News Release: Health Unit COVID-19 Vaccine Update

NORTH BAY, ON - The Ministry of Health has announced that vaccination of residents, staff and essential caregivers of long-term care homes has begun in many parts of the province, with the goal of having the first dose administered in all homes no later than February 15, 2021. Due to a limited supply of vaccines, areas of the province that have been impacted the most by COVID-19 have received the initial doses.

The North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit (Health Unit) has not received confirmation, to date, as to the type of vaccine, the number of doses or when the vaccine will be available in the district. It is expected that more information will be coming soon.

Much work has already been completed in preparation for the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine, when it arrives. The Health Unit, in collaboration with our health care and community partners, will be vaccinating priority populations first. These decisions are being guided by the provincial Ethical Framework for COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution. The use of this framework will help to promote consistency, accountability and help to build public trust.

The first groups within our district to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, when available, are:

• residents, staff, essential caregivers (including family caregivers) and other employees in congregate living settings for seniors (Long-Term Care Homes, Retirement Homes, etc.)
• health care workers, including hospital employees, staff who work or study in hospitals and health care personnel
• adults in First Nations, Métis and Inuit populations
• adult recipients of chronic home health care

If enough doses are received in the initial shipment to cover all of the people listed above, the goal is to immunize as many groups listed above as possible at the same time (in parallel). If doses are limited, immunizations will be prioritized and done in sequence. Those having the highest risk of illness and death being first.

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Media Inquiries:

Alex McDermid, Public Relations Specialist
P: 705-474-1400, ext. 5221 or 1-800-563-2808
E: communications@healthunit.ca