The Health Unit does not currently have a supply of XBB vaccine. We anticipate that XBB vaccines will potentially become available late September/early October, starting with those at highest risk (residents of long-term care homes).
We will provide an update on when and where the public can access this new vaccine as soon as we receive provincial guidance.
Individuals 5 years and older should consider delaying receipt of another COVID-19 vaccine dose until they become eligible under the Fall 2023 COVID-19 Vaccine Campaign. This campaign is expected to start in October 2023 for those at highest risk from COVID-19 (65+, immunocompromised, etc.). See the Dose Information section below for more information.
In September, TBDHU will offer COVID-19 vaccines by appointment only at its Main Office Clinic. Appointments in the city of Thunder Bay can be made through the Provincial Booking System. The Community Vaccine Clinic will reopen in October.
Keeping up to date with COVID-19 vaccines continues to be one of the most effective ways to protect yourself against serious illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19, as vaccine protection can decrease over time.
What does staying up to date mean?
6 months – 4 years: Completed a primary vaccine series. Booster doses are not currently recommended for this age group.
5 years and older:
Completed a primary series and receipt of the currently recommended booster dose.
Dose information
As of July 2023, all primary and booster doses will be administered using bivalent vaccine products. This page will be updated as product formulations, availability, and recommendations change.
Important to Note
Child is immunocompromised? Individuals 6 months to under 5 years old should get an extra dose of the COVID-19 vaccine as part of their primary series. Moderna is the preferred vaccine for children this age who are immunocompromised. Learn more about who is considered immunocompromised by visiting Ontario’s COVID-19 vaccine website.
Time interval between doses
The only recommended bivalent vaccine for this age group is Moderna; we will provide an update on XBB vaccine availability as soon as we receive provincial guidance.
Moderna - 2nd dose received 2 months (56 days) after 1st dose
Aged 5 to 29: Pfizer is recommended in this age group for the primary series to reduce possible risk of myocarditis/pericarditis.
Aged 30 and older: mRNA vaccines are recommended; there is no product preference between Pfizer and Moderna for this age group.
Immunocompromised? Individuals 5 years of age and older who are immunocompromised should get three doses of the COVID-19 vaccine as part of their primary series. Learn more about who is considered immunocompromised by visiting Ontario’s COVID-19 vaccine website.
Time interval between doses
2nd dose received 2 months (56 days) after 1st dose
Keeping up to date with booster doses (see definition above) is recommended as there is an ongoing risk of infection due to waning immunity and the ongoing risk of severe illness.
Most individuals 5 years and older are recommended to wait until the Fall 2023 COVID-19 Vaccine Campaign to get a COVID-19 booster. This campaign is anticipated to start in October for those at higher risk from COVID-19.
Please speak to the TBDHU or your health care provider if you think that you need an earlier booster dose.
Those who are at a higher risk of complications, as well as health care workers and those in hospital, are prioritized to receive updated XBB COVID-19 vaccines as they become available. This is expected to be in late September/early October.
These groups are encouraged to get immunized as soon as possible:
Long-Term Care Home and Elder Care Lodge residents, staff, and caregivers
Hospitalized individuals and hospital staff
People 6 months of age or older with a chronic illness, such as: heart disease, lung disease (e.g. asthma), liver disease, cancer, morbid obesity or diabetes
People over the age of 65
Residents and staff of congregate living settings (e.g., nursing homes, retirement homes)
People who are pregnant (risk increases with length of pregnancy; higher risk in third vs second trimester)
Indigenous people
Members of racialized and other equity deserving communities (e.g., Black, member of the LGBTQ2s+ community, etc.)
Individuals 5 years and older who have completed their primary COVID-19 vaccine series should consider delaying receipt of a COVID-19 vaccine booster until the Fall 2023 COVID-19 vaccine campaign. This campaign is anticipated to start in October for those at higher risk from COVID-19. See the section below for more information about why this is recommended.
Individuals are recommended to wait at least 6 months (168 days) after their last COVID-19 vaccine dose or confirmed COVID-19 infection to get a booster dose.
A confirmed COVID-19 infection is one that has been confirmed by molecular (e.g. PCR) or rapid antigen test, or where you experienced symptoms after contact with a household member who had a positive test.
Evidence shows that a longer time interval between your last dose or infection and your next dose leads to longer lasting protection.
If you have concerns about the recommended intervals or have personal circumstances that may require an earlier dose, please speak to your health care provider or call the TBDHU at 807-625-5900.
Waiting until the Fall 2023 COVID-19 Vaccine campaign to get a booster will maximize most peoples’ protection against COVID-19 in time for the respiratory season to start. The respiratory season (late fall/early winter) is when we expect the circulation of the virus that causes COVID-19 to peak.
We expect the campaign to start in October for those at highest risk from COVID-19 (65+, immunocompromised, etc.). TBDHU will update this website as details about the Fall 2023 COVID-19 Vaccine Campaign are confirmed by the Province.
It may be appropriate for certain individuals to receive a booster dose earlier than the start of the Fall 2023 COVID-19 Vaccine Campaign (likely October 2023) based on their unique health status and personal situation. If you think you may need an earlier dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, please speak with your health care provider.
Please use the Provincial Booking System to view available days and times and book an appointment. If you have unique circumstances and would like to discuss options for accommodating your vaccine appointment, call us at 807-625-5900 (press 4)
TBDHU will visit those who are unable to leave their home to receive a vaccine. Call 807-625-5900 and press 4 to learn more about this program.
This program is coordinated and delivered by TBDHU nursing staff.
NOTE: TBDHU is no longer calling those who were previously vaccinated at home to schedule booster shots. If you were previously vaccinated at home through this program and require a booster shot, please call us.
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.
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, 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.
Individuals who are recommended to receive a primary or booster 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 from TBDHU clinics, pharmacies, and some health care providers 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.
Bivalent vaccines are vaccines that target two different viruses or two strains of the same virus. The mRNA bivalent COVID-19 vaccines target both the original COVID-19 virus and the Omicron variant. Bivalent vaccines are now being administered as booster doses to eligible individuals.
XBB vaccines are vaccines that target the XBB subvariant of the Omicron variant. The Health Unit will provide an update on XBB vaccine availability as soon as we receive provincial guidance.
Updated COVID-19 vaccines provide better protection against the COVID-19 variants that are most common. They can also help restore protection that has decreased since previous vaccination.
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.
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, other vaccines, including live or non-live vaccines for anyone age 6 months and older.
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 schedule 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.
Visit “Max the Vax” for answers to frequently asked questions
Speak with your health care provider
Call (807) 625-5900 (ext. 5108 or press 4 when prompted) 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.
