Toronto Housing Seniors Receive COVID-19 Vaccine

This morning, I visited 6250 Bathurst Street to assist in the effort of vaccinating seniors with the COVID-19 vaccine. In partnership with multiple health organizations, we have vaccinated 150 residents with the first dose of the Pfizer vaccine.

As part of a 3-day pilot project green-lit by Toronto Public Health, healthcare workers from hospitals and clinics like North York General Hospital, Michael Garron Hospital, Baycrest and the University Health Network partnered with Bernard Betel Centre to vaccinate seniors ages 80 and above.

This Toronto Housing building is home to our local seniors, veterans, holocaust survivors and people who built the community we have today. They are also one of the most vulnerable and isolated groups throughout the pandemic.

Due to a language barrier, my team and I stayed to provide translation between staff and seniors. Everyone wore PPE for protection.

We must do everything within our power to protect our seniors. This vaccination program will reduce the spread and severity of the virus so that one day we can gather again in person with our loved ones. This event also took place on the eve of Purim, a Jewish holiday that celebrates perseverance and human ingenuity. A fitting milestone.

I would like to thank the North York Toronto Health Partners, East Toronto Health Partners (ETHP), Mid-West Toronto OHT and staff of Bernard Betel Centre for pulling off this effort seamlessly and safely.

We are inching closer to the end of a chapter that I for one, welcome with open arms.
In the meantime, my team and I are here to help you. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact my office at 416-392-1371 or councillor_pasternak@toronto.ca

The most up to date information on the COVID-19 vaccines can be found on the City of Toronto’s website https://www.toronto.ca/home/covid-19/covid-19-protect-yourself-others/covid-19-vaccines/ as well as the Province’s website: https://covid-19.ontario.ca/covid-19-vaccines-ontario.