Sarnia woman, 88, first local resident to get COVID-19 vaccine

Journal Staff The immunization of Sarnia-Lambton residents against COVID-19 has officially begun. Valerie Verberg, 88, a resident of Trillium Villa Nursing Home, became the first local person to receive a shot of vaccine, Lambton Public Health said.

Journal Staff

The immunization of Sarnia-Lambton residents against COVID-19 has officially begun.

Valerie Verberg, 88, a resident of Trillium Villa Nursing Home, became the first local person to receive a shot of vaccine, Lambton Public Health said.

“I feel great,” the Sarnia woman said. “I can’t believe I was the first one!”

Trillium Villa was chosen because of its size, older design and risk level, the health unit said.

Immunizations will continue this week until all available doses of the Moderna vaccine are used.

Five hundred doses have arrived, and a small additional shipment is expected the first week in February, which will enable continued immunization of the first priority groups.

“Vaccines are an important tool in helping stop the spread of this virus,” said John Scotland, CEO of Steeves & Rozema Group, which owns Trillium Villa.

“Equally important, they are the first step in resuming a level of normalcy for residents, caregivers and staff living, visiting and working in long-term care. We are absolutely thrilled to have Trillium Villa residents be amongst the first in the area to receive the vaccine.”

Home Administrator Van Dam said today is a great day.

“We are finally taking the first steps in eradicating COVID-19. We are happy to work alongside our community partners and offer this vaccine to our residents today. It offers us all hope for a brighter future,” she said.

The priority for the first phase of immunizations is residents of long-term care homes, high-risk retirement homes, and Indigenous elder care.

Other eligible groups in Phase 1 will get shots as more vaccine becomes available, including essential caregivers, health-care workers, adult indigenous populations, and recipients of chronic home healthcare.

Dr. Sudit Ranade, Lambton’s Medical Officer of Health, said the getting the first shots of vaccine into local residents is encouraging.

“But it remains essential that our community continues to follow all the provincially regulated health measures,” he said.

That includes physical distancing, frequent washing hands, wearing a face covering or mask, and limiting contact to people within your own household.

To learn more about COVID-19 vaccines as they become available, visit getthevaccine.ca