Sent on behalf of Dr. Peter Voros, Incident Manager
The health and safety of all staff, professional staff, patients and the community is our utmost priority. To increase the number of individuals benefiting from a first dose of COVID-19 vaccine, our Hospital, as guided by the province, is following recommendations from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) to extend the time interval of the second dose of vaccines up to 16 weeks.
Current evidence indicates high vaccine effectiveness against symptomatic disease, hospitalization and death from COVID-19 for several weeks after the first dose, including among older populations. Since vaccine supplies remain limited, extending the interval for the second dose to four months will maximize the number of first doses administered. This contributes to health equity by increasing community protection against COVID-19. To learn more about vaccine intervals, please view the video at https://player.vimeo.com/video/510359261
Any staff, professional staff, learner, or volunteer who has already received their 1st dose, and has their 2nd dose scheduled will be contacted by our vaccination team to reschedule their 2nd dose to 16 weeks after their 1st dose. There is no need to contact us, we will contact you.
To learn more about NACI’ recommendation, please visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/immunization/national-advisory-committee-on-immunization-naci/rapid-response-extended-dose-intervals-covid-19-vaccines-early-rollout-population-protection.html.
The role of our Hospital continues to be to provide vaccination support as directed by the Thunder Bay District Health Unit. It is expected that all remaining Hospital and Health Research Institute staff who want to be vaccinated will have their turn within the next two weeks. More information will be provided as details are confirmed.
Thank you for your ongoing patience and understanding.
Please contact your manager with any questions or concerns.
All Hospital COVID-19 updates are also available on the iNtranet athttps://comms.tbrhsc.net/covid-19-information/