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COVID-19 Vaccine Bulletin - August 19, 2021

Volume 28 – Issued August 19, 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:

The COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective! Visit phu.fyi/covid-vaccine for more information or to book your appointment!

COVID-19 Vaccine Numbers:

    • Vaccine doses given at PHU mass immunization clinics: 92,874.
    • Number of people vaccinated with at least 1 dose of vaccine in the PHU area: 50,015.
    • 78.7% of individuals 12 years of age and older in the PHU area have received at least one dose of vaccine.
    • 68.8% of individuals 12 years of age and older in the PHU area have received two doses of vaccine.

COVID-19 Vaccines Are Safe If You Are Pregnant, Planning A Pregnancy, Or Breastfeeding

Unvaccinated pregnant individuals are at higher risk of severe illness, hospitalization, ICU admission, mechanical ventilation, and death due to COVID-19 infection. Severe infection with COVID-19 also has risks for fetal and newborn health. COVID-19 infection in pregnancy is a risk factor for worse pregnancy outcome like preeclampsia, premature birth, still birth, and caesarean delivery. The National Advisory Committee on Immunizations (NACI) and the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologist of Canada recommend that pregnant individuals be offered the COVID-19 vaccine at any time during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. It is recommended that individuals planning a pregnancy receive the COVID-19 vaccine prior to pregnancy to benefit from protection throughout the full pregnancy. Available safety data does not suggest any concerns related to the COVID-19 vaccine on female reproduction/fertility, pregnancy, fetal development, or development of the baby after delivery. The available data shows that mRNA vaccines do not transfer into breastmilk. COVID-19 antibodies transfer through the breastmilk and provide protection to the baby. The Vaccination in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Patient Decision-Making Tool can help individuals make an informed decision about COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy and breastfeeding. 

All Youth Born In 2009 Or Earlier Are Now Eligible To Receive The COVID-19 Vaccine

Ontario has expanded the eligibility for the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine to include all youth born in 2009 (turning 12 before the end of the 2021 calendar year). Ontario has closely monitored data from Alberta and British Columbia where the vaccine has been offered to youth born in 2009 for several months with no risks identified. This will help to ensure even more students have the opportunity to receive the vaccine and ensure strong protection against COVID-19 and the Delta variant as they return to school. 

Third Dose Of COVID-19 Vaccine Now Available To Those At Highest Risk

Individuals at highest risk to COVID-19 can now receive a third dose of COVID-19 vaccine, providing them with an extra layer of protection against the Delta variant. This includes:

  • Transplant recipients (including solid organ transplant and hematopoietic stem cell transplants);
  • Patients with hematological cancers (examples include lymphoma, myeloma, leukemia) on active treatment (chemotherapy, targeted therapies, immunotherapy);
  • Recipients of an anti-CD20 agent (e.g. rituximab, ocrelizumab, ofatumumab); and
  • Residents of high-risk congregate settings including long-term care homes, higher-risk licensed retirement homes and First Nations Elder care lodges.

The Porcupine Health Unit is encouraging individuals to call the health unit at 705-360-4819 or 1-800-461-1818 to verify that they meet the criteria for a third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and to find out how to get the third dose. 

Mandatory COVID-19 Policies Required In Settings Where COVID-19 Risk Is Higher

The Ontario Chief Medical Officer of Health issued a directive mandating hospitals and home and community care service providers to have a COVID-19 vaccination policy effective no later than September 7, 2021. Individuals in these settings who are not fully vaccinated will be required to have regular antigen testing. School and licensed childcare settings will also be required to have regular antigen testing if they are not fully immunized.

Pausing Of The Exit From The Roadmap To Reopen

In response to evolving data about the Delta variant, and out of an abundance of caution, Ontario is pausing the exit from the Roadmap to Reopen. We will remain in Step 3 of the roadmap until further notice. Continued monitoring of the data will determine when it is safe to exit the Roadmap and lift the majority of public health and workplace safety measures.

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

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