MEMO: Routine Immunization Services during COVID-19

TO: Health Care Professionals in Niagara

FROM: Vaccine Preventable Disease program, Niagara Region Public Health

REFERENCE: Routine Immunization Services during COVID-19

DATE: Dec. 13, 2021

To ensure individuals and our community remain safe from all vaccine preventable diseases (VPD), and to maintain a high level of community immunity, it is important that routine immunizations be provided given the resumed circulation of other infections alongside COVID-19.

Vaccine Eligibility Extensions

The Ministry has released an updated Guidance for Routine Immunization Services during COVID-19 that outlines extended eligibility for certain cohorts.

School-based, Grade 7 Immunizations (more information included in next section)

Until August 31, 2022:
- Hepatitis B (Recombivax HB®/Engerix-B®) available for students born in 2006 or 2007
- HPV-9 (Gardasil 9®) available for female students born in 2002 or 2003
Refer to page 12 of the Ministry’s guidance for more information
See school program vaccine order form for details and to place an order for vaccine

High Risk Immunizations

Until December 31, 2022:
- HPV-9 (Gardasil 9®) available for males born in 1993, 1994,1995
- 4CMenB (Bexsero®) available for individuals born in 2002, 2003, 2004
- Men-C-ACYW135 (Menactra® or Nimenrix®) available for individuals born in 1964,1965, 1966
Refer to page 13 of the Ministry’s guidance for more information
See high risk vaccine order form for details and to place an order for vaccine

Adult Immunizations

Until December 31, 2022:
- Herpes Zoster (Shingrix®) available for seniors born in 1949, 1950 or 1951
Refer to page 13 of the Ministry’s guidance for more information
See general vaccine order form for details and to place an order for vaccine

Update on Grade 7 School Vaccine Program

Review of Current Situation

Since the spring of 2020, the school-based vaccination program as well as Public Health general vaccination clinics have been suspended as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
It is estimated that over 4000 students who are currently in grades 9 and 10 (2007 and 2006 birth cohorts) may have missed the opportunity to receive some of their grade 7 school vaccines
Current grade 7 and 8 students (2009 and 2008 birth cohorts) are also eligible following routine eligibility practices
Thank you to our local primary care providers for your continued support in immunizing students while Public Health clinics are suspended

Public Health Catch-up Clinics

Niagara Region Public Health (NRPH) is working with school boards to explore opportunities to resume in-school vaccination campaigns for the current grade 7 cohort as well as catch-up opportunities for those currently in grade 8
NRPH is planning the re-opening of the Niagara Falls office for grade 7 school vaccine catch-up
NRPH is planning some small community-based clinics for school vaccine catch-up. These clinics will be primarily focused on students in grades 9 and 10 and will be promoted through the local area secondary schools.
Visit the website regularly for updates on catch-up clinic information

Ordering School Program Vaccines and Immunization Records

View Public Health’s website for information on the typical vaccine series for the school-based campaign. Please note the meningococcal product available to be administered as part of the grade 7 school-based vaccine program has changed to Nimenrix®, which constitutes similar risks and benefits to the previously used product Menactra®
Health care professionals (HCPs) are encouraged to continue ordering all school program vaccines from NRPH for any eligible students who request to receive the immunizations through their office.
NRPH routinely provides access to immunization records to ensure HCPs have the most up-to-date information available for their patients
To help facilitate the school-based grade 7 vaccine catch-up campaign, NRPH can work with HCPs to release batch records for patients born in 2006 and 2007. Release of batch records indicates your office has the intent of proactively reaching out to vaccinate these age groups among your patients.
- If this is something you require, please contact the Vaccine Preventable Disease program for more information at 905-688-8248 or 1-888-505-6074 ext. 7396.

More Information

Publicly Funded Immunization Schedule
NACI’s recommendations on concomitant administration with other vaccines
COVID-19 Reference Document for Symptoms
COVID-19 Response Framework: keeping Ontario safe and open
COVID-19 Guidance: Primary Care Providers in a Community Setting
If you have any questions or concerns, please visit Public Health’s immunization and vaccine web page for health care professionals or call the VPD program at 905-688-8248 or 1-888-505-6074 ext. 7396