Sign in Subscribe
Pharmaceutical industry

Vaccination Efforts in Ontario: A Community-Led Response

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

In a bid to combat the spread of the coronavirus, a 76-year-old resident, John Mathew, was able to book an appointment for the AstraZeneca vaccine at the Sherman IDA pharmacy on April 14. Just seven hours later, Mathew received his first dose, praising the process as "fantastic" and convenient. The pharmacy's owner, Sony Poulose, revealed that he received permission to administer the vaccine on April 9 and had initially 200 doses available. Poulose noted that the pharmacy can administer at least 50 vaccinations per day, emphasizing the importance of getting vaccinated as soon as possible.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Sherman IDA pharmacy was among the third wave of local pharmacies granted permission to administer the AstraZeneca vaccine, starting with an initial 200 doses on April 13.
  • The pharmacy can administer at least 50 vaccinations per day and has already vaccinated 20 people on the first day.
  • The AstraZeneca vaccine is currently available to individuals aged 55 and over, with plans to expand to 40 and over as of April 20.
  • The pharmacy uses an app to book appointments and the COVaxON vaccination management system for real-time tracking of vaccinations.
  • Prior to administering the vaccine, pharmacists input patient information, ensuring accurate record-keeping.
  • The Ontario Pharmacists Association is lobbying the province to provide Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, which would enable pharmacists to vaccinate individuals 18 and up.
  • Currently, there is a shortage of Moderna and Pfizer vaccines in the province, as of April 16.

Statistics:

  • 200 initial doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine received by the Sherman IDA pharmacy on April 13.
  • The pharmacy can administer at least 50 vaccinations per day.
  • 20 people vaccinated on the first day.
  • 55 and over eligible for the AstraZeneca vaccine (reduced to 40 and over as of April 20).
  • The pharmacy uses the COVaxON vaccination management system for real-time tracking of vaccinations.
  • 16 April: Current shortage of Moderna and Pfizer vaccines in the province.

Sources:

  • "John Mathew wanted to get vaccinated against the coronavirus..." (Sherman IDA pharmacy)
  • Sony Poulose, pharmacy owner at Sherman IDA.

Read more