A few weeks ago, pharmacies in Ontario opened their online registration as part of the province’s Phase Two vaccination effort. It wouldn’t surprise anyone that I signed up my partner, Steve, and me right away. Because Steve is over 60, he quickly got an appointment. When he got there today, the pharmacy’s computer system had crashed, so they opened up vaccinations to walk-ins. Steve called to let me know; I made it just in time and got the last vaccine of the day. I’m relieved, but I’m already working on getting others vaccinated. Those who are most at risk, including essential workers who work so closely with the public and with each other, have to be among the first to be immunized.
The lesson here: sometimes we’re lucky, but sometimes we have to make our own luck. So, register for the vaccine as soon as you can and take the first appointment that becomes available to you. We owe it to each other. We owe it to the tens of thousands of health care workers who have put their personal safety at risk to care for their patients. We owe it to the over 23,000 Canadians who have died of COVID-19 and for whom the vaccine would have made the difference between life and death.
As nurses, we know that the vaccines administered in Canada are safe and tested – and we know that they’re our best shot at beating back this pandemic. That’s why, later this week, CFNU will unveil a campaign aimed at getting the public vaccinated. Stay tuned!
For over a year now, nurses have suffered unimaginable pain and heartache. Day after day, nurses have seen patients’ eyes fill with anguish and fear – and they’ve seen too many of those patients close their eyes for the last time.
For their sake, we need all Canadians to roll up their sleeves and get vaccinated.
From my family to yours, let’s stay safe
Linda Silas
President of CFNU
