Coronavirus Update #11

Dear patients,

Health Canada has authorized the use of the Pfizer vaccine for children 12-15 years and planning is currently underway to rollout Pfizer immunizations for children ages 12-17 across Ontario. Rollout is aimed at children receiving their first doses in June and second doses prior to the end of August. Beginning Wednesday May 19th, only people 18+ will be eligible to book COVID vaccination and individuals 16-17 who have already booked or received their first dose may need to have their second dose rescheduled.

You should wait 28 days after receiving your COVID vaccine before having another vaccine. You should not have a vaccine within the 14 days prior to your COVID immunization appointment.

As mentioned before, certain people are eligible to receive the vaccine at the 21-28 day interval:

• Transplant recipients including solid organ transplants and hematopoietic stem cell transplants (including patients waitlisted for transplant)

• Individuals with malignant hematologic disorders and non-hematologic malignant solid tumors receiving active treatment (chemotherapy, targeted therapies, immunotherapy) –excluding individuals receiving solely hormonal therapy or radiation therapy

• Individuals undergoing hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis (NEW AS OF MAY 12th)

High-risk healthcare workers and all First Nations, Inuit, and Metis people will soon be eligible to receive their second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine earlier than the four-month interval.

Dr Priestner & Dr Archibald