People who are at higher risk of serious outcomes from COVID-19 should get another dose of the COVID-19 vaccine this spring (early April-June 2024; specific start date TBD). Please see the Spring 2024 Vaccine Campaign Information section below for more information.
TBDHU will NOT be offering COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics during this campaign. COVID-19 vaccines are available from many pharmacies and some health care providers. To find a pharmacy offering COVID-19 vaccines, visit covid-19.ontario.ca/vaccine-locations.
A limited number of COVID-19 vaccine appointments will be available to children 2 years old or younger at TBDHU’s Main Office Clinic. Visit our Immunization Clinics page to learn more.
Some people who are at a higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 are recommended to receive a dose of the COVID-19 vaccine in Spring 2024 (early April-June 2024; specific start date TBD):
People over the age of 65
Adult residents of long-term care homes and other congregant living settings for seniors
People 6 months of age or older with who are moderately to severely immunocompromised
Indigenous people over the age of 55 and their household members who are over the age of 55
All other individuals who were previously vaccinated are not currently recommended to receive a spring COVID-19 vaccine dose, unless directed by their health care provider.
People are recommended to wait at least 6 months (168 days) after their last COVID-19 vaccine dose or confirmed COVID-19 infection to get another dose
Use this online tool to calculate days since the last dose.
For the most up-to-date guidance on the timing of COVID-19 vaccine doses, visit Ontario’s COVID-19 vaccines webpage.
If you have questions or concerns about these intervals, please speak to your health care provider or call 807-625-5900 (in Thunder Bay) or your local branch office to speak to a TBDHU nurse.
TBDHU is NOT offering a COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic at the CLE during the Spring 2024 Campaign. COVID-19 vaccines are available from:
For Children 2 Years Old or Younger – Appointments at the Health Unit: A limited number of COVID-19 vaccine appointments will be available to children 2 years old or younger at TBDHU’s Main Office Clinic. Visit our Immunization Clinics page to learn more.
Additional vaccine access options are described in the “How to get a COVID-19 vaccine” section below.
5 years and older: Should be vaccinated during Spring 2024.
6 months to 4 years old and at high risk of severe illness: Should be vaccinated during Spring 2024.
6 months to 4 years old and NOT at high risk of severe illness: May be vaccinated during Spring 2024.
Your immunizer will give you personalized recommendations on your dosing schedule based on age, vaccine type, and immune status.
If you have questions, please speak to your health care provider or call 807-625-5900 (in Thunder Bay) or your local branch office to speak to a TBDHU nurse.
People who HAVE been previously vaccinated against COVID-19 and do NOT belong to any of the eligible groups listed above are NOT recommended to receive a dose during Spring 2024, unless directed by their health care provider.
People who are directed to receive a Spring 2024 vaccine dose by their health care provider can get a vaccine from the vaccine providers listed above. Please contact the vaccine provider first to see if they require any supporting documentation from your health care provider.
If you have questions about your vaccination status, please speak with your health care provider or call the Health Unit at 807-625-5900 in Thunder Bay or your local branch office.
How to get a COVID-19 vaccine
Select pharmacies in the TBDHU are offering COVID-19 vaccines.
Find a participating pharmacy and details on how to book an appointment by visiting the COVID-19 Pharmacy Locations website and searching by postal code or city.
Before going to any pharmacy, call to confirm vaccine availability, including information on which vaccine products they offer.
Individuals in district communities needing accommodations, including a visit at home, should contact their branch office to discuss.
TBDHU is currently offering a limited number of COVID-19 vaccine appointments for those 2 years and under through its Main Office Vaccine Clinic. Visit our Vaccine Clinics page for clinic hours and location. Appointments can be booked by calling 807-625-5900 and pressing 1.
TBDHU will not be offering a COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic at the CLE during the Spring 2024 campaign.
TBDHU will visit those who are unable to leave their home to receive a vaccine. Call 807-625-5900 to learn more about this program.
Due to the high demand for this program, it may take a few weeks before TBDHU can provide an at-home COVID-19 vaccination. To avoid long wait times, we encourage anyone who can leave their home to be vaccinated through other community options such as pharmacies or health care providers. Only people who cannot leave their home should call us.
This program is coordinated and delivered by TBDHU nursing staff.
Contact your primary care provider to see if they are offering COVID-19 vaccine doses.
TBDHU is working with Indigenous organizations and health care partners.
People living in First Nations communities can ask their health clinic or nursing about in-community vaccine access. Vaccines are also available to urban Indigenous people in Thunder Bay and surrounding areas through the following organizations.
