Click on the links below for more information about topics and issues specific to health care professionals:
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The Ontario Ministry of Health provides publicly funded Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B vaccine for eligible individuals. Physicians can order the publicly funded vaccines by completing the correct order form and fax it to 625- 4828. Please click here to learn more about ordering vaccines
Click on the links below to access the correct order forms:
The vaccine is only available for the high-risk groups as listed on the order form. Please call 625-5971 or 1-888-294-6630, ext. 5971 with any questions.
You will be required to pick up your vaccine order at the Health Unit (999 Balmoral).
The public can get both vaccines at the Health Unit's walk-in routine immunization clinic every Wednesday at 999 Balmoral Street from 1:30-6:00 PM.
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All serious adverse events associated with vaccination should be reported to the Health Unit at 625-5971 or 1-888-294-6630, ext. 5971.
Local or systemic adverse vaccine reactions may occur after immunizations.
Local reactions usually consist of tenderness, swelling and redness at the injection site. Systemic reactions may include fever, rash, joint or muscle pain, fainting and seizures.
Allergic reactions rarely occur. These reactions may include severe edema, abscess formation, or anaphylaxis.
Parents or guardians should be aware of the possibility of potential reactions occurring after any immunizations. Some may occur immediately and others may be delayed. Fainting immediately after immunizations may be due to apprehension.
Parents and clients are encouraged to inform their physician about any adverse reaction.
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Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care funded vaccines are available from the Heatlh Unit at no cost to physicians, hospitals, clinics, correctional centres, colleges and universities.
To become a vaccine provider, please contact the Health Unit at 625-8810 or 1-888-294-6630, ext. 8810. Facilities must meet certain criteria before they can become a vaccine provider.
The designated vaccine handler in your facility can place an order on Monday mornings by faxing (807) 625-4828.
Vaccine orders are filled on Tuesday mornings and are available for pickup on Tuesday afternoon or later at 999 Balmoral. All vaccines must be transported in a hard sided cooler. The cooler must be preconditioned to a temperature between 2°C to 8°C. Those picking up vaccine should report to the switchboard for directions.
Each vaccine order must be accompanied by a temperature log book that includes readings from the last time an order was placed. Maximum, minimum and current temperatures must be taken twice a day while your office is open.
Temperatures outside of the range of 2°C to 8°C , must be reported immediately to the Health Unit by calling 625-8810 or 1-888-294-6630, ext. 8810
For more information, please call 625-8810 or 1-888-294-6630, ext. 8810
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To ensure the efficacy of vaccines, the cold chain must be maintained.
The "cold chain" includes all the equipment, materials and procedures used to maintain vaccines in the temperature range of 2°C to 8°C from the time of manufacture until the vaccine is administered. The vaccine will be compromised if the cold chain is broken, even for short periods of time.
Vaccine Storage Tips
- Keep vaccines refrigerated between 2°C to 8°C
- Check the current maximum and minimum refrigerator temperature twice daily to ensure that the vaccines you will be using have not been exposed to temperatures below 2°C or above 8°C.
- Store vaccine on the middle shelf of the refrigerator. Vaccines stored on the door or in vegetable crispers will be exposed to warm temperatures every time the door is opened.
- Check vaccine expiry dates regularly, and only order the amount of each vaccine that you can use in a one month period.
- Take vaccine out of the refrigerator only when ready to administer. Put vaccines back in the refrigerator immediately after you have finished using them.
- Return expired vaccine to the Health Unit for disposal and inventory management.
- Call the Health Unit immediately at 625-8810 or 1-888-294-6630, ext. 8810 if temperatures have gone below 2°C or above 8°C. Follow the directions provided by the Health Unit.
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The Health Unit has developed a series of promotional materials to highlight the value of vaccination.
The materials include:
1. “Immunization: What Parents Want to Know” booklet
The booklet uses input from Thunder Bay parents to answer questions about immunization and immunization requirements. Click here for a copy.
2. Posters outlining the required immunization schedule
The posters list the childhood immunization schedule for Ontario.
3. Appointment cards for immunization (3 designs)
To order copies of the materials, Click here to download an order form or call the Health Unit at 625-5972, or toll free 1-888-294-6630, extension 5972.
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