July 8, 2021
Dear Families,
Our active case count for COVID-19 continues to sit at zero for staff and people supported. This is a great achievement. Staff are following isolation protocols if they’ve travelled or been a close contact of someone with a positive case.
The vaccination landscape in the province has changed since we first started accepting appointments for our initial clinic back in June. We intended to host weekly clinics starting next week but with an increase in vaccine appointment opportunities across the province, our next drive-thru Moderna clinic is scheduled for Tuesday, July 27. Our staff have supported other disability agencies with their clinics and demand for a specialized clinic has been low. To ensure no vials are wasted, we’re hosting just one clinic this month.
If you or your family member is in need and eligible for a first or second COVID-19 vaccine, please book an appointment for our drive-thru vaccine clinic at 440 River Road through our online booking system (https://bit.ly/StAJuly).The drive-thru setup is to support people who are facing barriers to accessing the super-sites but everyone is welcome to attend. Please share with those who would benefit. The clinic will operate from 3pm – 6pm on July 27. People who received their first dose at our June clinic have already been approached to book their second dose appointment with us.
The people we support are concerned about their health. They are telling us they want staff, friends, and family to be vaccinated so they can go out to restaurants, enjoy a Bomber game, or travel in the future. Some individuals are saying they only want staff who are vaccinated providing care and support. People we support have lived very restricted lives. They have experienced 15 months of restrictions and loneliness; by us all getting vaccinated we can facilitate everyone getting back to a life full of meaningful activities and relationships. On behalf of the people we support, please get vaccinated! Please take the time to make an informed decision and schedule your appointment.
Some staff have shared concerns about pregnancies and the vaccine. Dr. Joss Reimer, medical lead of the Vaccine Implementation Task Force, addressed this and other health topics last week. Watch the segment addressing this: https://youtu.be/M_lHHsdWp0k?t=586
St.Amant is working with the province on a pilot project of conducting rapid COVID-19 asymptomatic tests for staff at our community sites. More details will be shared soon. These tests are another tool to help fight the spread of COVID-19.
If you haven’t already, you can request your immunization card from the province 14 days after your second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. The card is an easy and secure way to show that you are fully immunized for COVID-19. Digital and physical cards are available. https://protectmb.ca/immunization-card/
Stay safe,
John Leggat
President & CEO
