On the rainy Easter weekend, I was wondering…is anyone else getting tired of hearing the word ‘epidemiology’?

Listening to the Nova Scotia government press briefing earlier that week, I noticed the messaging has significantly shifted to positive reports of mass vaccinations and updates on emerging evidence surrounding the currently approved vaccines. We here on the east coast of Canada are fortunate to have low case numbers, and our surges have not been as dramatic or prolonged as those of other provinces, but that hasn’t made it any easier for businesses or recreational gatherings in the community. If anything, successful flattening of the curve through a coordinated effort between Public Health and a cooperative public has meant earlier and more severe restrictions on movement. We’ve been missing our friends and family for well over a year.

Now the good news: the public is getting vaccinated at a rapid rate. As of this writing, community pharmacies have been immunizing for about 3 weeks in NS. After starting with a small handful of successful pilot sites, the program expanded so that most community pharmacies will have appointments available by the end of April. A public health initiative this large is rife with potential pitfalls: coordination between provincial and federal governments, logistical snafus with freezer storage and distribution, and the implementation of the latest evidence around PPE, vaccine side effects, and dosing intervals all serve to complicate clinic rollouts. Finding and implementing immunizers presents the most critical challenge of the moment. Delays could allow more contagious, variant strains to further complicate the pandemic by allowing them time to spread before herd immunity is achieved.

More good news! Nova Scotians are rallying to the cause of mass immunization. Even with all of the stress we have endured over the past 15 months, people are lining up to receive their inoculation with responsible enthusiasm. Pharmacists are eager to be a part of this initiative, many applying to work overtime hours in public health clinics as well as their own stores. Retired nurses and pharmacists are applying for re-licensure to offer their support. The collaboration between front store retail staff and pharmacy personnel to coordinate onsite clinics is like nothing I have experienced previously. Social media posts are full of people telling their friends that they have received their first shot. People can once again envision a trip to the theatre, a sporting event, a parade, or a live concert.

The path is still lengthy but home is in view. The immunization effort will last until August at least, but every week that passes is one week closer to putting the strain of coronavirus behind us and enjoying the little things we might have taken for granted. We now know how to see this through, though none of it would be possible without tough commitment to the public health measures we know by heart: wearing a mask, keeping safe distance, and washing our hands. Thank you to everyone who has done their best to stick to the recommendations.

Sometimes it feels like we’ve been walking through a deep, dark valley that seems endless. Up ahead in the distance, we finally catch a glimpse of a clearing. Keep moving. We’ll get there soon.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, employer or affiliation