by Devon Myers, Pharmacist/Owner of Kakabeka and Rosslyn Pharmacies
If you’re eagerly waiting for a COVID-19 vaccine don’t hold your breathe. Just keep breathing into your mask awhile longer. Unfortunately Canada will not be producing a vaccine within its own borders. For that reason we will be dependent on manufacturers from other countries. Countries such as the United States, Germany and Britain may begin providing their citizens with a vaccine before the end of 2020. But it’s likely that distribution to Canada won’t begin until 2021. That’s a pretty fair estimate. In which month? In which quarter will we see distribution in Canada? That’s a much tougher guessing game.
At the time of writing this article, Health Canada, the regulatory body which approves vaccine use in our country, has yet to give any vaccine the green light. Couple that with federal and provincial decisions that regulate distribution within our borders and it could be some time before a vaccine makes its way to the general public. I don’t mean to put a damper on things. Trust me, we could all use some good news! But this view is more in line with what is likely to occur. Even when we get a vaccine, who will be providing it? Will it be provided through doctor’s offices? Pharmacies? Designated injection sites? Nobody knows at this time. Maybe somebody at the very top does but unfortunately you and I don’t have access to that kind of information!
What we do know is that every single one of us can do our part to help reduce the damage that this pandemic has laid on our society. Keep washing your hands. Keep wearing your masks. Continue social distancing. The hard work that everyone is doing is commendable. I’m confident that we can muster the strength to continue following recommendations throughout the holiday season. It’s going to be a unique Christmas for all of us but hopefully we can all manage to stay safe!
To end on a much lighter note, I’d like to share that Rosslyn IDA Pharmacy will be celebrating its 3rd year anniversary in December. It might be hard to find anything positive to talk about this year but we feel extremely proud to have been able to service our community throughout 2020. Our staff has worked very hard to provide during this unprecedented time and we feel honored that you’ve entrusted us to help manage your healthcare. From everyone at our Rosslyn and Kakabeka Falls pharmacies, we wish you and your family a Merry Christmas. We look forward to seeing you in the New Year. COVID-19 free?
