To debunk misinformation about the numbers of vaccinated versus unvaccinated COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and ICU admissions, Eastern Ontario Health Unit created this video. It has great visuals that show the big difference in rates of vaccinated versus non-fully vaccinated people in hospitals and ICUs.
 

            

                          

           

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COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics in Timiskaming 

  • After February 29, 2024, public health will no longer be offering clinics until the Spring campaign (date to be determined).
    • Except for individuals who have not started or completed a primary series 
    • Individuals whose treating health care provider recommends a dose (no proof required) 
  • Participating pharmacies also carry COVID-19 vaccines: https://covid-19.ontario.ca/vaccine-locations

CLICK HERE FOR VACCINATION CLINIC SCHEDULE 

Do you have questions about the COVID-19 vaccines? Our clinic is staffed with knowledgeable healthcare workers who would be happy to answer your questions, or please call THU at 866-747-4305 or your health care provider to find out more.

 

Who is currently eligible

Who is currently eligible?  

Everyone aged six months or over at the time of their appointment is currently eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. 

Consistent with NACI, the Ontario Ministry of Health recommends a dose of the XBB. 1.5-containing COVID-19 mRNA vaccine for individuals in the authorized age group (i.e. 6 months and older) who have been previously vaccinated against COVID-19, if it has been 6 months from the previousCOVID-19 vaccine dose or known COVID-19 infection (whichever is later).

Immunization is particularly important for those at increased risk of COVID-19. The Ontario Ministry of Health strongly recommends that individuals at high-risk from COVID-19, including those with a potential for greater impact from infection, receive a dose of the XBB formulation this fall, if it has been six months since their lastCOVID-19 vaccine dose or confirmed COVID-19 infection.

Individuals who have NOT been previously vaccinated, may use the XBB.1.5 containing COVID-19 vaccine.

Staying Up to Date: Individuals 6 months and older are considered up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines if they have received a Fall 2023 COVID-19 dose.

Recommended Intervals

Previously Vaccinated Individuals

The recommended interval for children 6 months to 11 years of age is 6 months (168 days) after last dose or confirmed COVID-19 infection. 
The recommended interval for individuals 12+ is 6 months (168 days) after last dose or confirmed COVID-19 infection. 

Not Previously Vaccinated Individuals:

The recommended interval for not previously vaccinated children aged 6 months to 4 years of age is 2 doses, 56 days apart. 

Not previously vaccinated children 5 – 11 years of age require 1 dose. 

Not previously vaccinated individuals 12+ require 1 dose. 

What is the suggested timing between a previous COVID-19 infection and COVID-19 vaccination? 

You should wait between 3 and 6 months to receive an updated COVID-19 vaccine after symptom onset or a positive COVID-19 test. Discussing the best timing for you with your healthcare provider is important. In certain circumstances, waiting six months may provide a better immune response. 

For more information about COVID-19 vaccine administration guidance, click here.

 

What is an adverse event following immunization (AEFI) and how are AEFIs reported? 

An adverse event following immunization (AEFI) is an unwanted or unexpected health effect that happens after someone receives a vaccine. AEFIs may or may not be caused by the vaccine. Monitoring AEFIs is an important step that helps make vaccination programs successful. All clients who receive the COVID-19 vaccine are told to contact their healthcare provider or THU if they experience an AEFI. When a healthcare provider reports an AEFI, they complete a form and then send it to their local public health unit for investigation and assessment.

All AEFIs are thoroughly investigated by public health nurses and signed off by the Medical Officer of Health. Most AEFIs are local reactions that resolve on their own. 

Public Health Ontario releases a report about all AEFIs in the province. The report is updated weekly. You can read it here.

For more information about AEFIs and Ontario’s COVID-19 vaccine program, click here.

Immunization Update - by the numbers

Immunization Update - by the numbers 

The percent coverage presented on this table includes Timiskaming residents who have received a COVID-19 vaccine, regardless of the location of vaccine administration. 

The total number of doses includes all doses given in Timiskaming (regardless of clients addresses), including in primary care, pharmacies, and THU vaccination clinics.

Total Immunization Snapshot 

 Percentage of THU residents who have received their doses

(Updated on September 1, 2023)

The percent coverage presented on this table includes Timiskaming residents who have received a COVID-19 vaccine, regardless of the location of vaccine administration.

a Refers to individuals that have completed their primary series and have received any number of booster doses (e.g. first booster, second booster) of COVID-19 vaccine within the previous 6 months (168 days). As these individuals have received a recent booster dose, they are considered up-to date according to provincial recommendations. Important to note that residents who have had a recent COVID-19 infection are recommended to wait 3-6 months after a COVID-19 infection before getting a booster dose.

The Timiskaming Health Unit previously used the 2020 population estimates from the 2016 Census data as the denominator to report vaccine rates, similar to the Ministry of Health. Beginning Wednesday, October 12, 2022, Timiskaming Health Unit will be switching from using the 2020 Statistics Canada population estimates to the newly released, 2021 Statistics Canada population estimates.  As a result, some vaccination rates may be different from previous weeks.

* The total number of doses includes all doses given in Timiskaming (regardless of clients addresses), including in primary care, pharmacies, THU vaccination clinics.

For more information about COVID-19 vaccination data in Ontario, click here.

 

Fertility, Pregnancy and COVID-19 Vaccines

Fertility, Pregnancy, and COVID-19 Vaccines 

COVID-19 vaccines are safe if you are pregnant or planning to conceive

You can safely get the COVID-19 vaccine before becoming pregnant or in any trimester of pregnancy. It is also recommended that you stay up-to-date with booster doses. Please consult with your health care provider if you have questions about vaccination and pregnancy.

Getting the COVID-19 vaccine while you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to conceive is safe and highly recommended by:

Several studies have demonstrated that vaccination in pregnancy has no impact on:

  • pregnancy outcomes (including miscarriage, premature birth, fetal growth restriction, and high blood pressure during pregnancy)
  • medical complications of pregnancy
  • maternal death

The benefits of getting vaccinated to prevent potential complications in pregnancy far outweigh the risks. The vaccine will protect you from COVID-19, and it will also reduce the risk of severe illness and complications related to COVID-19 in pregnancy. Studies suggest that after vaccination you will pass antibodies to your baby, which may keep them safe after birth.

COVID-19 Vaccine Consult Service: SickKids and the VaxFacts Clinic at Scarborough Health Network (SHN) are available to answer questions about the COVID-19 vaccine for pregnant and breastfeeding people. Speak privately with a SickKids registered nurse for vaccine safety information. Follow-up is also offered with SHN for individual medical guidance.  The service is available in multiple languages. 

Visit www.sickkids.ca/vaccineconsult to book a confidential phone appointment.

For more information about COVID-19 vaccines in pregnancy, click here.   
 

 

 

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