The provincial government is leading distribution of COVID-19 vaccines in Ontario. For more information, please visit COVID-19 vaccines for Ontario.
We know many Durham Region residents are interested in receiving the COVID-19 vaccine
At this time there is a limited amount of COVID-19 vaccine in Durham Region. The provincial government is leading the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines in Ontario through a three-phased distribution implementation plan. Locally in Durham Region the COVID-19 Vaccine Steering Table (with representation from Durham Region Health Department, Lakeridge Hospital, and local primary care physicians) will plan and implement COVID-19 vaccine distribution and administration for Durham residents according to the provincial plan, vaccine availability, and the provincial ethical framework. The Steering Table will prioritize vaccine for health care workers according to the provincial guidance. The prioritization approach will be guided by a focus on decreasing illness and death to those most at risk from COVID-19.
Provincial COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Plan
At this time we are in Phase 1 of the provincial plan which focuses on vaccinating high-risk populations:
- Residents, staff, essential caregivers (including family caregivers) and other employees in congregate living settings for seniors
- 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
The COVID-19 vaccination plan for the broader population of Durham Region residents will be available as more information is received from the province. When this occurs, the Health Department will communicate details of the plan through our usual channels and by providing public information to local media outlets to help inform our community. Health care partners will continue to receive information through the Health Department’s normal process of communication.
Please continue to check this web page for updates as we will provide information as soon as it is available. Please be patient as we wait for additional vaccine to arrive in Durham Region.
Province of Ontario news release - Ontario to Vaccinate up to 8.5 Million People in Phase Two
See Facts about... COVID-19 vaccines
When will the vaccine be available in Durham Region? | ||||||||
The decisions regarding how the vaccine will be distributed across Ontario and who will be vaccinated first are under the control of the provincial government. The province has developed a three-phase plan for vaccinating Ontarians which is available on its COVID-19 vaccines for Ontario web page. The plan focuses first on vulnerable populations who are at greatest risk of COVID-19. At this time, the Health Department has not received any vaccine and we are awaiting further information from the province regarding timelines. |
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Why get vaccinated? | ||||||||
While many people with COVID-19 have only mild illness, others may get a severe illness or they may even die. There is no way to know how COVID-19 will affect you, even if you are not at increased risk of severe complications. COVID-19 vaccination helps protect you by creating an immune response without having to experience the illness of COVID-19. |
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What vaccines are approved? | ||||||||
The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine was authorized for use in Canada on December 9, 2020. The Moderna COVID-19 vaccine was authorized for use in Canada on December 23, 2020. These vaccines will be an important tool to help stop the spread of the virus. |
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How does the vaccine work? | ||||||||
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Is it effective? | ||||||||
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Is the vaccine safe? | ||||||||
Health Canada’s independent drug authorization process is known worldwide for its high standards and demanding reviews. Decisions to authorize vaccines for use in Canada are based only on scientific and medical evidence demonstrating that vaccines are safe and effective. These stringent requirements have not changed for the approval of COVID-19 vaccines in Canada. What has changed is that Health Canada has developed a fast-track review process to assess COVID-19 vaccines. Manufacturers can submit research and new evidence for review by Health Canada as it becomes available and throughout clinical trials. Previously, all clinic trials had to be completed prior to applying for Health Canada approval. Health Canada has implemented greater scientific resources, so reviews are completed in a timely manner without compromising any standards for vaccine use in Canada. Vaccines are only approved once evidence shows that COVID-19 vaccines are safe, effective, of good quality and that the benefits outweigh any risks. |
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How was Health Canada able to approve the COVID-19 vaccine so quickly? | ||||||||
Creating a new vaccine can take years. The COVID-19 vaccine happened so quickly for many reasons including:
Health Canada developed a fast-track review process to assess COVID-19 vaccines. Vaccine manufacturers were able to submit research and new evidence for review by Health Canada as it becomes available and throughout clinic trials. Previously, all clinical trials had to be completed prior to applying for Health Canada approval. Health Canada has implemented greater scientific resources, so reviews are completed in a timely manner without compromising any standards for vaccine use in Canada.
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Can the mRNA vaccine alter a person's DNA? | ||||||||
No. mRNA cannot alter or modify a person's DNA. mRNA vaccines do not affect or interact with DNA and mRNA is destroyed by cells once the body has finished using its instructions. |
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Can the COVID-19 vaccine cause a COVID-19 infection? | ||||||||
No. The COVID-19 vaccines do not use a live virus, so getting the infection from the vaccine is impossible. The COVID-19 vaccines cannot cause a COVID-19 infection. |
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Have these vaccines been tested on people of colour or other minority groups? | ||||||||
Approximately 42 per cent of global participants and 30 per cent of U.S. participants have racially and ethnically diverse backgrounds. | ||||||||
Can I get the vaccine if I am pregnant and/or breastfeeding? | ||||||||
Pregnant and breastfeeding individuals were not included in clinic trials of the vaccine meaning there is no data on the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines in pregnancy or during breastfeeding. Individuals who are pregnant, breastfeeding or trying to become pregnant should consult with their healthcare provider if they are at an increased risk of exposure to COVID-19 (e.g. health care or essential worker) or increased risk of severe COVID-19 disease (pre-existing medical condition, body mass index of 40 or more). A risk assessment can determine if the benefits of vaccination outweigh the potential risk for the individual and the infant. |
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Do I need the vaccine if I already tested positive for COVID-19? | ||||||||
Yes. Individuals who previously tested positive for COVID-19 are encouraged to get the vaccine if they are no longer symptomatic and meet other eligibility criteria.
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Are there any side effects? | ||||||||
Side effects reported in clinical trials for this vaccine include:
In rare cases, serious allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) can occur. Allergic reactions can be treated and are usually temporary. |
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If a person develops an adverse reaction to a vaccine, what should they do? | ||||||||
If you develop a reaction to the vaccine, contact your health care provider who will report the side effect directly to public health. Public health will keep track of the reported side effects to make sure the vaccine continues to be safe. |
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Are there any precautions myself or my family should take? | ||||||||
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Who should get the vaccine? | ||||||||
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Who should not get the vaccine? | ||||||||
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How will I know where to get my vaccine when I am eligible? | ||||||||
Health care and essential workers should speak with their employer about the process for obtaining the vaccine. Long-term-care homes (LTCH) in Durham Region are working with Lakeridge Health directly and immunizations are being provided to staff on a determinant schedule to ensure LTCHs remain fully staffed throughout the vaccine rollout. Family members calling about obtaining the vaccine should contact the LTCH directly for information. |
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After I get the vaccine, do I still need to follow public health guidelines? | ||||||||
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What other resources are available? | ||||||||
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