Following the direction of the Provincial government, the Grey Bruce Health Unit is working with partners to deliver 3rd dose COVID-19 vaccine to two groups of high-risk individuals.
For those living in high-risk congregate settings including Long-Term Care and Retirement Homes, a third dose of vaccine will re-invigorate the individual’s immune response. Evidence shows that residents who live in long-term care homes are at a greater risk of infection due to living in a congregate setting and significant waning of the immune response after several months after receiving two COVID-19 vaccine doses compared to the general population. Administering a third dose to residents of high-risk congregate settings can help boost their immune response for improved protection against COVID-19. Third doses will be offered to these individuals within the home. The third dose can be administered at a minimum of five months following their second dose.
Providing the 3rd dose in early September, in these congregate settings, will also ensure the recommended minimum four-week interval between receiving the COVID-19 vaccine and the annual seasonal flu vaccine rolling out this fall.
For transplant recipients, patients with hematological cancers on active treatments, and recipients of an anti-CD20 agent, the third dose is based on the recommendation of the Chief Medical Officer of Health and health experts. These individuals may have a decreased immune response to COVID-19 vaccines compared to the general population, and may face increased risk of breakthrough infection for those who have already received two doses, and a third dose will help to provide individuals in these groups with an improved immune response.
· Transplant recipients (including solid organ transplant and hematopoietic stem cell transplants)
· Patients with hematological cancers (examples include lymphoma, myeloma, leukemia) on active treatment (chemotherapy, targeted therapies, immunotherapy) for malignant hematologic disorders
· Recipients of an anti-CD20 agent (e.g. rituximab, ocrelizumab, ofatumumab)
Individuals in these groups are eligible to receive their third dose at a minimum of eight weeks following their second dose and will be contacted by their health care provider such as their primary care provider, specialist, or their hospital specialty program. Individuals unable to receive the vaccine from their providers can ask for a form from them indicating the patient’s eligibility. The form can be taken to participating physicians, who will administer the vaccine.
Immunocompromised clients who are unable to access a third-dose vaccine from their healthcare provider may attend any of the vaccine clinics hosted by the Grey Bruce Health Unit. No appointment is necessary. Clients must be eligible in the categories described above and must provide the written provincial documentation signed by their physician, including the physician’s CPSO number. No other document or attestation will be accepted. For a list of locations and times of clinics visit the Grey Bruce Health Unit Vaccine Clinic Schedule.
source: media releases, Grey Bruce Health Unit
