COVID-19 Vaccine Appointments/Walk-Ins

Everyone 12 and older should get their next booster if it’s been at least 6 months since their last dose and the bivalent vaccine is the one that is recommended.

BUT there are certain groups who should get their next dose at least 3 months after their last one for better protection against future waves:

• Individuals aged 65 and older
• Residents of long-term care homes, retirement homes, Elder Care Lodges and individuals living in other congregate settings that provide assisted-living and health services
• First Nation, Inuit & Metis individuals and their non-Indigenous household members
• Pregnant individuals 18 and over; and
• Health care workers 18 and over

If you want more information about the bivalent vaccine, visit the Dose Information page.

Visit the Dose Information page for more information on the vaccines available to each age group.

Find up-to-date guidance on receiving a COVID-19 vaccine after a COVID-19 infection by visiting Ontario’s COVID-19 vaccines webpage.

Walks-ins are once again available at TBDHU clinics (see box below). If the demand is high, lineups could form outside (PLEASE DRESS APPROPRIATELY FOR THE WEATHER!). To avoid a lineup, consider making an appointment as many are available.

Walk-in COVID-19 vaccine clinic for everyone 6 months and older

You will be offered an age-appropriate, Health Canada approved booster dose based on your eligibility. For more information please visit www.tbdhu.com/doses.

The flu shot will also be offered to:

• Those 5 years and older receiving a COVID vaccine
• On a walk-in basis to anyone aged 6 months or older

For more information on other locations to get the flu shot, please visit Getting the Flu Shot.

Please note:

• Bivalent vaccine is available at all TBDHU clinics for those who are eligible. See the Fall Bivalent Booster Campaign for 12 years and older tab below for more information on timelines for eligibility.
• If you have had COVID-19 (tested positive on a PCR or rapid-antigen test), it is recommended to wait a minimum of three months before receiving a booster dose of the bivalent vaccine.
• If it’s been 6 months or longer since the last dose, individuals can book appointments through the Provincial Booking System or by calling the Vaccine Provincial Contact Centre at  1-833-943-3900.
• If it’s been less than 6 months since the last dose, appointments can only be made by calling; 1-833-943-3900.
• Individuals who are in the following groups are recommended to receive their booster as soon as they are eligible after the minimum three-month interval, to ensure they are adequately protected in advance of the next wave of COVID-19. This includes;
  • Individuals aged 65 and older;
  • Residents of long-term care homes, retirement homes, Elder Care Lodges and individuals living in other congregate settings that provide assisted-living and health services
  • First Nation, Inuit & Metis individuals and their non-Indigenous household members aged 18 and older
  • Individuals aged 12 and over with an underlying medical condition that places them at high risk of severe COVID-19;
    •  For adolescents 12-17 years of age with moderately to severely immunocompromising conditions and/or who have biological or social risk factors that place them at high risk of severe outcomes from COVID-19, a booster dose of the bivalent Moderna COVID-19 vaccine may be offered off label based on clinical discretion.
  • Pregnant individuals aged 18 and older; and
  • Health care workers aged 18 and over.

For information on vaccination rollout in district communities, including schedule and eligibility for upcoming clinics, visit the District COVID-19 Immunization Clinics page.

• Select pharmacies in the TBDHU area are designated to receive COVID-19 vaccines.
• Find a participating pharmacy, and details on how to book an appointment, by visiting the COVID-19 Pharmacy Locations website and search by postal code or city.

COVID-19 Vaccines Available at Pharmacies

• Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty: Age 12 and older.
• Paediatric Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty: Age 5 to 11.
• Moderna Spikevax: Age 30 and older on the day of your appointment (people aged 18 to 29 years old can still get Moderna Spikevax with informed consent).

The following primary care providers are offering COVID-19 vaccines. Please contact them directly for full details. You can also ask your own primary care provider if they are able to provide you with a COVID-19 vaccine dose.

***note: please contact your health care provider ahead of time to ensure they are offering booster doses.***

TBDHU is working with Indigenous organizations and health care partners, to ensure meaningful vaccine access for urban Indigenous people in Thunder Bay and surrounding areas.

Mindimooyenh Health Clinic

• Offered by the Ontario Native Women's Association.
• Booking and eligibility details can be found on the ONWA COVID-19 Resources page.

Matawa Health Co-operative

• Open to off-reserve members of the Matawa Health-Co-op, Keewaytinook Okimakanak or SLFNHA.
• Register by calling the Matawa Health Co-operative Reception at 1-807-346-2370 or Keewaytinook Okimakanak at 1-807-629-6604. Walk-ins welcome depending on vaccine supply.
• Visit the Matawa Health Co-operative website or Facebook page for more information.

Calm and Quiet Sensory Clinics (45 minute appointments)

• This clinic is designed for clients 6 mos and older who are eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine and would benefit from a more calm and quiet clinic setting. This is suitable for clients who may experience severe needle anxiety/phobia (not limited to), who may require an appointment longer in duration. 
• These appointments are 45 minutes long.
• Please contact the Vaccine and Preventable Disease Program at 807-625-5900 ext 5108 to discuss scheduling an appointment.

**Please note that these clinics are offered at the TBDHU office, located at 999 Balmoral St, NOT at the Coliseum Building on the CLE grounds**

If you or your child is feeling unwell on the morning of your appointment, please contact the Vaccine and Preventable Disease Program at 625-5900 ext 5108 to reschedule.

Helpful Resources

• Immunize Canada's CARD for Adults
• Immunize Canada's Pain Management During Immunization for Adults

Resources for children and youth can be found on the COVID-19 Vaccines: Doses Information page.

Appointments for those who are Homebound

Accommodations can also be made for individuals who are homebound. The program is coordinated and delivered by TBDHU nursing staff.

1. Those who received a dose at home in the past: TBDHU staff will call to arrange an appointment at home. TBDHU staff are working through the list and will call when nurses have capacity to visit; this may not also be as soon as an individual becomes available. Those with questions should call 625-5900 and inform reception of the nature of their call (Homebound) and they will be transferred to a staff person who can help. 

2. Those who now require a dose at home: Those who have not registered can request this accommodation by  calling 625-5900 and informing reception of the nature of their call (Homebound) so they can be transferred to a staff person who can help.