COVID-19 KEY RESOURCES

Have COVID-19 symptoms? 

Read this:  You have COVID19 symptoms – Next steps

 

Been exposed to someone with COVID-19 symptoms? 

Read this:  Next steps – if you’ve been exposed to COVID-19

 

Have more questions about recent changes to Provincial guidelines?

Read this: 2022-01-06 Message to AMC Patients – Website version

 

COVID-19 Vaccine Roll-out in Ontario

What are the important facts about the vaccines that I should know?

  • Appropriate steps have been taken – The vaccines were developed was so fast because it was a top priority for everyone in the field and billions of dollars from governments and companies around the world were spent on getting it developed. The scientific world cooperated in ways they had not before. The bureaucratic process was super-fast because of the importance of getting this through.
  • New technology – mRNA has been studied and used for cancer treatments for upwards of 30 years, but this is the first vaccine using the technology. The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are made this way. mRNA vaccines cannot give someone COVID-19 as they do not use the live virus that causes COVID-19. They also do not affect or interact with our DNA in any way. There will be other vaccines coming later which are made with older technology.
  • Effectiveness – In clinical studies, very few people got COVID-19 within 12 days of getting the first dose of the Pfizer vaccine. This result is similar to the Moderna vaccine, which is the other COVID-19 vaccine now approved for use in Canada.
  • Pregnancy/breastfeeding – Pregnant and breastfeeding women were not included in trials for the currently available vaccines. However, the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada has stated that “the documented risk of not getting the COVID-19 vaccine outweighs the theorized and undescribed risk of being vaccinated during pregnancy or while breastfeeding and vaccination should be offered.” The Ontario Ministry of Health guidance states that pregnant women should discuss risks and benefits with their family physician or primary healthcare provider.The Ministry also point out that mRNA vaccines are not live vaccines and are not expected to be a risk to the breastfeeding infant. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, we will discuss the risks and benefits to help you make an informed decision about receiving the vaccine.
  • Allergies – People who have ever had a severe allergic reaction (i.e., anaphylaxis) to a previous dose of an mRNA vaccine or any of the ingredients in the vaccine should not receive it. We will discuss any allergies or other health conditions you may have before you receive the vaccine. If needed, we can seek input from an allergist-immunologist.
  • Autoimmune conditions/Immunocompromised – If you have an autoimmune or immunodeficiency condition, or are immunosuppressed due to disease or treatment, please discuss the benefits and risks of vaccination given your particular situation with your Albany family doctor and come to a decision together. People with these conditions were not included in the trials for the currently available vaccines, although vaccination may be a good idea for you to reduce your risk of getting a COVID-19 infection.

Where can I get more information on the vaccines and their safety?

https://covid-19.ontario.ca/covid-19-vaccines-ontario

If you have specific questions about whether you can receive the vaccine when available, please make an appointment to discuss with your family doctor directly.

Please do not call our office for information about where and when to access COVID vaccine as we do not have any additional details at this time.  We will update our website as more information is available.

We look forward to when the vaccine allows us to return to a life that is more connected. In the meantime – Wear a mask, keep your distance, wash your hands. AND be calm, be safe, be kind.

In Health,

Albany Medical Clinic

 

(Source:  Toronto Public Health)

 

COVID-19 SELF ASSESSMENT TOOL

https://covid-19.ontario.ca/self-assessment/#q0

 

ONTARIO PUBLIC HEALTH PUBLIC RESOURCES

  • How to wear a Mask
  • How to wash your hands
  • How to self-monitor
  • How to self-isolate
  • What to do if exposed to COVID-19

https://www.publichealthontario.ca/en/diseases-and-conditions/infectious-diseases/respiratory-diseases/novel-coronavirus/public-resources

https://www.toronto.ca/home/covid-19/covid-19-what-you-should-do/covid-19-have-symptoms-or-been-exposed/

TORONTO PUBLIC HEALTH

https://www.toronto.ca/home/covid-19/covid-19-protect-yourself-others/covid-19-mental-health-resources/

Some continued guidance for you as we continue to re-open!

**Wear a mask (surgical, KN95, N95).

**Monitor for symptoms. Read this updated list:  COVID-19 Updated symptom list

**Stay home if you have any symptoms. Read this:  You have COVID19 symptoms – Next steps

**Exposed to someone who has COVID-19? Read this:  Next steps – if you’ve been exposed to COVID-19

**Read about changes on COVID-19 testing here:  https://news.ontario.ca/en/backgrounder/1001387/updated-eligibility-for-pcr-testing-and-case-and-contact-management-guidance-in-ontario

***Get boostered if you are eligible.  Book here:  https://covid19.ontariohealth.ca/

***Still have questions about COVID-19?  Here’s a good Q&A from Family doctors: Click on this link:  https://dfcm.utoronto.ca/confused-about-covid

Information for Patient for Virtual Care

COVID-19 is placing stress on Canada’s public health system. Our clinic is starting to offer virtual care to make sure that we can continue to care for our patients safely and effectively. This means that we will be using video and audio technologies for some patient visits rather than asking all patients to come into our office. Some of these technologies are provided by the Province. Others have been provided by vendors such as Google, or Apple to help make discussions with your care provider as easy as possible during these difficult times. Some health concerns can be addressed with virtual care alone, but in some cases your doctor may ask you to visit a hospital or other health-care facility if necessary, for a physical examination.

We do our best to make sure that any information you give to us during virtual care visits is private and secure, but no video or audio tools are ever completely secure. There is an increased security risk that your health information may be intercepted or disclosed to third parties when using video or audio communications tools. To help us keep your information safe and secure, you can:

• Understand that this method of communication is not secure in the same way as a private appointment in an exam room.

• Use a private computer/device (i.e., not an employer’s or third party’s computer/device) and a secure internet connection. For example, using a personal computer or tablet is more secure than using someone else’s computer, and your access to the Internet on your home network will generally be more secure than an open guest Wi-Fi connection.

You should also understand that virtual care is not a substitute for in-person communication or clinical examinations, where appropriate, or forgoing to an Emergency Department when needed (including for any urgent care that may be required).

If you are concerned about using video or audio tools for virtual care, you can ask our office to arrange for you to visit a different health-care provider or other health-care center where you can be seen in person. However, please note that visiting a health care provider in person comes with a higher risk of coming into contact with COVID-19 and the possibility of spreading the virus.

By providing your information, you agree to let us collect, use, or disclose your personal health information through video or audio communications (while following applicable privacy laws) to provide you with care. In particular, the following means of electronic communication may be used or video conferencing (including but not limited to Skype, Facetime, etc.).