Vaccine Providers

Our Health Unit’s Vaccine Distribution Program is responsible for the management of all publicly funded vaccines in Windsor-Essex County.

We provide ongoing education regarding proper vaccine ordering, storage, and cold chain management for all health care providers who administer publicly funded vaccines.

Vaccine Storage and Handling

Vaccines are sensitive biological substances that need strict conditions to maintain their effectiveness.

By understanding and implementing proper vaccine storage and handling practices, staff in health care provider premises play a critical role in improving the health of Ontarians by ensuring that the administered vaccines retain their potency and that vaccine wastage is reduced.

Remember: If your vaccine has been exposed to a minimum, maximum OR current temperature below 2.0°C or above 8.0°C this is considered a COLD CHAIN EXCURSION/INCIDENT and must be reported to the WECHU immediately.

To report a Cold Chain Incident call 519-258-2146 ext. 1121 (8:30 am – 4:30 pm Monday – Friday)

Vaccine Ordering

Pre-approved health care facilities can order publicly funded vaccines from the Health Unit.

If you have questions about the application process, vaccine ordering, or vaccine products, contact our Vaccine Distribution team by email or by phone 519-258-2146, ext. 1121.

Important

Include your most recent temperature log with every order
Order only a one month supply to avoid vaccine waste
Depending on the size of your vaccine fridge, your order may be reduced

Forms

COVID-19 Vaccine Provider Sign-Up

If you are interested in administering the COVID-19 vaccine in your office, contact our Vaccine Distribution team by email or phone (519-258-2146, ext. 1121) to explore how WECHU can provide support.

Resources

Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFI)

Serious side effects from vaccines are rare.
Many negative events can be avoided through proper administration of vaccines and assessing patients for contraindications prior to immunization.
Physicians, members of the College of Nurses of Ontario, and members of the Ontario College of Pharmacists must report AEFI to their Medical Officer of Health under Section 38 of the Health Protection and Promotion Act (HPPA).
For the safe monitoring of vaccines, it is important to report any adverse effects after an immunization. The Adverse Events Following Immunization report form should be completed as soon as possible and submitted to the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit.
Submit completed AEFI report form by emailing vaccine@wechu.org or fax to 519-977-1711. If you have questions, phone 519-258-2146, ext. 1121 or email vaccine@wechu.org
AEFI Fact Sheet (PDF)

Updated provincial polio vaccine recommendations
for children previously immunized internationally with oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV).

Healthcare providers should presume that children with documented dose(s) of OPV received on or after April 1, 2016, are bivalent oral poliovirus vaccine (bOPV) and these doses should be considered invalid. To ensure protection against all three poliovirus types, these children should complete an age appropriate polio vaccine series, using an inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV)- containing vaccine product.

For more information on the new recommendations please review the following links: