Vaccinations in Toronto with the Homeless Population

Homeless shelters are an ideal environment for the transmission of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) because of crowding, shared living spaces, difficulty achieving physical distancing, and high population turnover (Perri, Dosani, & Hwang, 2020). People who are homeless also often have a high prevalence of chronic health conditions that increase the risk of poor outcomes if they develop COVID-19. Of the 20,000 people who used the system last year, 711 contracted the disease and six died of the virus. Dr.Hwang had suggested that the highest risk is in shelters rather than encampments, so therefore it is recommended that those in shelters should receive these vaccines (Casey, 2021).Scarborough Village Residence, a city-run shelter around the east end, individuals were able to get their first doses in January. 15th, 2021, with 55 residents and 30 staff members receiving it (Casey, 2021). Dr.Hwang noted that this first vaccination was overall a resounding success (Casey, 2021). However, there is skepticism and fear amongst the homeless community, as there is mistrust in the healthcare system. During the administration of the vaccine, Dr.Hwang noted that some residents had refused the vaccine, as some were influenced by this fear. Tracking people in shelters will be key to ensure residents receive their second dose of the vaccine said Mary-Anne Bedard, the city's general manager of the shelter, support, and housing administration (Casey, 2021).  Additionally, they are currently working on a plan with St. Michael's Hospital and the Inner City Health Associates to vaccinate the hundreds who've left shelters for the streets and the encampments to ensure safety. 

     

                                                                        References

Casey, L. (2021, Jan 20). Homeless in toronto shelters begin receiving COVID-19 vaccines. The Canadian Press Retrieved from http://ezproxy.lib.ryerson.ca/login?url=https://www-proquest-com.ezproxy.lib.ryerson.ca/wire-feeds/homeless-toronto-shelters-begin-receiving-covid/docview/2479910197/se-2?accountid=13631

Perri, M., M.P.H., Dosani, N., M.D., & Hwang, S. W.,M.D.M.P.H. (2020). COVID-19 and people experiencing homelessness: Challenges and mitigation strategies: CMAJ. Canadian Medical Association.Journal, 192(26), E716-E719. doi:http://dx.doi.org.ezproxy.lib.ryerson.ca/10.1503/cmaj.200834