In 2021, the vaccine roll-out was in full force. Vaccines were approved for everyone over the age of 5. Even appointments for booster shots – or third doses – opened up for eligible groups (Pictured: HHS staff member Crystal Fong getting a booster shot).

2021 Celebrations: COVID vaccines bring optimism and hope

March 11, 2021 marked the passage of one year since the World Health Organization declared a global pandemic for COVID-19. Hamilton Health Sciences commemorated this time by acknowledging the heroic efforts and achievements of our workforce in the series, COVID Reflections. The stories highlight milestones in our organization’s fight against the disease.

As our community moved into the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic, hope was on the horizon. What was just a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel in 2020 came to full fruition in 2021: the vaccine roll-out. It first became available for vulnerable populations, followed by all adults, youth 12+ and finally, children. Even booster shots, also known as a person’s third shot, became available to certain groups of people. Our experts led the charge to communicate the safety and efficacy of the vaccine to preventing severe illness and limiting transmission of the virus.

We also battled a fourth wave of the pandemic. The first half of 2021 brought some of the highest numbers of patients with COVID-19 to our intensive care units (ICUs). At points, the surge capacity added was just enough to provide space and staff to care for the sickest patients. Our ICU staff worked tirelessly throughout to provide care to those who needed it most.

As 2021 comes to a close, we’re cautiously optimistic for the year ahead – and eternally grateful for the dedication of our workforce to combat this almost two year fight against COVID-19.

This is the first article in our year-end celebration series. Read all the 2021 celebration stories this month.

COVID Reflections: The beginning COVID Reflections: Stabilizing COVID Reflections: The second wave COVID Reflections: Hope on the horizon From freezer to arm: HHS pharmacy team part of history in the making “When you can’t breathe, nothing else matters.” Respiratory therapists are vital to COVID care Inside the ICU During COVID-19: photos from healthcare providers An injection of hope: HHS temporary COVID vaccine clinic closes Refusing vaccination can lead to “death’s door” in the intensive care unit Hamilton regional lab “amps” up to deal with increased testing for COVID and other viruses