MEMO: Phase 2 Eligibility for COVID-19 Vaccines and Exceptions to Extended Dose Intervals

TO: Health Care Professionals in the Niagara region

FROM: Pandemic Response Division, Niagara Region Public Health

REFERENCE: Phase 2 Eligibility for COVID-19 Vaccines and Exceptions to Extended Dose Intervals Form

DATE: April 28, 2021

In follow-up to the MEMO shared on Thursday, April 22, please see below additional information relevant to your practice.

As a reminder, patients in the “highest risk” health condition group do not require a letter from their provider as proof that they are eligible for vaccination. When they call the provincial portal to book their vaccine (1-833-943-3900), they will be asked to verbally identify and confirm themselves as having a highest risk health condition.

However, those individuals who are eligible for exemptions to the extended second dose interval will require a letter or completed exemption form from their clinician as proof that they are eligible for the shortened dose interval. You can access a sample letter directly on Niagara Health’s webpage. They will need to present at the first and second dose appointment.

Residents who are eligible for the interval exception and have already received a first dose must contact the hospital, pharmacy, or Public Health Unit where they received their first dose to arrange their second dose at the shorter interval
- Niagara Health (905-378-4647, ext. 49099) for vaccination at Seymour-Hannah Sports and Entertainment Centre clinic
- Niagara Region Public Health (905-688-8248, press 7 then press 2) for all Public Health clinics
Patients will be required to bring the completed form or letter from their clinician to their second dose appointment as proof of eligibility to receive their second dose at the shorter interval

Pregnant Individuals

As of April 23, all pregnant individuals are eligible to register for first dose COVID-19 vaccination appointments under the highest risk health conditions in Phase 2 of Ontario's COVID-19 vaccination plan
The province's extended dose interval of 16 weeks remains appropriate for this population
Pregnant people are now able to book their vaccinations using the provincial online booking system, or by phone at 1-833-943-3900, at any local immunization clinic
Pregnant people may choose to receive the vaccine at any time during their pregnancy, however it is recommended that health care providers review and discuss the risks and benefits of COVID-19 immunization and infection with pregnant patients prior to their appointment

Eligibility of essential caregivers for vaccination

Patients in the “highest risk” category (including pregnant individuals) are eligible to have one (1) essential caregiver vaccinated at the time they receive their first dose
Caregivers’ first appointment should be booked at the same time as eligible “highest risk” individual
Essential caregivers will not be eligible for the shortened second dose interval

More Information:

Ministry of Health COVID-19 Vaccination Recommendations for Special Populations
Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada Statement Regarding Pregnant Women with COVID-19 in ICUs in Ontario
Niagara Region Public Health's COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic Schedule
Niagara Region Public Health's webpage on Vaccine Eligibility and booking your vaccine appointment