Northwestern Health Unit/CKDR Archives
The Northwestern Health Unit and local partners are preparing to launch regional COVID-19 vaccine clinics.
As the vaccine supply starts to increase, the health unit expects to start appointment-based clinics for residents over 80 years old in early April.
“About 40 percent of local health units were started later with getting their vaccines and so we’re one of them,” explains Medical Officer of Health Dr. Kit Young Hoon. “The reasons were because they prioritized other areas with higher incidence rates, so the Thunder Bay District Health Unit has had a higher incidence rate for a long period of time.”
While appointments can’t be booked yet, the health unit will provide more information when online and telephone appointments can start to be booked for those aged 80 years and older.
“We sill haven’t been notified of our allocation, our expectations based on what were hearing is to really ramp up at the end of March, early April,” states Dr. Young Hoon.
NWHU expects more news from the province soon on Phase 2 and believes they will have larger amounts of vaccine throughout April, May, and June for eligible populations.
In the meantime, Dr. Young Hoon says the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine continues to be offered to local residents who are most at risk in our area.
“This week and next week, we’re offering the COVID-19 vaccine, the second doses to Elder Care Home and Long Term Care Home residents and first doses to Long Term Care Home and Elder Care Home staff and essential caregivers, other high risk individuals, and those listed as “highest priority” health care workers in the Province’s prioritization framework.”
It’s also recommending that residents prepare now to get the shot.
“If you are immunocompromised, have an autoimmune disorder, are pregnant, or have an allergy to the vaccine or its components, speak to your health care provider now to see if you should get the vaccine,” Dr. Young Hoon states.
Anyone with the above conditions will have to attest that they have spoken to their health care provider before receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.
