Health officials are still discussing who will be prioritized to receive COVID-19 vaccines when Phase 2 of inoculation begins. But with current supply issues and various groups clambering for consideration, Dr. Fitzgerald is preaching patience.

Earlier this week, the teachers’ union said its members should be near the front of the line in order to ensure that schools can reopen, and stay open, however, Fitzgerald says the oldest and sickest remain the priority.

She says she understands and sympathizes with teachers, but it continues to be a delicate balancing act of weighing supply with demand and getting the vaccine into the arms of people who need it the most.

Health Minister John Haggie noted that while the vaccine protects the person vaccinated, the jury’s still out on whether they can still transmit the virus to others.

He also reminded the public that there’s still no approved vaccine for people under the age of 18.