Dear Patients,
We are writing to share information, resources and updates about COVID-19 vaccines and flu vaccines for the fall 2022 season.
In this letter, we will share:
COVID-19 vaccine information for children 6 months to under 5 years of age, and where to get your child vaccinated
Bivalent COVID-19 Vaccine and where to book an appointment
Flu vaccines
COVID- 19 Vaccine Information for children 6 months to under 5 years of age
Vaccination continues to be the most effective way to protect us from severe illness and hospitalization from COVID-19. We strongly recommend all eligible patients, including those 6 months to under 5 years of age, get vaccinated. The vaccine is safe and it works!
SickKids Hospital has created a helpful Frequently Asked Questions page, and we strongly encourage you to take a look and review, especially if you are unsure about vaccinating your child.
If you have more questions, you are encouraged to make an appointment to speak with your health care provider or call the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900 to speak to a health specialist. You may also visit COVID-19 Vaccine Consult Service to book a confidential phone appointment with a SickKids Registered Nurse.
Where to get your child vaccinated against COVID-19
After a review of available community vaccine clinics, and in order to balance ongoing needs for our patients, we have decided we will not offer these COVID-19 vaccines in our clinics. As we enter cold and flu season, we know demands for health care services will be high. We will continue to focus on providing access to primary care services for your ongoing health care needs.
Booking for this age group must be done through the Public Health Unit’s Vaccine Call Centre only at 1-844-369-1234 Monday to Friday 8:30am to 4:00pm.
Bivalent COVID-19 Vaccine
Health Canada has approved COVID-19 bivalent vaccines for booster doses, which target both the original COVID-19 virus and the most recently circulating COVID-19 variants (such as Omicron). Since the bivalent vaccine is being offered as a booster dose, those who receive it must have already completed a primary series (2 or more doses). Booster doses will be offered at a recommended interval of six months, or a minimum interval of three months, since the last dose received. For more COVID vaccine information, including booster dose and eligibility, check our Leeds Grenville and Lanark Public Health website.
For questions relating to COVID-19, including testing and isolation guidance for close contacts, those with symptoms or positive tests, call the Provincial Testing and Isolation Information line at 1-888-777-0730, open 7 days a week from 8:00am-6:00pm.
How to Book an Appointment
We will be offering COVID-19 Vaccines in our clinics this fall. View availability and book an appointment at our location using the Pomelo booking tool.
We recommend the following options to book your COVID-19 vaccine.
Community pharmacies
Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900.- For people who had a boosted dose 3 months ago and would like the bivalent COVID-19 booster, please call to book an appointment
After Sept 26th, all people 18+ will be eligible for the new bivalent vaccine as long as their last booster dose was at least 3 months ago. To find out more about vaccine information and eligibility, visit the Leeds, Grenville, Lanark Public Health Unit’s website.
Flu Vaccines
We will offer flu vaccines in our clinics this fall. We encourage patients to continue to use community clinics and pharmacies for these vaccines whenever possible.
Additionally, if you have an upcoming appointment with your doctor or nurse practitioner, you will be offered a flu shot at the same time.
We are planning to have two weekday flu vaccine clinics: October 26 & November 7, from 9am to 3:30pm. These will be for current patients only on a walk-in only basis. To avoid additional phone wait times, please hold off calling us to ask if appointments are available.
We know there is a lot of vaccine information. Please use the resources listed in this message or call to book an appointment to speak with your doctor or nurse practitioner for individual questions or advice.
Keep well,
TRHC Team
Comments