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Previous health care provider updates can be found here

Contents:

Updated COVID-19 Guidance

All directives can be found on the Ministry of Health’s website.


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Pfizer Supply

Please review the Ministry of Health COVID-19 Vaccine Inventory Update Memo

At this time, there is a limited supply of the adult (12+) Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty vaccine in Canada. As of December 17, the Ministry of Health allocated all available adult Pfizer supply to Ontario’s vaccination channels. More Pfizer has been requested for the new year.

It is uncertain when TBDHU will receive another shipment of Pfizer, therefore it is imperative that immunization partners manage their vaccine inventory to prioritize use of Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty vaccine for people aged 12-29 until new supply is confirmed. All vaccine administrators are encouraged to use Moderna Spikevax as a third dose booster for people age 30 and older.

Here are some links regarding Moderna and boosters to inform your counselling of clients:


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Booster Dose Observation Period

Given the urgency to provide booster doses, the 15-minute observation period booster doses of mRNA vaccines could be waived on a temporary basis during the emergency response to the Omicron variant. A reduced post-vaccination observation period, between 5 -15 minutes could be considered for the administration of third booster doses of COVID-19 vaccine during the pandemic if specific conditions are met such as past experience with the two previous COVID-19 vaccine doses and other relevant conditions as outlined in the NACI 2020-2021 influenza vaccine advice. This would be an exception to usual immunization guidance and this approach could be used in these settings (i.e., mass immunization clinic, primary care clinics, pharmacies) at this time on a temporary basis during the emergency response to the Omicron variant, weighed the risks of a reduction in observation period (e.g., small increased risk of delayed identification of an adverse event that may require immediate medical attention) reducing risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission where physical distancing cannot be maintained and allowing more individuals to be immunized in a given time period.

 


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COVID-19 Vaccine for Children Aged 5 in 2022


In 2022, 5-year-olds will be eligible by birth date and not birth year (born in 2017). They need to be 5 on the day of their immunization. Updated guidance from the Ministry is expected soon.

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Quiet Appointments for Kids 5-11 at TBDHU


TBDHU is offering limited immunization appointments for children aged 5-11 who require a quieter environment. These appointments are still 15 minutes long but occur at the Thunder Bay District Health Unit instead of a mass immunization clinic environment.

Appointments can be made online at this link.


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