Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre has been identified as a site for the distribution of the Pfizer vaccine, which includes collaborative planning with partners.
The COVID-19 vaccine is coming to Thunder Bay. Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre has been identified as a site for the distribution of the Pfizer vaccine, which includes collaborative planning with partners.
“Making the vaccine available to the people of our community is our focus and priority,” said Dr. Rhonda Crocker Ellacott, President & CEO of the Hospital. Priority populations to receive the vaccine have been announced by the province and the Hospital will follow provincial direction in the distribution and implementation plan. “Although the situation is evolving, we are excited to begin the process of vaccination as soon as possible. Various hospitals across Ontario will begin to receive vaccine in the coming weeks, and we are working to ensure logistics, timing, assessment and administration is coordinated and seamless. This historic initiative requires extensive coordination and partnership, and we look forward to moving ahead.”
With expertise in community-based publicly-funded immunization programs, the Thunder Bay District Health Unit is an essential partner in the COVID-19 vaccine rollout.
“The news of vaccine availability in our area is very exciting and the initial vaccine roll-out will provide valuable protection for high risk groups. The full roll out in our region will happen but it will take time,” noted Dr. Janet DeMille, Medical Officer of Health, Thunder Bay District Health Unit. “This does not mean we can let our guards down. Until the vaccines are widely available, we must all remain vigilant and follow the public health guidelines.”
With Health Canada’s recent approval of the Pfizer vaccine and several other vaccines undergoing federal review, all three levels of government are preparing for vaccine distribution. The Hospital is planning with local and regional partners in health and beyond to identify and organize this phase of the vaccine roll-out.
This is an evolving situation. No further information can be provided at this time. Our Hospital is committed to sharing updates as appropriate as details are confirmed.
