The Health Unit will start receiving its supply of Moderna XBB vaccine the week of September 25. Those at highest risk (such as residents of long-term care homes) will receive the vaccine first. Other priority groups will be eligible for XBB vaccines throughout October as supply increases.
The TBDHU Community Vaccine Clinic at the CLE will reopen on October 3 to provide XBB vaccines to all priority groups in Thunder Bay. Please visit our Vaccine Clinics page for more information about this clinic. This clinic will be BY APPOINTMENT ONLY for the first 2-3 weeks; eligible people can book a COVID-19 vaccine appointment through the online Provincial Booking System.
This clinic will only offer the Moderna XBB vaccine at first; we will provide updates once we have received supplies of the Pfizer XBB vaccine.
Most pharmacies and some health care providers will also begin to offer XBB vaccines to priority groups throughout October, depending on vaccine supply. Pharmacies will not receive the Moderna XBB vaccine; however, they will receive supplies of the Pfizer XBB vaccine.
Before going in for a vaccine, book an appointment or call ahead to confirm you can get the vaccine you want.
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.
People aged 6 months and older are considered up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines if they have received a Fall 2023 COVID-19 dose.
It is recommended that the Fall 2023 COVID-19 dose be an XBB vaccine.
People in certain priority groups are eligible to receive a Fall 2023 COVID-19 vaccine dose first. These priority groups are listed in the “Priority Groups for Fall 2023 COVID-19 Vaccination” section below.
Starting on October 30, 2023, everyone who lives, works, or studies in Ontario will be eligible for a Fall 2023 COVID-19 dose if they are at least 6 months old, whether previously vaccinated or not.
Fall 2023 Vaccine Campaign Information
XBB vaccines are vaccines that target the XBB subvariant of the Omicron variant. These vaccines only target one strain of the COVID-19 virus. This is different from the bivalent vacines that were available in Fall 2022 and Spring 2023, which targeted two different strains of the COVID-19 virus.
XBB vaccines provide better protection against the COVID-19 strains that are most common right now. They can also help restore protection that has decreased since previous vaccination.
Those who are at a higher risk of complications from COVID-19, as well as health care workers and first responders, are prioritized to receive XBB COVID-19 vaccines in late September and throughout October. The following groups are encouraged to get immunized as soon as possible:
Hospitalized individuals and hospital staff
Long-Term Care Home and Elder Care Lodge residents, staff, and caregivers
People over the age of 65
Residents and staff of congregate living settings (e.g., nursing homes, retirement homes)
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
Members of racialized and other equity deserving communities (e.g., Black, member of the LGBTQ2s+ community, etc.)
Health care workers and first responders.
Dose information
This page will be updated as product formulations, availability, and recommendations change.
People who have not previously received a COVID-19 vaccine can start with XBB vaccines this fall.
The dose schedule depends on age; the following reflects guidance for Moderna XBB vaccine. Dose information for the Pfizer XBB vaccine will be added once it is released by the provincial Ministry of Health:
6 months to 4 years: 2 dose schedule for Moderna XBB (25 mcg); second dose received 58 days (minimum 28 days) after first dose.
Use this online tool to calculate days since the last dose.
5 to 11 years: 1 dose of Moderna XBB (25 mcg).
12 years and older: 1 dose of Moderna XBB (50 mcg).
If you have questions or concerns about this guidance, please speak to your health care provider or call 807-625-5900 and press 4 (in Thunder Bay) or your local branch office to speak to a TBDHU nurse.
People are recommended to get a dose of an XBB-containing COVID-19 vaccine during fall 2023 (beginning end of September).
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.
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.
Use this online tool to calculate days since the last dose.
People may choose to get another dose at a shorter interval of 3 months to less than 6 months.
Shorter intervals has not been shown to be a safety risk, though evidence shows that you receive better and longer lasting protection with longer intervals.
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 and press 4 (in Thunder Bay) or your local branch office to speak to a TBDHU nurse.
Although XBB vaccines are recommended for Fall 2023, bivalent COVID-19 vaccines are still available to anyone who is 6 months old or older, whether or not they have previously been vaccinated.
Bivalent and XBB vaccines have different dose recommendations; if you wish to receive a bivalent vaccine instead of an XBB vaccine for Fall 2023, please call 807-625-5900 and press 4 (in Thunder Bay) or your local branch office for more guidance and information.
Individuals in district communities needing accommodations, including a visit at home, should contact their branch office to discuss.
All TBDHU COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics in Thunder Bay are listed on the Vaccine Clinics page, including the TBDHU Community Vaccine Clinic at the CLE. Please visit this page for clinic hours, locations, and whether appointments are required.
Available appointments are also listed on the Provincial Booking System. This clinic will offer the Moderna XBB vaccine at first; we will provide an update once we receive our Pfizer XBB supply.
If you have unique circumstances and would like to discuss options for accommodating your vaccine appointment, call us at 807-625-5900 and 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 other doses. If you were previously vaccinated at home through this program and require another dose, 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.
Pharmacies will only be receiving the Pfizer XBB vaccine during the Fall 2023 COVID-19 vaccine campaign.
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.
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
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.
