clinics.

For security reasons, vaccines will not be stored at these locations.

The COVID-19 Vaccine Task Force – a joint effort of the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit, Haldimand & Norfolk Counties (including Paramedic & Fire services), Norfolk General Hospital and West Haldimand General Hospital, Haldimand War Memorial Hospital and both counties’ Family Health Teams – will continue working collaboratively until residents in both counties have had the chance to receive the vaccine.

“Thanks to the guidance, hard work and dedication of the COVID-19 task force, our communities will be ready to respond once vaccines become available. With the help of our partners, we’ll be able to provide access to the COVID-19 vaccine safely, widely, and quickly to as many residents as possible – an important step in our collective fight against the virus,” said Haldimand County Mayor Ken Hewitt.

“COVID-19 has impacted every part of our lives, from our health and wellbeing to the local economy,” said Norfolk County Mayor and Chair of the Board of Health Kristal Chopp. “I’m thrilled that we’re starting to see light at the end of what has been a very long tunnel, and look forward to community vaccinations paving the way for a return to a more normal way of living and working.”

More information on vaccine availability and community clinics in Haldimand and Norfolk will be shared with residents as soon as details are confirmed. Residents are encouraged to read up on the safety and efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine via the Ontario Government or Health Unit website.