Note: Eligibility for health services may vary with the organization; please check with them first before you go to be vaccinated.
Mindimooyenh Health Clinic: Booking and eligibility details can be found on the ONWA COVID-19 Resources page.
Matawa Health Co-operative: Visit the Matawa Health Co-operative website or Facebook page for more information. Visit the Matawa Health Co-operative website or Facebook page for more information.
Dilico Anishnabek Family Care: Visit their website for details. You can book online or call 807-626-5200 to book at their Anemki site or 807-626-5100 to book at their Court Street site.
Anishnawbe Mushkiki: Visit their website for more information or call 807-623-0383.
Individuals who are recommended to receive a dose of a COVID-19 mRNA vaccine should get it as soon as they are able, at the clinic that is most convenient to them, regardless of which mRNA vaccine the clinic is offering.
Please speak to your health care provider or allergist if you have an allergy or contradiction to any of these vaccines.
Requesting Novavax
mRNA vaccines are widely available in the TBDHU area. The Novavax vaccine must be requested from the TBDHU by calling your local branch office or emailing vaccines@tbdhu.com. TBDHU will follow up once supply is received.
The following vaccines are no longer available in Ontario.
Individuals who were interested in these vaccines are encouraged to call TBDHU to speak with a nurse about what vaccines are currently available or to discuss options with their health care provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
Vaccine Safety
The COVID-19 vaccine cannot give you COVID-19.
However, the human body typically takes a few weeks to build immunity from a vaccine, so somebody may get infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 just before vaccination or right after.
Based on guidance from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI), COVID-19 vaccines may be given at the same time as, or any time before or after, most other vaccines, including live or non-live vaccines for anyone age 6 months and older.
Two vaccines that should NOT be given at the same time as the COVID-19 vaccine are the mpox vaccine (Imvamune®) and the RSV vaccine (Arexvy®).
It is normal to experience some common, mild and temporary symptoms after immunization. Common side effects may include: soreness, swelling and/or redness at the injection site, mild fever, and fatigue.
As with all vaccines, there is a chance that there will be a serious side effect, but these are rare. If you develop any serious side effects (trouble breathing, high fever, hives) within 3 days of receiving the vaccine, seek medical attention immediately.
Yes. COVID-19 vaccines are recommended at any stage in pregnancy (including first trimester), as COVID-19 infection during pregnancy can be severe, and the benefits of vaccination outweigh the risks.
COVID-19 vaccines are also safe for anyone who is breastfeeding or chestfeeding. Antibodies that help protect against COVID-19 have been shown to transfer through breast or chest milk to help protect the infant. mRNA from the vaccines has not been found to transfer into breast or chest milk.
For additional information about the COVID-19 vaccine before, during, and after pregnancy, visit the Ministry of Health’s page on COVID-19 vaccines in pregnancy.
TBDHU can provide the COVID-19 vaccine to those without an OHIP or Ontario Health Card at its COVID-19 vaccine clinics.
Check the Thunder Bay or District clinic schedules for more details or call your local branch office.
Many pharmacies can also provide COVID-19 vaccines without an Ontario health card, but you should call the pharmacy first to confirm.
Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination
When you receive a COVID-19 vaccine dose in Ontario, you should receive an email with a link to an enhanced vaccine certificate. Your certificate can also be accessed through the COVID-19 Vaccination Portal (not accessible using Internet Explorer), or by calling the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900.
You can download your certificate in PDF format to your computer, phone or tablet, or print it. If you do not have access to a printer, visit your local library, go to a ServiceOntario location or ask a trusted friend or organization.
If your vaccine is NOT approved for use in Canada, contact your closest TBDHU branch office to discuss your situation and receive guidance on your next steps.
If your vaccine IS approved for use in Canada:
It is possible but not always necessary to have your doses recorded in COVaxON, the system for tracking COVID-19 vaccines in Ontario. However, having your doses recorded in COVaxON will make it easier for you to book appointments for additional doses while you are in Ontario.
To have your doses entered into COVaxON, please call your local TBDHU branch office or email vaccines@tbdhu.com to discuss requirements. You will need to provide your proof of immunization and either your Ontario Health Card or your photo ID.
Visit Scarborough Health Network's Vax Facts page to book an appointment for a one-on-one phone consultation with a qualified SHN doctor. You can also call (416) 438-2911 ext. 5738 to register by phone or email vaxfactsclinic@shn.ca
Speak with your health care provider
In Thunder Bay, call (807) 625-5900 and ask to speak to a TBDHU nurse between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday or email vaccines@tbdhu.com