GETTING A COVID-19 VACCINE
In Ontario, the COVID-19 Vaccine is available at Mass Vaccination Clinics, Local Pharmacies and Pop-up Mobile Clinics.
- Anyone age 12+ can book an appointment for a first or second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine
- Second doses: First dose of mRNA vaccine must have been more than 21 days ago (Pfizer) or 28 days ago (Moderna). First dose of AstraZeneca vaccine must have been more than 8 weeks ago.
- On November 3, the Ontario government announced the expansion of eligibility for booster doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to additional groups of high-risk individuals, to begin on November 6, 2021.
As we see the reduction in COVID-19 cases in Ontario and a rise in the percentage of fully vaccinated individuals, we are happy to share the newest guidance from Health Canada re. social distancing rules based on your vaccination status:
Need assistance getting to your vaccine appointment?
Toronto Ride, iRide and Scarborough Ride provide assisted transportation to eligible Toronto seniors, adults with disabilities and adults who are immune-compromised, to and from vaccination appointments within the city of Toronto.
To book a ride contact:
- Toronto Ride, torontoride.ca or call 416-481-5250
- iRide, circleofcare.com/vaccinerides or call 1-844-474-3301
- Scarborough Ride, schcontario.ca/scarboroughride.html or call 416-736-9372
ABOUT THE COVID VACCINES
- Pfizer-Biontech mRNA vaccine -
The Pfizer-Biontech mRNA vaccine is the only vaccine in Canada approved for individuals 12-17+ years old.
It is highly effective and safe.
Click Here for more information about this vaccine in youth 12-17 years old.
Visit City of Toronto COVID: About the Vaccines for more information.
- Moderna mRNA vaccine -
The Moderna Vaccine is approved for all individuals 18+ years of age. It is also an mRNA based vaccine and is highly effective and safe.
Visit City of Toronto COVID: About the Vaccines for more information.
- AstraZeneca Vaccine -
As of May 11, the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine is not being administered in Ontario for patients receiving their first COVID-19 vaccine due to a rare but serious potential side effect referred to as Vaccine-Induced Immune Thrombotic Thrombocytopenia (VITT). The change in this guideline is primarily due to the recent increased availability of mRNA based vaccines in Ontario, which do not carry any risk for VITT.
The Ontario COVID-19 Science Advisory Table has developed a Questions and &Answers Summary to address concerns re. VITT.
- COVID Vaccines and Pregnancy -
Pregnancy is a risk factor for complications from COVID-19, therefore vaccination is highly recommended.
CLICK HERE for a video message from Ontario’s Obstetricians explaining why it is critical for pregnant patients to get the COVID19 Vaccine (available in multiple languages).
Questions & Answers about the COVID-19 Vaccines and Fertility, Pregnancy and Breastfeeding from expert Obstetricians at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre.
COVID-19 OFFICE PROCEDURES (updated September, 2021)
With the changes surrounding COVID-19, our clinic is taking the following steps to ensure continuity of care while keeping the health and safety of all in mind:
1. All patients should call ahead to book an appointment.
2. All visits will be triaged over the phone
- this will determine if your medical issue can be managed virtually (ie. by telephone or video conference) or whether an in-office visit is needed
3. Absolutely NO walk-in visits will be accepted.
4. The following visits will be prioritized for in-person appointments in fall 2021:
- Acute illness that requires in-person examination
- Chronic illness that is unstable or has not been reviewed since before the Pandemic
- Overdue cancer screening tests (eg. pap smears)
- Well baby visits (0-4 years old) including vaccinations
- Obstetrical visits
5. Routine physical exams are being deferred at this time.
6. If you have an in-office appointment:
- When you arrive at the building, please call 416-785-8412; you will be screened for COVID-19 symptoms
- When the doctor is ready to see you, our staff will call you to come up to the office; the front entrance to the building is locked, please press #303 for staff to unlock the door
- Proceed up to the office (3rd floor) and buzz to be let into the office door
- ALL PATIENTS OVER 2 YEARS OLD MUST WEAR A MASK (CLOTH OR DISPOSABLE) AT ALL TIMES IN THE BUILDING
7. Please note that we do not provide COVID19 testing at our clinic.
- If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID19, please go to your nearest Assessment Centre.
STAYING SAFE DURING THE PANDEMIC
- Practice social distancing
- Wear a mask in situations where distance cannot be maintained.
- Wash your hands regularly
- Cough or sneeze into your sleeve
- Do not share food, drinks, toothbrushes, etc.
If you have been exposed to COVID-19 or have symptoms that may suggest COVID-19
Proceed to one of the COVID Assessment Centres.
Please note that our office does not perform COVID-19 testing.
If you have more severe symptoms (such as severe shortness of breath or chest pain)
• Contact Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000 or your local public health unit
• If you are in need of IMMEDIATE medical attention, call 911 or go to your local emergency room
If you have traveled outside Canada but do NOT have symptoms
• you are at risk of being a carrier of COVID-19 and passing it on to others
• you should stay in Quarantine for 14-days after your return to Canada;
• Click for more information for Returning Travelers
• If you have no symptoms after 14 days, you can resume your normal daily activities