Niagara Health warns that supply shortages of the Pfizer vaccine will result in changes to Niagara's vaccination plan.
Effective immediately, all first doses of vaccines are to be used to vaccinate residents, staff and essential caregivers in long-term care homes and high risk retirement homes.
The move is being made to ensure that there are enough inoculations to ensure that these people are vaccinated by February 15th.
As a result, there will be a delay in providing shots to staff and physicians within Niagara Health.
Acting Medical Officer of Health Dr. Mustafa Hirji says he is disappointed by the delay.
"It is frustrating that vaccines to Niagara are being reduced again, when we have only just started vaccinating. We are directing what vaccine we still do have to where it will save the most lives: long-term care and retirement home residents."
Due to Pfizer's retooling of their European production facility, Ontario will see a significant reduction in doses over the next several weeks.
The province is instructing all areas to give first priority to residents, healthcare workers and essential caregivers in long-term care homes by February 15th.
Niagara's weekly shipment of Pfizer doses was delivered as planned today, but next week's shipment will not occur.
Doses are expected in the region during the weeks of February 1st and 8th.
Thus far, there is no plan for Moderna shots to arrive in Niagara.
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