Volume 2 – Issued February 4, 2021
COVID-19 vaccination is currently a trending topic in everyday discussions, the news and social media. Continue to check in regularly for updates on vaccine highlights, facts and information on the implementation of the Porcupine Health Unit’s COVID-19 Vaccination Program.
Vaccine distribution continues to be guided by the Ethical Framework for COVID-19 vaccine distribution principles outline by the Ontario COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Task Force as well as vaccine availability.
The Porcupine Health Unit is working collaboratively with First Nations communities, community partners and local facilities in a continued focused effort to ensure the COVID-19 vaccine roll out will be a success across the district.
In addition to the previous announcement regarding shipment delays of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines, the province of Ontario was advised by the federal government that there would also be a delay in receiving the Moderna COVID-19 vaccines.
The government of Ontario continues to focus on accelerated vaccination of the province’s most vulnerable people. Although, as a result of the delays in vaccine shipments, the Ontario government has updated the goal of the plan to accelerate vaccination that was announced on January 25, 2021. The completion of the first doses of COVID-19 vaccines for long-term care, high-risk retirement, and First Nations elder care home residents is now set for February 10, 2021 instead of February 5, 2021. Additionally, vaccinations continue to be offered to residents in remote and isolated First Nations and Indigenous communities through Operation Remote Immunity.
As supplies of COVID-19 vaccines are received, vaccination of groups listed in Phase 1 of the province’s COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Plan will continue.
As two doses of mRNA vaccines are required for protection, and it is required that the same COVID-19 mRNA vaccine be received for both doses of the vaccination series, the provincial government is ensuring that enough vaccine is available to immunize those who have already received a first COVID-19 vaccine with a second dose.
The Ontario government previously announced details related to Phase 2 of vaccine rollout which is planned to start as early as March 2021 and be completed by end of July 2021. This timeline is anticipated to be achievable on condition that vaccine supplies continue to be received as planned moving forward. The Ontario government is preparing to vaccinate up to 8.5 million people before the end of Phase 2. During the second phase of vaccine rollout, vaccination of groups included in Phase 1 will continue as needed.
Groups of individuals in Phase 2 include:
While clinical trials did not include individuals from the following list, the benefits of vaccination may outweigh the risks:
If you fit into any of these categories:
On, February 2, 2021, the Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, announced additional investments to support made-in-Canada vaccines and treatments to help with current and future pandemic protections for Canadians. One of these investments includes vaccine production of Norovax COVID-19 vaccine in Montréal once approval from Health Canada is received. The Norovax vaccine, along with several other vaccines, is currently under review by Health Canada.
The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care have developed and released guidance documents for COVID-19 vaccination. Of note:
Appearance of new COVID-19 virus variants have been identified throughout the province. The two COVID-19 vaccines currently approved in Canada, Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, are likely to remain effective against the new fast-spreading variants of the virus but more research is needed.
Scientists are working to learn more about these variants including how effective currently authorized vaccines will protect people against them. In the meantime, it remains essential that everyone continue following public health measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
The Porcupine Health Unit wants to keep you informed about COVID-19 vaccines. Our website now includes a COVID-19 Vaccine page with more information on approved vaccines, vaccine safety and other general information.
Our COVID-19 phone lines remain open. Call us with any COVID-19 related questions you have at 1-800-461-1818.
Thank you for your continued great efforts in helping to keep our communities safe and reduce the spread of COVID-19.
Dr. Lianne Catton, Medical Officer of Health