Regional public health to 'pause' GRH vaccine clinic

The COVID-19 vaccine clinic at Grand River Hospital will be paused until Jan. 24, regional public health said in a news release Monday.

The decision comes after the pharmaceutical company Pfizer announced it will temporarily reduce shipments of its vaccine to Canada. Pfizer has said it is pausing some production lines at its facility in Belgium to expand long-term manufacturing capacity.

The Region of Waterloo said the GRH clinic will resume delivering second shots of the two-dose vaccine Jan. 24.

"At this time, all second doses will be scheduled for between 25-28 days post the first dose which is consistent with Pfizer's recommendations, and Health Canada guidance," the region said in a release.

Vaccines are still being sent to the region, but the reduction in supply means vaccine distribution will be slower in January and early February.

The region said its plan is to prioritize vaccinating long-term care home and high risk retirement home residents, along with staff and "essential care partners." The current plan also ensures that people who have already received their first dose will receive their second within 28 days, the region said.

However, the region said no further hospital staff or physicians will get their first doses until the supply of vaccines increases.

Changes in Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph

Public health in Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph (WDG) said its vaccination plan has also been affected by the reduction in Pfizer vaccine supply.

"Changes to the vaccination clinics and some rescheduling of appointments will be unavoidable," the public health unit said in a release.

Those who are affected by the changes will be contacted directly, according to public health.

WDG Public Health said it, too, will prioritize vaccinating residents, staff and caregivers in long-term care and retirement homes. Those who have already gotten their first dose of the vaccine will still get their second, although for some people this may be "delayed slightly," said public health.