(May 16, 2021) Toronto – On Sunday, May 16, East Toronto Health Partners (ETHP) proudly marked a Canadian first by administering more than 10,000 COVID-19 vaccines in less than 24 hours at one clinic location – the Thorncliffe Park Community Hub at East York Town Centre (EYTC) (45 Overlea Blvd). The vaccine clinic administered a total of 10, 470 COVID-19 vaccines between 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
The sun was shining and the sounds of DJ D-Flex filled the parking lot of the ETYC as adults aged 18 years of age and older who live or work in Toronto waited for their chance to get their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
“It was an incredible day at the Thorncliffe Park Community Hub. Our philosophy has always been to get as many vaccines into arms as possible,” said Dr. Jeff Powis, Medical Director of Infection Prevention and Control at Michael Garron Hospital (MGH) and member of ETHP. “It’s been a long road and it’s going to take the collective efforts of all Torontonians to roll up their sleeves so we can get back to the lives we knew before COVID-19.”
When the Thorncliffe Park Community Hub opened its doors on March 24, the intention was always to ramp up operations to run a mass immunization clinic, capable of administering up to10,000 doses per day in the 60,000 square foot space. However, with limited supply, the clinic was not able to reach its full potential – until now.
With an increase in vaccine supply and available human resources, ETHP saw an opportunity to offer a one-day, one-clinic COVID-19 vaccine blitz to vaccinate as many eligible individuals as possible. The clinic offered a hybrid model of both pre-booked and drop-in appointments to support accessibility and convenience for Torontonians.
In addition to running its highest volume clinic to-date, ETHP is committed to continuing to vaccinate individuals who live and work in Toronto hot spots where communities have been disproportionally impacted by COVID-19. Pop-up clinics will continue this week; click here to stay up-to-date on mobile ETHP clinics and visit tehn.ca/COVID-19vaccine for updates on vaccine eligibility.
Follow East Toronto Health Partners and Michael Garron Hospital on Twitter for the latest COVID-19 vaccine updates: @ETHPNews and @MGHToronto.
About East Toronto Health Partners (ETHP)
East Toronto Health Partners (ETHP), the Ontario Health Team (OHT) serving East Toronto, is a group of more than 50 community, primary care, home care, hospital and social services organizations in East Toronto working together to create an integrated system of care across our communities. Collectively, ETHP is responsible for providing care and support to the 300,000 individuals who live in East Toronto communities, as well as an additional 75,000 clients who choose to receive health care in the local area. Clients, family members and caregivers are partners in every aspect of the development of ETHP, working together to improve the way East Toronto residents access and receive care. Visit ethp.ca to learn more.
