Obviously, residents of Suroît, aged 45 and over, responded in large numbers to the offer of Public Health to be vaccinated. No less than 6,200 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine were available.
The time slots were scheduled to open on April 21st at 8 a.m. However, by the fateful hour, they were already full. Several took advantage of the fact that the time slots were available online from 9 p.m. the day before, to make an appointment.
From April 21st to April 23rd, 200 people received the AstraZeneca vaccine in Ormstown, 600 in Vaudreuil-Dorion and 1,220 in Salaberry-de-Valleyfield.
“The enthusiasm for our recent walk-in vaccination clinics foreshadowed a favorable response from the population, indicates the Communications Department of the Integrated Health and Social Services Centres Montérégie-Ouest. Quickly, people seized this great opportunity.”
The cellular model, unique to vaccination clinics in Suroît, minimizes waiting times and travel. CISSSMO says user experience was at the heart of the design.
“We are very satisfied with the progress of our clinics and the great participation of the population. To date, more than 140,000 people have received a first dose in Montérégie-Ouest.”
Vaccination is not unanimous. Since in the last few weeks, some complications have been identified with the AstraZeneca vaccine, this could have set many people back. However, when VIVA MÉDIA was present in a vaccination center, the comments were positive.
“I spoke with my doctor, says Isabelle Latreille. As he explained to me, the risk of complications from receiving the AstraZeneca vaccine is minimal compared to the risk of having complications if I ever get COVID-19. So, obviously I didn’t hesitate for very long.”
For Hugues Léger, enthusiasm was quickly replaced by disappointment. “I showed up at 10:30 am to receive the vaccine. Since I didn’t have an appointment, I knew I had to wait in line. However, I didn’t think it would take me more than three hours. It’s poorly organized. There are plenty of free chairs. There are people lining up outside.”
There were a lot of people in the Centre Valleyfield. Some even took the opportunity to run errands. Mr. Allen says he and his wife have maximized the wait time. “I’m in line and my wife is at the Maxi shopping for groceries. After that, she will come and join me and we will get vaccinated. Seriously, this is a relief for me. In addition to getting the vaccine, I was able to avoid shopping for groceries. I am really a winner in the situation. I keep our places in line and she does the grocery shopping during that time.”
