June 21, 2021 - This past Saturday (June 19th), the Thunder Bay District Health Unit (TBDHU) was informed that the supply of Pfizer vaccine expected for the week of June 21st would be delayed by two to three days.
To accommodate this unexpected supply change and ensure all individuals currently booked for vaccine can get their vaccine, TBDHU is switching several clinics to Moderna vaccine.
The following clinics in Thunder Bay will be administering Moderna vaccine and not Pfizer as previously indicated:
- Tuesday June 22 – TBDHU CLE Coliseum clinic
- Wednesday June 23 - TDBHU CLE Coliseum clinic and TBRHSC clinic at Bora Laskin building
- Thursday June 24 – TBDHU CLE Coliseum clinic and TBRHSC clinic at Bora Laskin building
- Friday June 25 - TBDHU CLE Coliseum clinic and TBRHSC clinic at Bora Laskin building
These changes will not impact youth 12 to 17 years. Youth 12 to 17 years who have appointments at any of these clinics will still be able to receive Pfizer vaccine at these clinics. At this time, Pfizer vaccine is the only vaccine approved in Canada for use in individuals 12 to 17 years. Other clinics in Thunder Bay will not be impacted by this change. Remaining Pfizer vaccine from last week’s supply will be used to cover these.
Clinics in District communities will also be impacted by the supply disruption. Further information will be provided locally.
All individuals who were scheduled to receive their vaccine this week are strongly encouraged to attend their appointment as scheduled and get their vaccine. Moderna and Pfizer vaccines are both mRNA vaccines and are interchangeable. Individuals who received their first dose with Pfizer and were scheduled to receive their second dose this week can receive Moderna for their second dose. This is safe and effective and will provide them optimal protection against COVID-19 and its variants, including the Delta variant, as they will be fully immunized.
“I urge all those who have an appointment this week to keep it and get their vaccine as scheduled. This is an unexpected supply issue; however, we are accommodating this and ensuring everyone can get immunized as scheduled,” said Dr. Janet DeMille, Medical Officer of Health. “Pfizer and Moderna are both highly effective vaccines and can be used for first and second doses, including in combination. By getting vaccinated, people will protect themselves, their loved ones, and their community.”
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.