Healthcare workers have started to receive their COVID-19 vaccinations at Brockville General Hospital.
On Thursday, Jasmine Guest, who works as a registered nurse in the hospital’s Emergency Department, became the first worker to get inoculated.
Along with the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit, the hospital’s onsite clinic vaccinated over 1300 staff, physicians, and volunteers.
“I’m feeling a lot of emotion,” Guest said. “I was surprised and excited to be the first person vaccinated at BGH. I got my vaccine because I want to help to stop the spread of COVID-19 and to protect others – especially those who are vulnerable and at-risk.”
In preparation of this milestone, BGH has developed a detailed vaccination plan that prioritizes healthcare workers in alignment with the Ministry of Health guidance.
President and CEO of BGH Nick Vlacholias calls it a ‘historical day’ for the hospital.
“Our staff and physicians have been incredible professionals in the face of the pandemic, and the vaccine provides them with another layer of protection.” Vlacholias said. “Thank you to our colleagues at our local Health Unit for their leadership and guidance to set up this clinic. We look forward to seeing all healthcare workers vaccinated in the coming weeks, and the general public in the months ahead.”
While all healthcare workers are considered high priority, within that priority group there are sub-categories beginning with the highest priority – which is those who are most at risk of contracting COVID-19.
Other factors are considered based on availability of the vaccine.
“Residents across Leeds Grenville have done a tremendous job over the past year to keep the prevalence of COVID-19 low,” Interim Chief of Staff, Dr. Michael Fuoco said. “Vaccinating our healthcare workers puts us in a better position to keep our patients, staff and physicians safe.”
To keep everyone else safe, all health protocols are still in place at BGH, including screening upon entry, wearing masks, proper personal protective equipment, visitor restrictions, and now the onsite clinic.