May 18, 2021 - The Thunder Bay District Health Unit (TBDHU) is encouraging everyone in the TBDHU area 18 years and over to get vaccinated with the COVID-19 vaccine. The Province announced yesterday that the eligibility was dropping to 18+ effective today. All adults can now book appointments to get their vaccine.
“This is an important day. We have been focusing on getting priority groups, including previous age ranges, in for vaccination. We have now reached a point where all adults are eligible. We are going to see the vaccine supply to this area increase compared to recent weeks and there will be broader access to appointments in the coming weeks”, said Dr. Janet DeMille, Medical Officer of Health.
To respond to this expansion of eligibility, TBDHU and Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) have joined forces to increase the number of appointment spots available at their mass immunization clinics (MICs) in Thunder Bay. TBDHU operates a clinic out of the CLE Coliseum. TBRHSC operates a clinic out of the Bora Laskin Building at Lakehead University. Both clinics can now be accessed through the provincial booking system with appointments being available in the upcoming weeks. Additional clinic spots will also be added to the system in the coming week. Individuals can book an appointment online or by calling 1-833-943-3900.
In the District communities, the local Family Health Teams continue to deliver vaccine clinics, and are using the expanded criteria. For individuals in the District, please visit the TBDHU website for additional information and links to the Family Health Teams.
In addition to the MICs, more pharmacies in Thunder Bay and District communities are expecting vaccine (both Moderna and Pfizer) and will be delivering immunizations shortly. More opportunities will also be provided through primary care, and ongoing clinics, such as the Urban Indigenous clinics, will continue providing vaccines with expanded eligibility.
TBDHU is actively engaged with the Province and School Boards to develop and implement a strategy related to the vaccination of youth aged 12-17 years. Work with this age group has already begun, with full implementation anticipated to be May 31st. More information will be provided when it becomes available.
Vaccine Update:
As of May 15, 2021:
- 84,674 COVID-19 immunizations have been given in the TBDHU
- 74,143 people have received at least 1 dose of the COVID-19 vaccine in the TBDHU
- 45.6% of the whole TBDHU population has received at least 1 dose
- 54.0% of those who are 16 years and older have received at least one dose
Weekly updates on the COVID-19 Vaccination progress are provided every Tuesday on the TBDHU website.
TBDHU encourages everyone, whether you have been vaccinated or not, to continue following all public health measures to protect the health of individuals and our health system. If you develop any COVID-19 symptoms, even mild ones, isolate immediately and arrange to get tested at your local assessment centre.
Visit TBDHU.com for more information.
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For more information - Health Unit Media: news@tbdhu.com.