Common symptoms of COVID-19: fever, cough, shortness of breath, loss of smell/taste, fatigue/malaise, headache, sore throat, runny nose and/or diarrhea.
COVID 19 Vaccine Info
Bivalent booster
Ages 5-11years - eligible to receive single booster of monovalent Pfizer (10mcg)
Ages 12+ - eligible to receive a bivalent booster, at least 6 months since last COVID-19 vaccine
Bivalent Pfizer only for ages 12-17 years
Over age 18, no preferential recommendation between Moderna Bivalent vs Pfizer Bivalent
Strongly recommend for following population: vulnerable populations, LTC + congregate home residents, age 65+, healthcare workers, First Nations 18+, immunocompromised 12+, pregnant individuals
Recommended 6 months following previous COVID-19 vaccine or vaccination, but may receive as soon as 84 days (3 months)
Co-Administration
Individuals 5 years old and older, COVID-19 vaccines may be given simultaneously with or at any other time before/after non-COVID-19 Vaccines with informed consent
Not recommended: monovalent for age 6months to 5 years
When to get next dose after COVID-19 infection?
if before or between Primary series (generally Dose 1 + 2)
6m +, healthy - wait 2 months after positive COVID test/symptoms
6m +, moderately to severely immunocompromised - wait 1-2 months after positive COVID test/symptoms
if AFTER received first 2 doses/primary series
minimum of 3 months after positive COVID test/symptoms
6 months may have better immune response, based on clinical discretion
For FULL DETAILS and Reference: https://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/pro/programs/publichealth/coronavirus/docs/vaccine/COVID-19_vaccine_administration.pdf
Children aged 6months-5years (Primary Series)
Half the dose given to children aged 5-11
Two dose series given 8 weeks apart
Resources:
Sick Kids Covid19 Vaccine Consult Service - book a virtual consultation with a nurse to answer questions about vaccines
Public Health Vaccine Clinics:
DURHAM REGION:
Durham residents can register for COVID-19 vaccine appointments online at durham.ca/VaccineAppointment or via telephone at 1-800-841-2729.
YORK REGION:
Pharmacy Vaccine Clinics:
In Uxbridge (click on pharmacy name for link to booking website):
Paxlovid
The following patient groups should be considered for Paxlovid treatment:
Individuals aged 60+
Individuals 18+ who:
Are immunocompromised
Have one or more comorbidity that puts them at higher risk of severe COVID-19 disease
Are unvaccinated or have an incomplete primary series
Had their last COVID-19 vaccine and their last SARS-CoV-2 infection more than six months ago
Eligible individuals must have a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis (based on positive PCR, rapid molecular or rapid antigen test) and present within five days of symptom onset. As of Dec. 12, pharmacists can prescribe Paxlovid in Ontario and most community pharmacies can dispense it.
Ministry of Ontario Vaccine Portal - Access your Vaccine receipt here:
Please see the following links for up-to-date information about available COVID-19 vaccines in Canada.
A concise summary about mRNA vaccines, availability and roll out in Ontario and answers to common questions about the vaccine including specific populations and allergic reactions.
A Word on the adenovirus vaccines: Janssen (Johnson & Johnson)
Per Durham Vaccine info site: there is a limited amount of Janssen vaccines available to 18+ who have not received any COVID-19 vaccines to date. Appointment must be made by phone (not online) at 1-888-444-5113.
COVID-19 Quick Facts
Common Symptoms of COVID-19:
fever
cough
shortness of breath
loss of smell and/or taste
tiredness/fatigue
headache
sore throat
runny nose
diarrhea
People aged 65 and over, with compromised immune systems and with underlying medical issues are at highest risk of severe outcomes.
If you think you may have COVID-19:
Most people if infected with COVID-19 will likely have mild symptoms. Get tested, then stay home, drink plenty of fluids, take acetaminophen as needed and self-isolate to prevent spreading to others. However, if your symptoms are worsening, please seek medical care and follow the strict policies in place to protect you and your healthcare providers.
Get Tested at a COVID Assessment Centre
What if I have to self isolate?
Refer to this information sheet from Public Health HERE and for caregivers HERE.
Monitor yourself for signs and symptoms of COVID-19.
Contact Durham Region Health Department at 905-668-2020 or 1-800-841-2729 for more information.
IF UNWELL, CALL 9-1-1 OR GO TO YOUR NEAREST EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT.
What can I do to protect myself and others?
Get Vaccinated
Practice good hand hygiene:
Wash your hands with soap and water.
Do not touch your face, nose, mouth or eyes
Clean and/or sanitize items and surfaces that are touched often – handles, doorknobs, keyboards, phones
Cover your coughs and sneezes
Cough or sneeze into a tissue; discard in wastebasket lined with plastic bag
If no tissue is available; cough into your upper sleeve or elbow, not your hand.
Wear a mask: Your face covering should cover your nose, mouth and chin.
Practice social distancing
Avoid visiting at hospitals, group homes and senior’s homes if you are unwell; please check with the facilities’ most up-to-date policy on visitors
Information about COVID-19 Vaccines:
Centre for Effective Practice: This is a concise summary of information and answers pertinent and common questions. https://tools.cep.health/tool/covid-19-vaccines/