COVID-19 Vaccine Bulletin - August 26, 2021

Volume 29 – Issued August 26, 2021

Getting the First and Second Dose of COVID-19 Vaccine Is Quick and Easy

It is strongly recommended that all individuals born in 2009 or earlier receive the full COVID-19 vaccine series as soon as possible. All individuals who have received their first dose of Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccine at least 28 days ago can now get their second dose. Youth under 18 years of age must receive the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.

For first doses of COVID-19 vaccine, appointments can be booked online, or by calling 705-360-4819 (Timmins) or 1-800-461-1818, or drop-in at any clinic to get vaccinated the same day. Appointments are required for all second COVID-19 vaccine doses. Visit the PHU vaccine webpage to find out when upcoming clinics are scheduled.

News Highlights:

COVID-19 vaccines, like medications, can have side effects; however, the benefit of having the vaccine far outweighs the risk and to note, you are more likely to experience severe illness or death with a COVID-19 infection than with the vaccine.

COVID-19 Vaccine Numbers:

Vaccine doses given at PHU mass immunization clinics: 93,667.
Number of people vaccinated with at least 1 dose of vaccine in the PHU area: 50,260.
79.8% of individuals 12 years of age and older in the PHU area have received at least one dose of vaccine.
70.3% of individuals 12 years of age and older in the PHU area have received two doses of vaccine.

Risk Of Complications From Getting COVID-19 Infection Are Far Greater Than The Risk Of Side Effects From COVID-19 Vaccines

Vaccines protect people before they come into contact with the disease. Vaccines work in such a way as to train the immune system to build antibodies in the same way as if you were exposed to the disease naturally. Vaccines trigger the body’s natural immune response to provide protection against a disease, without the risk of getting the disease. You don’t need to get sick to get antibodies and develop immunity. Vaccines let you skip the sickness and go straight to being protected. Natural infection from certain diseases can kill or seriously harm people before their body is able to develop a strong immune response.

COVID-19 variants, such as Delta, make the virus more infectious and transmissible and can also cause more severe illness in those who become infected. With variants spreading locally, it is more important than ever to continue following public health measures as well as receive the COVID-19 vaccine to stop the spread of COVID-19.

Long-Term Side Effects Are Very Unlikely Following COVID-19 Vaccination

Vaccine monitoring has historically shown that side effects generally happen within six weeks of receiving a vaccine dose. Millions of people have received COVID-19 vaccines, and no long-term side effects have been detected.

The Public Health Agency of Canada, Health Canada, drug manufacturers, and provincial and territorial health authorities continue to:

monitor the use of all COVID-19 vaccines closely
examine and assess any new safety concerns

As safety issues are investigated, Health Canada will take appropriate action as needed to address the concern (e.g., a problem with a specific lot number, manufacturing issue, or the vaccine itself). Reports and investigation of safety concerns show that Canada's vaccine safety monitoring system works. Health Canada posts weekly reports on COVID-19 vaccine safety.

Referral Form Required For Third Dose Of COVID-19 Vaccine

The Porcupine Health Unit will be offering third doses of COVID-19 vaccine to those at highest-risk, providing them an extra layer of protection against the Delta variant, at least two months after the second dose. A referral form must be completed by the treating provider or primary care provider. For a list of populations eligible for third doses and to access the required referral form, visit the health unit website at: phu.fyi/third-dose.

PORCUPINE HEALTH UNIT COVID-19 INFORMATION LINE

Call with any inquiries about COVID-19. 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.

Timmins: 705-360-4819 Toll free: 1-800-461-1818