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COVID-19 Updated Guidance



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Update: Pfizer Supply

The province has confirmed a stable supply of adult Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty vaccine. Effective immediately the requirement to reserve Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty for individuals 12-29 years old has been removed.

As local adult Pfizer BioNTech Comirnaty vaccine supply is expected to increase over the next few weeks, please maintain use of both mRNA vaccines and ensure that inventory of both is managed based on the principles of effectiveness of both vaccines, interchangeability and minimizing waste.

Both the Moderna Spikevax and Pfizer BioNTech Comirnaty vaccines provide excellent protection against severe COVID-19 infection. Several studies have shown that Moderna Spikevax can provide better protection than the Pfizer BioNTech Comirnaty vaccine, especially for older adults and people who have a weak immune system.

Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty vaccine is preferentially recommended in individuals 12-29 years of age.

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Vaccine Ordering

Please email ALL vaccine orders to Michelle Zappitelli at michelle.zappitelli@tbdhu.com

TBDHU is updating our ordering process and form, as well as updating a metrics form and will share soon.

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NEW COVID-19 Vaccination Forms


For all vaccinators, please use these updated forms effective immediately:
  • COVID-19 Vaccine Order Form
  • COVID-19 Vaccine Metrics Form

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Walk-In Eligibility Expansion at the CLE Coliseum

Eligibility for walk-in appointments will be expanded starting TOMORROW Jan 27 at the TBDHU Mass Immunization Clinics:
  • CLE Coliseum Building:
    • Primary series doses for age 12+ (1st, 2nd, 3rd doses) as well as boosters for those who received a third dose
    • Age 50+ any dose
    • Boosters for pregnant people
  • Heritage Building:
    • 5-11 1st doses
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Calm and Quiet Clinics

Individuals age 5+ needing a calm and quiet vaccination experience can book online for an appointment at the Thunder Bay District Health Unit Main Office (999 Balmoral St). As two clinics are available; please encourage patients to select the appropriate clinic. Monday appointments are up to 45 minutes long (those with severe anxiety/needle phobia, and Tuesday appointments are 15 minutes long (quiet environment needed).

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COVID-19 Public Health Resources



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National Kids and Vaccine Day: January 27


January 27 is National Kids & Vaccines Day! Sign up for the Vaccine Confidence for Children Workshop hosted by Children’s Healthcare Canada. It’s a half-day workshop targeting healthcare providers serving children to help them increase vaccine confidence for kids. The workshop is free of charge and open to HCPs of any specialty or discipline. The full agenda can be found here: ICC Pop Up: Vaccination Conversations — Children's Healthcare Canada (childrenshealthcarecanada.ca).
  • Highlights include a presentation from Dr. Anna Taddio (Sick Kids) presenting her CARD approach to ensure kids have a positive vaccine experience;
  • Dr. Samina Ali and Dr. Elise Kammerer will be discussing strategies to minimize pain and discomfort associated with vaccines; and
  • a presentation by Dr. Fatima Tokhmafshan who will be sharing strategies to communicate risk and uncertainty with parents/caregivers and youth.
Children and Vaccination in Thunder Bay:
  • In-school vaccination: TBDHU will be offering first doses in-schools during instructional hours
  • Kids 5-11 can walk-in to the Heritage building for first doses, second doses require an appointment
  • Check out www.tbdhu.com/youthvaccine for helpful resources, including information on consent
  • CARD System – Strategies for coping before and after vaccination
Ontario Government Resources:
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BETR Virtual Speaker Series – Free, CME-Approved Education Sessions


You are invited to attend an exciting speaker series presented by experts across the province. The Building Enhanced Treatment Response (BETR) Initiative’s CME-approved educational sessions are designed to build enhanced treatment responses for HCV and HIV care. The goal is to establish a broader community of practice across Ontario.

Physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, therapists, system navigators, and harm reduction workers are encouraged to attend. The BETR Initiative will help build knowledge and treatment capacity among health care and inter-professional care team members—BETR will empower healthcare providers to expand and offer care and treatment designed to meet the needs of clients. The resources and knowledge offered by the BETR Initiative will help improve health outcomes for people living with HCV and HIV.

These free, CME-approved educational sessions are being offered virtually and are scheduled at a time that will allow maximum participation of health care providers (7:30 am – 8:45 am EST).

Topics include: HIV-Related Legal Issues for Health Care Professionals; Lessons from London in HIV & Hep C Treatment; Ontario Clinical Care Guidelines: Living with HIV; HCV Treatment: The Simple and the Not-So-Simple; and HIV Psychiatry: An Approach to Patients with Complexities.

To register and learn more about our educational speaker sessions conference, please go to https://betrcare.ca/calendar/virtual-speaker-series-2022/. Feel free to share this information with your colleagues.

For more information, please contact Kari Chiappetta at kcconsulting@shaw.ca.


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Thunder Bay District Health Unit · 999 Balmoral Street · Thunder Bay, On P7B 6E7 · Canada