Paramedics helping homebound residents in Greater Sudbury receive COVID-19 vaccinations at home as part of innovative local pilot

Close partnerships and a spirit of innovation have paved the way for City of Greater Sudbury and Public Health Sudbury & Districts to launch a pilot project in which local paramedics administer COVID-19 vaccine directly in the homes of homebound individuals who are born in 1941 or earlier or who receive chronic home care services. This pilot will permit access to the COVID-19 vaccine for eligible individuals who are unable to leave their homes.

“From day one, our commitment has been that anyone who is eligible and wishes to receive the vaccine will have an opportunity to do so. This commitment has challenged us to think creatively and consider innovative ways that can help us get vaccine into arms as efficiently, safely, and fairly as possible,” said Dr. Penny Sutcliffe, Medical Officer of Health with Public Health Sudbury & Districts. “This pilot project is an example of the invaluable partnership with the City of Greater Sudbury—we tip our hats to the paramedics for willingness to step up to offer vaccines to these most vulnerable members of our community,” added Dr. Sutcliffe.

“Vaccinations are critical to our collective well-being and we will continue to support Dr. Sutcliffe and her team in any way we can,” said Greater Sudbury Mayor Brian Bigger. “Throughout this pandemic, our Paramedic staff have continuously stepped-up to help in innovative ways. I want to express my sincere appreciation for their unwavering passion and tireless commitment, and thank everyone who is working tirelessly to ensure success of the community vaccination program.”

As part of this pilot project, Public Health staff and City paramedics will work together to offer the COVID-19 vaccine to homebound individuals who reside in Greater Sudbury. Public Health Nurses will prepare the vaccines, and City paramedics will transport and administer the vaccines in the person’s home. This initiative is possible because updated vaccine storage and handling guidelines allow for single syringes of vaccine to be transported. COVID-19 vaccines have strict handling and storing requirements to ensure the safety and efficacy of the vaccine. Public Health is also exploring opportunities to work with paramedic services throughout its service area to offer vaccinations to individuals who are homebound or receive chronic home care services.

This pilot is not an alternative to attending a community-based mass immunization clinic, but it will help ensure access to the vaccine for those who are simply unable to attend a community clinic due to medical or physical restrictions.

People who are eligible for this service are being identified through their home care service providers, through their primary care providers, or through submissions in the pre-registration process. This service cannot be requested directly through City paramedics or Public Health.

Currently, groups eligible for the COVID-19 vaccines in Phase 1 include residents, staff and essential caregivers in long-term care, First Nation elder care homes, retirement homes, and seniors congregate living; health care workers in the highest and very high priority groups followed by high priority health care workers; individuals born in 1941 or earlier, recipients of chronic home care services; and all Indigenous adults. Public Health Sudbury & Districts has established a pre-registration process for health care workers, those receiving chronic home care, and individuals born in 1941 or earlier. Pre-registered individuals are entered into a random selection process according to available vaccine and once selected, are contacted directly with information on how to book an appointment for an upcoming COVID-19 vaccination clinic. To learn more and pre-register, visit Public Health’s website at https://www.phsd.ca/health-topics-programs/vaccines-immunizations/coronavirus-covid-19-vaccine/upcoming-vaccination-clinics-for-specific-priority-groups/.

The COVID-19 vaccine is a safe and effective tool to help stop COVID-19. For more information about the COVID-19 vaccine, please contact your health care provider, visit our frequently asked questions about the vaccine, or call Public Health Sudbury & Districts at 705.522.9200 (toll-free 1.866.522.9200). Public Health is experiencing a very high volume of calls. All calls will be returned, but please know that this may take several days. Patience is greatly appreciated.

Important information about 311

In order to allow Public Health to focus efforts on COVID-19 contact-tracing, health-related inquiries and vaccine planning and implementation, residents are encouraged to contact 311 by phone or Live Web Chat (311.greatersudbury.ca) for:

• People not self-isolating after international travel.
• Organized events and social gatherings that exceed what is permitted by the Province.
• Questions about provincial rules and regulations or effects on City programs and services.
• Complaints about non-compliance of businesses or services, as mandated under the Grey – Lockdown category.