COVID-19

COVID-19 is a viral illness that causes fever and respiratory symptoms (dry cough, pneumonia, shortness of breath) in infected patients. The virus is highly transmissible between persons; it may not produce symptoms for 14 days after being infected. The World Health Organization has declared COVID-19 to be a global pandemic. It is important to take precautions such as social distancing and practicing rigorous hand hygiene to protect yourself and stop spread of the disease.

MASKING, DISTANCING, CAPACITY LIMITS

Masks are required in the office, as we have many individuals/patients/visitors who are at high risk for severe outcomes, just as in long-term care homes and retirement homes Distancing where possible is still recommended. Capacity limits are no longer required.

COVID-19 PREVENTION, SYMPTOMS, TESTING, ISOLATION RECOMMENDATIONS

For detailed and practical guidance regarding COVID-19 avoidance, recognition, testing, and management, as well as information about public health measures and vaccines, visit the University of Toronto Department of Family and Community Medicine site “Confused about Covid”

For the latest Public Health information on eligibility regarding testing, visit the Ontario site for COVID-19 Assessment & Testing and the Ontario site for COVID-19 Exposure and Isolation

COVID-19 VACCINE CERTIFICATE

As of March 14, 2022 mandatory vaccination policies ended in all settings including hospitals, longterm care homes, schools, and child-care settings. You no longer need to provide proof of vaccination but we recommend completion of COVID-19 vaccination series for all patients (unless exempted). Access the Ontario Vaccine Portal to find out more, or to book vaccine. Have your photo health card ready, and click below to log in and download a copy of your enhanced vaccination certificate with a QR code:

Since October 18,2021, the enhanced vaccine certificates are available to download for all vaccinated Ontarians. You can also call the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900 to have your enhanced vaccine certificate emailed or mailed to you. Individuals who have received a partial or complete COVID-19 vaccine series outside of Ontario or Canada should contact their local public health unit to have their COVID-19 immunization record documented in COVaxON prior to receiving any additional doses and for their vaccination receipts.

VACCINE QUESTIONS and COUNSELLING

If you have questions or concerns about COVID-19 vaccines, you may scroll below for further resources, book an appointment with your doctor, or book an appointment at one of two Vaccine Counselling Clinics. These clinics are available by appointment. Services are open by self-referral to all patients across Ontario to address all vaccine concerns:  VaxFacts Clinic from Scarborough Health Network (connects with a team of doctors) and COVID-19 Vaccine Consult Service from Hospital for Sick Kids (connects to a team of paediatric registered nurses). 

COVID-19 VACCINE NOT AVAILABLE AT OUR OFFICE

We encourage you to get your COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible. We are not providing the COVID-19 vaccine in our office.  It is available through Public Health clinics, pop-up clinics, some walk-in clinics, many pharmacies, and a few family physicians’ offices. Please do not call us to try to book an appointment for COVID vaccine. We need to keep our phone lines free for patients with immediate medical needs.

COVID-19 VACCINE AVAILABILITY

You have the option to book your vaccine appointment at either a regional public health mass vaccination clinic, hospital-run clinic, pop-up clinics in hot-spot communities, or at select pharmacies. For more information about COVID vaccines or to book your vaccine appointment, visit the Ontario Vaccine Portal.

Pharmacy booking for the COVID-19 vaccine: Find your closest pharmacy : Pharmacy Locator

Provincial online booking system: Eligible residents can check vaccine eligibility here and register for appointments by calling 1-888-999-6488 or click the button below for the Ontario Provincial Vaccination Portal:

Vaccines at Regional Health and Hospital Clinics:
Please check with your local public health unit will have details about vaccinations in your area; click on one of the options below for local regions (or click the above button for the Ontario-wide Portal):

PEEL REGION (Brampton, Mississauga, Caledon) : Check Peel Eligibility here. Register for a vaccine by visiting the Peel Online Booking System. If you cannot access the online site, call the Region of Peel COVID-19 Vaccination Line at 905-791-5202 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., 7 days a week, or call 1-888-999-6488 to book an appointment if you are in High or Highest Risk Categories. For Homebound Residents of Peel, visit Peel Homebound Vaccine Registration to complete form.

HALTON REGION (Milton, Oakville, Burlington, Halton Hills):Check Halton eligibility here Visit the following website to book or pre-register for an appointment:

Halton Covid-19 Vaccine Clinic: Book your Halton appointment online here or call 311 for support or phone assistance

TORONTO REGION: Check Toronto eligibility here. Visit the following website to book or pre-register for an appointment:

Toronto Hospitals and Ontario Health Teams COVID-19 Vaccination Site Pre-register for your Toronto appointment here or call 1-888-385-1910 for assistance