COVID-19 vaccine coming to Hamilton's homeless shelters is 'a sign we're moving forward'

Two weeks ago, COVID-19 found its way into theWesley Urban Ministries Day Centre. But on Tuesday, so did one of the strongest tools to stop it the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.

Public health workers were at the centre, the site of an active outbreak with three confirmed cases, vaccinating staff andclients.

Lonny Nichols, 55, was one of the first to get vaccinated at the centre onCatharine Street North.

Nichols said his housing struggles came after losing his job in saleswhen the pandemic began nearly a year ago. He's also been struggling with mental illness his whole life, he said.

"It has been worse during the pandemic."

But Tuesday was a step forward.

"It's going to help me in what I do when I'm out ... it's a sign we're moving forward for sure," Nichols said.

Outbreaks hit Hamilton's shelters

The city moved to start vaccinating people within the shelter system after seeing outbreaks at the Salvation Army, YWCA Carole Anne's Place, and several MissionServices and Good Shepherd locations.

Monica Petraukas,supervisor of theWesley Urban Ministries Day Centre, said the shelters all followed infection, prevention and control measures as closely as they could, but the virus still found a way in.

The cold weather and more people seeking shelter services,Petraukassaid, may have been a factor.

But she also said she thinks the vaccines will help.

"I'm glad it's being done now and not in two months,"Petraukas said.

"I was really pleased to hear they were going to start ramping up and getting at it right away."

She saidit's been hecticbut exciting to set up the first day of vaccinations in the day centre.

WATCH: Hamilton front-line, health-careworker gets COVID-19 vaccine

Hamilton front-line, health-care worker gets COVID-19 vaccine

4 years ago

Duration 1:12

Staff and clients of Hamilton's shelter system received the COVID-19 vaccine at the Wesley Urban Ministries Day Centre in Hamilton.

Each vial had six doses of vaccine. Petraukas said peer support workers were presentto calm anyone feeling nervous about getting vaccinated, or anyone witha fear of needles.

Wesley workers Mike Forester, 37, and Cherry Tamson, 41, were both nervous at first, butsaid getting vaccinatedwas the right decision.

"If I get COVID, I won't be able to stick with my daughter... I'd rather take the vaccine now," said Tamson, who gavea thumbs up while getting vaccinated.

And Forester hopes this is the beginning of the end of the pandemic.

"I hope we get back to normal soon,"he said.