COVID-19 mass vaccination program in Mississauga, Brampton and Caledon up for award

After delivering 3.7 million COVID-19 vaccines in Mississauga, Brampton and Caledon, the Region of Peel’s Mass Vaccination Program is up for an award.

The program was shortlisted for an Award in Public Administration Excellence for Innovation at the recent Institute of Public Administration of Canada (IPAC) conference in Ottawa, according to a press release from the Region of Peel today (Sept. 18).

IPAC is Canada’s leading professional organization supporting excellence in the country’s public sector. The IPAC Award for Innovation recognizes an individual or organization that has produced an exceptional change or new way of doing things that addresses the public interest.

The Mass Vaccination Program was able to meet demand and ensure convenient access to COVID-19 vaccines throughout the region, the press release states.

The vaccine clinics were set up in hospitals, public health centres, and community hubs such as the Save Max Sports Centre in Brampton, the Caledon East Community Complex, and Paramount Fine Foods Centre Sportsplex, and UTM in Mississauga.

Peel’s program prioritized health equity and a resident-first mindset in one of Canada’s most diverse regions to protect the health of individuals and the community.

Key success factors in this work included meaningful collaboration with community partners such as those serving Indigenous and Black, African, and Caribbean communities.

Peel Region utilized data and community insights to reduce barriers to vaccination for marginalized populations.

The Region also had “highly efficient mass vaccination clinics, creative partnerships that provided free transportation to clinics and did outreach to homebound residents.

There was also “Doses After Dark all-night event clinics” that set records for the number of vaccines administered in a single day.

The Region of Peel says being shortlisted for the award is a significant accomplishment that recognizes the impact of the Mass Vaccination Program.

More importantly, it acknowledges the contributions of all the program staff in serving Peel residents, including the most vulnerable, using innovative approaches that helped deliver COVID-19 vaccines to Peel residents.

“The vaccination program was a truly collaborative effort between Peel Region and numerous partners who came together to protect residents,” said Nancy Polsinelli, Commissioner of Health Services.

“The recognition of being shortlisted for this award belongs to all those involved, be it staff, community partners, or other service providers who helped improve access to vaccination throughout Peel.”