June 4, 2021
Dear St.Amant Families,
Summer seems to have arrived in Manitoba! This week, we have one new case of Covid-19 in someone we support through CRP and two new cases in employees who work in CRP. Everyone is recovering at home.
Next week, we are hosting a Staff Town Hall, this is an opportunity for us to get many employees together to share organizational highlights, what’s coming in the near future and to answer questions. It will take place on Zoom and family members are welcome to attend. We’ll be live at 1pm on Thursday June 6. Click here to join the Zoom call.
We continue to advocate and support all staff and all people we support (who are eligible) to receive their vaccinations. I was invited to participate on a task force with the Government of Manitoba to bring ideas forward about how to continue to engage and motivate our community to get vaccinated. We have seen some amazing initiative from our employees who are sharing their vaccine stories and supporting their colleagues to get the shot.
We’re also working with the Province to determine if we can host a vaccine clinic at 440 River Road. We would advocate for this clinic to be open to people we support, staff, families and the community. Please take one minute to complete this vaccine clinic survey to let us know if this is something you would attend.
Everyone who received an AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine is now eligible to receive a dose of Pfizer or Moderna as their second dose. We’ve had a few people ask us about the safety and efficacy of mixing vaccines. Dr. Joss Reimer, who is leading the Vaccine Task Force for the Province said at a news conference, “..we have data from the Spanish (combo vax) study, that showed us that people got a strong immune response if they received Pfizer 8 to 12 weeks after AstraZeneca. We also have evidence from animal studies that showed that it was equally or even better as far as the immune response when switching products…”
In addition to looking at a vaccine strategy, the task force that I’m participating in is also helping to inform the re-opening strategy, and as we’ve all been hearing on the news, that strategy and the timing will be linked to vaccination rates. So, our best hope for a return to pre-Covid activity, is for everyone who is eligible to get their vaccines as soon as possible. Check here to see if you’re eligible for the first or second dose.
I hope everyone has a great weekend, stay cool and safe,
John