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Vol. 16, No. 7, Wednesday, January 13, 2021 www.LamontLeader.com
Covid-19 vaccinations begin in Lamont BY JANA SEMENIUK As Covid-19 immunizations began across the province last month, many seniors living in facilities across Lamont County still have not been vaccinated as per the province’s phased-in approach to vaccine distribution. According to Alberta.ca, phase one, which began in Dec., focused on health care staff while phase 1A, which began Jan. 1, included residents in long-term care and designated supported living facilities. These facilities do not include senior lodges or independent living arrangements. All residents 75 or older, regardless of where they live, are scheduled for phase 1B which will begin Feb.1. “Lodges are like a home where residents who need a little more support and care are given that through Home
Care Services” explained Shahad Bharmal, Executive Director of the Lamont Health Care Centre. “A longterm care and a supportive living facility are more of a medical environment where nursing care is needed.” Bharmal added that the Lamont Long Term Care facility began their vaccinations earlier this month. “We began on Jan. 1 with the Moderna vaccine,” he said. “We have so far vaccinated 81 out of our 89 long term care residents. Staff are travelling to Camrose in order to receive their vaccinations.” Bharmal explained that staff are
receiving the Pfizer vaccine, which was the first vaccine delivered to Alberta in mid-December According to Alberta.ca, the Pfizer vaccine has specific storage requirements of an ultra-cold freezer capable of -80 C temperatures, while the moderna vaccine can be safely stored in a regular freezer. “The only ultra-cold freezers for the Central Zone are located in Camrose and two other places,” said Bharmal. According to Alberta.ca, both types of vaccine require two doses; a priming dose and then a booster given approximately one month after the first one.
As of Jan. 8, Al Lenkewich, manager of the Father Filas Manor retirement home in Mundare, said he did not know when his 20 residents will receive their doses. “We are still sitting and waiting,” he said. “We haven’t heard anything yet.” Dave Grey, manager of the Beaverhill Lodge in Lamont, echoed Lenkewich’s statements. “We are also still waiting,” he said. “We have 53 residents and 30 staff and everyone is waiting for their vaccinations.” During a Covid-19 vaccine live update on Jan. 11, Alberta Health Minister Tyler Shandro explained plans for the vaccine rollout eligibility will be expanded to include paramedics and emergency medical technicians.
A family of cross country skiers takes advantage of the warm weather recently to enjoy a day out on a frozen lake at Elk Island National Park.
Photo by Crystal Moren