The latest direction from the Ontario government is for hospitals and public health units to accelerate COVID-19 vaccination for long-term care, high-risk retirement and First Nations elder care home residents. The goal is to complete administering first doses to these groups by February 5.
This interim direction is in response to reductions in supply of the Pfizer vaccine, announced on January 20. This means Niagara Health's clinic for long-term care and high-risk retirement home workers, as well hospital staff and physicians, will remain temporarily suspended.
We are currently assessing the impact of this direction and will be communicating any necessary second dose appointment changes directly with impacted individuals.
The province’s interim strategy will guarantee second doses to residents who received the first dose. Residents will receive their second dose within 21 to 27 days of the first dose. All other groups will follow an up to 42-day dosing interval.
The provincial government has indicated that this strategy will be reassessed the week of February 8, once more is known about the Pfizer vaccine supply.
Updates will be shared as the situation evolves.
News & Updates:
For more information on recent changes to the vaccination plan in Niagara, please refer to the following updates:
- Click here to read our Jan. 18 news release: Reduced Pfizer shipments result in changes to Niagara’s vaccine plan.
- Click here to read our Jan. 13 news release: First 322 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered to long-term care residents and healthcare workers in Niagara.
Progress Update
As of Wednesday, January 20 at 5 p.m., Niagara Health has administered 2,417 vaccinations.
Of that, 1,523 were given to long-term care and high-risk retirement home workers and 894 to highest risk hospital staff and physicians.
For more information on Niagara Region Public Health's vaccination data, please visit its statistics page.
