News Release
January 21, 2021
Hamilton’s mobile vaccination clinic reaches St. Joseph’s Villa
DUNDAS, ONTARIO – On Wednesday, January 20, residents of St. Joseph’s Villa received the first dose of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine as part of the city’s mobile vaccination clinic. The vaccination clinic program aims to bring the vaccine directly to our most vulnerable populations in long-term care and high-risk retirement homes.
The mobile clinic vaccinated 381 St. Joseph’s Villa residents (about 95 per cent). After such a challenging year since the onset of the pandemic, the St. Joseph’s Villa team is thrilled with the turnout of consenting residents. With 446 Villa staff and essential caregivers already vaccinated, vaccinating residents is an added layer of protection to our most vulnerable populations.
“It’s the day we’ve been waiting for,” says Mieke Ewen, Chief Operating Officer, St. Joseph’s Villa. “With so many residents vaccinated, it feels like we can finally see some light at the end of the tunnel. We’re so grateful for Public Health, who prioritized Hamilton’s long-term care and senior homes in this vaccine rollout.”
Dr. Hugh Boyd, Medical Director, St. Joseph’s Villa, also shared his excitement on the day.“We’re very excited and proud that a number of our staff and caregivers have already received the vaccine,” he said, “But vaccinating residents is absolutely crucial to protecting our most vulnerable populations and returning to some normalcy.”
Though meaningful to our staff, it was just as significant to residents and their families.
“I am so grateful to be among the Villa’s residents receiving their first dose of the vaccine,” says John Rowan, a Villa resident who survived the deadly virus in November 2020. “This past year has been difficult, in many ways, for all of us: residents, staff and our families. I am hopeful as more people receive the vaccine that we will be able to open the doors so I can hug my children and hold my great granddaughter again. I miss them very much.”
About St. Joseph’s Villa Dundas
St. Joseph’s Villa is one of Ontario’s largest and most innovative long-term care homes, and the second-largest organization in the St. Joseph’s Health System. Continuing the mission and legacy of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Hamilton, the Villa is proud to serve the Hamilton and Dundas community.
Over the past few years, St. Joseph’s Villa has become much more than a long-term care home. From luxury retirement living, specialized medical clinics and education centres to the construction of Margaret’s Place Hospice, St. Joseph’s Villa is truly becoming a Campus of Care.
To learn more about our campus and programs, visit: https://sjv.on.ca/