COVID-19 Vaccine Bulletin - August 4, 2021

Volume 26 – Issued August 4, 2021

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

Anyone 12 years of age and older is strongly encouraged to get their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible. Youth 12-17 years of age must receive the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. All individuals 12 years of age and older, who have received their first dose of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine at least 28 days ago can now book an appointment for their second dose.

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:

Vaccines provide the best protection against COVID-19 and its variants.

COVID-19 Vaccine Numbers:

Vaccine doses given at PHU mass immunization clinics: 91,100.
Number of people vaccinated with at least 1 dose of vaccine in the PHU area: 49,947.
77.6% of individuals 12 years of age and older in the PHU area have received at least one dose of vaccine.
66.4% of individuals 12 years of age and older in the PHU area have received two doses of vaccine.

Protect Yourself, Your Family, Friends And The Community By Getting Vaccinated

While anyone can be infected with COVID-19, differences in health and social circumstances increase risk of infection as well as poor COVID-19 outcomes, such as hospitalization and death. This means that some individuals, groups, and communities are unequally affected and at higher risk to COVID-19 than others. Following a review of available evidence, the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) has developed a summary table of populations at increased risk of severe outcomes from COVID-19 and at increased risk of exposure to the virus.

By getting the vaccine you could be saving a life. It is strongly recommended that all eligible individuals 12 years of age and older receive the full COVID-19 vaccine series as soon as possible as receiving the vaccine will protect you, your family, and friends, as well as lower community transmission of the COVID-19 virus which will ultimately help protect everyone, including those most at risk, in the community.

Receiving the COVID-19 vaccine is the safest choice for most people as the vaccines are safe and effective, and a serious complication from a COVID-19 infection is much more likely than from the vaccine. Reviewing evidence based vaccine information which is available on the Porcupine Health Unit, Government of Ontario, and Government of Canada websites is key to making an informed decision about receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.

You may still be considering the risks versus benefits of the COVID-19 vaccine. Consult with your healthcare provider or the Porcupine Health Unit if you:

Have questions or concerns about vaccination.
Are unsure if you should receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
Have an underlying medical condition or are immunocompromised due to a disease or treatment.
Have or a severe allergy to an ingredient in the COVID-19 vaccine or experienced mild to moderate immediate allergic reactions after a previous dose of an authorized COVID-19 vaccine.
Are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19.

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