Health care workers (including staff, professional staff, learners and volunteers) at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre who have received their second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at least 168 days (24 months) ago are eligible to book an appointment for a third dose (or “booster shot”).
The quickest and easiest way to book an appointment is by using the e-health scheduling system at https://tbdhu.canadaehs.com/tbdhu/hospital/, with the first available time slots starting on Monday, November 15th. Health care workers who do not have regular access to a computer can use one in the Hospital’s library, access the scheduling system online via their smart phone, or call 684-6000 (extension 4585) to book their appointment by speaking with a clerk during regular clinic hours or by leaving a voicemail.
Drop-ins for a third dose will not be accepted. It is by appointment only. Time slots may fill up quickly during the first week, but health care workers are encouraged to check the online booking link regularly as more time slots will be added in the near future. Eligibility requirements will also be confirmed at the time of arrival to the clinic.
The vaccination clinic is located on the 3rd floor foyer, outside of the Ibn Sina Simulation Lab. The clinic will be open Monday to Friday, from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm for a duration of eight to ten weeks (with the exception of some holidays between Christmas and New Year’s).
The Pfizer vaccine will be administered to all recipients, regardless of which type of mRNA vaccine they received in their first series. We recommend that those who receive their third dose wait for 15 minutes immediately afterwards for safety monitoring, but must stay for a minimum of five minutes if you are remaining onsite for your scheduled shift. Please wear a mask and bring eye protection as physical distance can not be guaranteed in the recovery area.
Please note that our vaccination clinic is intended for the Hospital’s health care workers only. Other eligible groups in the community will be able to get a booster shot through their primary health care provider, local pharmacies and the Thunder Bay District Health Unit. All health care workers who receive their third dose from either the Hospital’s onsite clinic or an external source are asked to send their vaccination receipt to Occupational Health and Safety (ohs@tbh.net) as soon as possible. Unvaccinated health care workers at our Hospital are also encouraged to book an appointment for the COVID-19 vaccine using the above link.
As an academic and regional health sciences centre with considerably vulnerable and at-risk populations, together with a trending increase in COVID-19 cases provincially, a booster shot will provide fully-vaccinated health care workers with an extra layer of protection against other variants of COVID-19.