COVID-19 Vaccine in our area – Update

Northwestern Health Unit (NWHU) and other local partners continue to offer the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine to local residents who are most at risk in our area. Over the next few weeks, this includes giving second doses to Elder Care Home and Long Term Care Home (LTCH) residents and providing first doses to Elder Care Home and LTCH staff and essential caregivers, other high risk individuals, and those listed as “highest priority” health care workers in the Province’s prioritization framework.

As vaccine supply increases in our region, NWHU expects to begin appointment-based clinics in early April, starting with residents over 80 years old. Appointments cannot yet be booked, however NWHU expects that online and telephone appointment booking will begin in mid to late March. The health unit will publicize widely when appointments can be booked for those aged 80 years and older.

In the meantime, Dr. Kit Young Hoon, Medical Officer of Health at NWHU recommends that residents prepare now to get the shot. “If you are immunocompromised, have an autoimmune disorder, are pregnant, or have an allergy to the vaccine or its components, speak to your health care provider now to see if you should get the vaccine,” Dr. Young Hoon says. Anyone with the above conditions will have to attest that they have spoken to their health care provider before receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.

NWHU expects more news from the province soon on Phase 2 populations and who is eligible for the next round of vaccinations. The health unit believes they will have larger amounts of vaccine throughout April, May, and June for eligible populations.

To stay up to date with vaccine updates, please visit https://www.nwhu.on.ca/covid-19/ or call NWHU’s COVID-19 hotline at 1-866-468-2240.

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Media Contact:
Dr. Kit Young Hoon
Medical Officer of Health
Northwestern Health Unit
jbegg@nwhu.on.ca