‘An absolute relief:’ Vulnerable sector rolls up their sleeves at Lighthouse clinic

Relief was felt through the entire facility at Saskatoon’s Lighthouse on Tuesday.

That’s due to 215 staff and clients rolling up their sleeves at the supported living shelter, receiving their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Anna Pacik, the Lighthouse’s fundraising and communications manager, said the clinic was put on by the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) and organized by the Lighthouse’s nurse practitioner clinic.

“We were really pleased with the turnout, as was the (SHA),” she said. “It’s just so important because (the vulnerable sector is) at such great risk given that they’re already vulnerable to succumb to any sorts of illnesses, just given the rough lifestyle they have.”

The Saskatoon Lighthouse had its run-in with the virus back in early November, when at least 27 positive COVID cases had gone through the facility.

The vulnerable sector is listed under Phase 2 of the provincial vaccination rollout plan but was able to receive their first doses one day early Tuesday. It isn’t the only time sleeves will be rolling up at the facility, even this week.

“We have two days, and (Thursday) is the second day for the first shot. It’s not open to the public but we are working with the community support officers to get as many people who frequent the downtown core to come in and get the shot. So we’re really trying to hit as many of our vulnerable people as possible,” Pacik added.

“We’re really fortunate … We had a really good turnout, which tells me that they were very informed and knew what they were doing. They were really happy … (and) relieved that they had less to worry about.”

Pacik said regardless of the vaccinations, protocols will remain the same for the time being at the facility. But being an essential service, there was additional relief felt for staff now knowing they are protected moving forward.

NDP Opposition Leader Ryan Meili was also in attendance Tuesday. He gave Pacik her vaccination, which she says was something the two had some fun with on the Lighthouse’s social media accounts.

Got my COVID shot today at The Lighthouse from Dr. Ryan Meili. Thank you for coming to our house to give us our vaccinations. @ryanmeili #thatdidnthurt #imnotcryingyourecrying #getyourshot #CovidVaccine pic.twitter.com/1aMxeIigCr

— The Lighthouse YXE (@TheLighthouseSK) March 30, 2021

“It was perfect, I didn’t feel a thing. He did a great job,” Pacik said with a laugh.

“He comes into our nurse practitioner clinic once a week as a visiting physician. So he is very involved with our vulnerable population down here.”

The push to get members of the vulnerable community vaccinated didn’t end at the Lighthouse, either. The Saskatoon Salvation Army held its own clinic today for its residents and staff.

In total, 90 were given their first dose of the vaccine, according to Major Judy Regamey.