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COVID-19 Vaccine Bulletin - April 22, 2021

Volume 13 – Issued April 22, 2021

COVID-19 Vaccine Bulletin

The COVID-19 vaccine rollout throughout the Porcupine Health Unit is well underway with a total of 26,442 individuals who have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, and 1,132 who have received two doses.

We know that COVID-19 vaccines are an important tool to get through this pandemic. And while the success of COVID-19 vaccine distribution seen up to now is encouraging, we must all remember to continue with public health measures even as vaccination rates increase. Public health measures like staying home when sick (even if symptoms are mild), wearing a mask, staying physically distant from those outside the immediate household, and frequent handwashing have proven to be effective at slowing the spread of COVID-19. COVID-19 vaccination and ongoing use of public health measures remain important in the collective response of our communities to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus and protect those who are most at risk to severe outcomes. It remains just as essential to continue with public health measures even after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.

Planning

Ongoing planning efforts in preparation for the successive population groups that will soon be eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine during Phase Two of the provincial vaccination plan, as listed in the Guidance for Prioritization of Phase 2 Populations for COVID-19 Vaccination document, continues with the support of strong collaborations with community partners across the Porcupine Health Unit district. Success in the vaccine distribution rollout has been possible as a result of great partnerships through local planning committees with community partners, primary care, service providers and the multitude of staff and volunteers who work at the community mass immunization clinics.  

The Porcupine Health Unit

  • As more vaccines are received from the provincial government additional mass immunization clinics are being planned across the district. The number of clinics and vaccine appointments are dependent on the vaccine supply available.
  • The health unit will continue to announce upcoming clinic dates and times in communities across the district for eligible population groups through local media, Facebook and on the health unit’s website.
  • While the health unit is currently in Phase Two of the Ontario vaccine distribution plan, populations included in Phase One of the provincial vaccination plan continue to be able to receive the COVID-19 vaccine as well.
  • Appointments are required for all COVID-19 mass immunization clinics. To view upcoming clinic dates and to register, visit the Porcupine Health Unit’s COVID-19 vaccination booking system. COVID-19 vaccine appointments for eligible individuals may also be booked by calling the Porcupine Health Unit at 705-360-4819 or 1-800-461-1818.
  • The following documents from the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care must be reviewed before receiving the COVID-19 vaccine:
  • In previous weeks, all the COVID-19 vaccines administered at all the Porcupine Health Unit mass immunization clinics were the Moderna mRNA COVID-19 vaccine.
  • Beginning this week, Pfizer-BioNTech mRNA vaccines were also used at some of the health unit’s mass immunization clinics.
  • Moving forward, mass immunization clinics through the Porcupine Health Unit may include either the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna mRNA COVID-19 vaccines. Vaccines used will be dependent on the vaccine supply received from the provincial government. Additionally, some communities within the district may only receive the Moderna vaccines because of the stringent storage and transportation temperature requirements of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.
  • If you or a loved one are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine but are experiencing barriers to accessing the vaccine clinics and need support, call the health unit at 705-360-4819 or 1-800-461-1818.
  • The Porcupine Health Unit COVID-19 vaccine clinic schedule can be found under the COVID-19 Vaccine area of the health unit’s website.
  • The following pharmacies in the Porcupine Health Unit district are currently offering the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine to individuals 40 years of age and older:
  • Wallace Drug Store: 109 6th Avenue Cochrane, ON. Call 705-272-4381 to make an appointment.
  • Rexall: 142 Progress Crescent Kapuskasing, ON. Call 705-337-1777 or visit rexall.ca/covid-19/vaccines to make an appointment.
  • Shoppers Drug Mart: 681 Algonquin Boulevard East Unit 5 Timmins, ON. Call 705-264-6511 or visit https://covid-19.shoppersdrugmart.ca/en to make an
  • The following primary care team offices in the health unit region are also administering the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine and will be contacting eligible clients who are 40 years of age and older to book COVID-19 vaccine appointments:
    • Timmins Academic Family Health Team
    • Kapuskasing and Area Family Health Team

Vaccine Plan

Vaccine Rollout & Announcements

To date, 4,266,802 doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered to individuals across Ontario, with a total of 351,354 individuals having received two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. Up-to-date information on the number of COVID-19 vaccine doses administered in Ontario can be found on the COVID-19 vaccines for Ontario webpage.

On April 19, 2021, a statement was released by Dr. Williams, Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, to advise that eligibility for AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccinations through pharmacies and primary care providers will be safely expanded to individuals 40 years of age and older beginning on Tuesday, April 20, 2021.

The decision to expand eligibility for the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine to younger age groups was made following Health Canada announcing that after review of the available scientific data from Europe and the United Kingdom there would be no restrictions on the use of the vaccine in any specific population or age group.  

Expanding eligibility for the AstraZeneca vaccine will allow more adults to receive vaccine protection across the province to help prevent serious illness, hospitalization, and death due to COVID-19.

