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.

On this page:

• Vaccine Storage & Handling
• Vaccine Ordering
• Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFI)
• Resources

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.

• Ontario Ministry Vaccine Storage and Handling Guidelines (PDF)
• WECHU Maintain the Cold Chain Quick Reference Guide
• WECHU Maintain the Cold Chain e-Learning Course
• Blank Fillable/Printable Vaccine Fridge Temp Log Book
• New Vaccine Fridge Setup Guide
• Cold Chain Incident Checklist & Report Form
• Cold Chain Inventory Form
• Contingency Plan Template

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 our Health Unit by faxing the completed form to (519)-977-1711, or emailing it to vaccine@wechu.org.

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

Completed forms can be returned to the health unit by fax at 519-977-1711 or by email to vaccine@wechu.org

• Vaccine Order Form
• Vaccine Return Form
• Influenza Vaccine Order Form
• Influenza Vaccine Return Form
• High Risk HPV-9 Vaccine Order Form
• High Risk Hepatitis Vaccine Order Form
• High Risk Meningococcal Vaccine Order Form
• Healthy Schools Program Administration Record
• School Based Immunization Order Form
• Health Care Provider Immunization Patient Resource

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)

Resources

• Canadian Immunization Guide
• Immunize Canada
• Publicly Funded Immunization schedule for Ontario
• Reporting Student Immunizations Poster