There continues to be positive uptake of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccinations at pharmacies within the Porcupine Health Unit district.

What you need to know about the AstraZeneca Vaccine

Concerns regarding the recent information published on the rare risk of developing serious blood clots following immunization with the AstraZeneca vaccine are weighing on the minds of many. With all the information circulating online and, in the media, it may be challenging to interpret what the actual risk may be of getting this vaccine. Hopefully, these credible facts can help you make an informed decision about getting the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, feel confident in the safety of this vaccine, and help to debunk some of the misinformation that exists.

  • According to Thrombosis Canada, each year the general populations risk of developing a blood clot is 1 or 2 out of 1,000 people (0.1%-0.2%).
  • Data from Thrombosis Canada indicates that COVID-19 infection is linked to blood clots:
    • The risk for those with COVID-19 infection that do not require hospitalization is about 1% or 1 in 100 people.
    • About 5% (or 1 in 20) of individuals with COVID-19 infection requiring hospitalization on a standard ward or medical floor, and
    • Individuals admitted to intensive care units (ICU), on life support, up to 20% (1 in 5 people)
  • There is only a very small risk that these rare blood clots will occur following immunization with the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, occurring in 1 in 250,000 to 1 in 500,000 people.
  • As with all decisions in life one must balance risk and benefit. When making an informed decision about getting the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, it is important to consider that the risks of COVID-19 infection strongly outweigh the risks of the vaccine, this is especially true now that community spread of COVID-19 variants is evident across the district. The COVID-19 variants of concern increase the risk of infection, hospitalization, and death.
  • Health Canada has a robust vaccine safety system which begins at the vaccine development stage and continues even after vaccines are approved. It is due to this strong system that Health Canada was able to recognize the potential risk of rare blood clots that have occurred following vaccination and take measures to review all available scientific data to refine recommendations, notify the public and healthcare providers to ensure transparency of this possible risk, and ensure ongoing safety of the vaccine.
  • The AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective:
    • Before vaccines are approved for use in Canada, they must be evaluated by Health Canada. Health Canada reviews the data to assess the benefits and risks of the vaccine. After the review, the vaccine is only approved for use if the benefits outweigh the potential risk. All safety standards have been met for approval of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines.
    • The AstraZeneca vaccine is 76% effective 14 days after dose 1 and 82% effective 7-14 days after dose 2 at preventing symptomatic COVID-19 infection.
    • The efficacy of the AstraZeneca vaccine at preventing hospitalization due to COVID-19 infection is 80%-100% after dose 1.
    • Side effects are mild, do not cause health risks, and are similar to other routine vaccines. In clinical trials of COVID-19 vaccines, the most commonly reported side effects include pain at the injection site, swelling and redness. Other side effects include things like tiredness, fever, and body chills. These types of reactions are considered normal following vaccination and are expected because of our body’s immune response. 
    • The AstraZeneca vaccine cannot make you sick or put you at risk of complications of the actual COVID-19 illness. By getting vaccinated you are protecting yourself and the community. Some people may not be able to get the COVID-19 vaccine due to a contraindication. When the majority of the population gets vaccinated it helps to protect those who can’t.
  • Treatment for the potential rare side effect of blood clot formation after receiving the AstraZeneca vaccine is available. Individuals should seek urgent medical attention if any of the following symptoms develop following vaccination:
    • Shortness of breath
    • Chest pain
    • Leg swelling
    • Persistent abdominal pain
    • Neurologic symptoms (e.g. severe and persistent worsening headaches or blurred vision)
    • Skin bruising or tiny blood spots under the skin

Resources

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 Information lines remain open. Call us with any COVID-19 related questions you have at 705-360-4819 or 1-800-461-1818.

Employment and Volunteer Opportunities

  • Visit Employment (porcupinehu.on.ca) to find out about employment opportunities or call 1-800-461-1818. Individuals who are seeking employment with the health unit should email information and resume to [email protected].
  • Community partners and independent volunteers are of great value to the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines across the district. Email [email protected] with your offer of support.

Moving Forward

There is still a shortage of COVID-19 vaccines throughout Canada. It will take time for everyone to receive a vaccine, so the sooner you are able to receive the vaccine once you are eligible the better. Waiting to get a specific vaccine could have devastating consequences like hospitalizations and deaths due to COVID-19 infection. Protection from any vaccine is better than no protection at all. All COVID-19 vaccines are good. All COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective. By getting a COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible you are helping to protect yourself and the community against the negative outcomes of COVID-19.

Getting your vaccine is quick and easy:

  • If you are 40 years of age and older, book a COVID-19 vaccine appointment through a local pharmacy.
  • If eligible to attend a mass-immunization clinic, book a COVID-19 vaccine appointment online, or by calling 705-360-4819 or 1-800-461-1818.

Additional Information: