COVID Response FAQ

Updated October 13th, 2023

Latest news on the COVID-19 Booster

On September 12, 2023, Health Canada approved Moderna’s new COVID-19 vaccine. The new formulation should be available in YRPH vaccine clinics in early October for high-risk patients.

COVID-19 vaccine recommendations

  • YRPH, in line with NACI, strongly recommends a COVID-19 booster dose this fall for your patients age 65+ and others at high risk

  • The recommended interval is six months after the last vaccination or infection, but may be given earlier based on individual circumstances

  • See NACI’s updated guidance for use of COVID-19 vaccines in fall 2023

  • Co-administration with the influenza vaccine is safe, convenient and is encouraged; you can administer the two together or any time before or after one another

Influenza and COVID-19 vaccine combined recommendation 
It is strongly recommended that anyone at higher risk of severe illness and/or developing complications get both a COVID-19 booster and an influenza vaccine, including:  

  • Everyone age 65+

    • NOTE for seniors: While the high dose QIV product OR the adjuvanted TIV are likely to provide improved protection for seniors compared to the regular QIV, the NACI recommendation is to give whichever of the three vaccines is available first to optimize seniors early in the season

  • Pregnant individuals (both vaccines are safe in pregnancy) 

  • Residents of long-term care, retirement homes and other congregated living settings 

  • Adults and children with immunocompromising or chronic health conditions (e.g., asthma, heart disease, diabetes and others)  

  • First Nation, Inuit and Metis Peoples, racialized groups and other equity deserving populations

  • People providing essential community services (and others, including health care workers at higher risk of transmitting influenza and COVID-19 to those at high risk)

New RSV vaccine (Arexvy) for those age 60+

  • In mid-September, Ontario announced it will publicly fund GSK’s Arexvy (the first RSV vaccine approved by Health Canada) for people age 60+ living in long term care, some retirement homes and Elder Care Lodges

  • Arexvy will be available for private purchase and administration at pharmacies this fall

    • Ask your family physician to write you a prescription and the pharmacy will provide (Cost is about $300)

  • Timing of Arexvy supply arrival in Ontario is still to be determined

  • Because it is a new vaccine, the recommendation will likely be to space out Arexvy with other vaccines (including flu and COVID-19) by at least two weeks

  • NOTE: NACI recommendations are not yet available for Arexvy

  • For an overview on RSV products coming down the pipeline, refer to our update in the August edition of Public Health Matters

Clinic Operations

Will the doctor see me in person or virtually?

Both in-person and telephone appointments are available. We may limit telephone appointments to those that are COVID positive or experiencing COVID-symptoms . To reduce the spread of COVID-19 and protect our vulnerable patients who are in the office, if you have COVID-19 symptoms or exposure please do NOT come to the office, we will conduct the appointment virtually.

How will telephone appointments work?

For telephone appointments, our doctors will call you at the appointed time. Please be prepared by your phone in a quiet and private place to take the call. Please make sure that your phone does not block unknown numbers as the doctor may be calling from a private number.

COVID-Testing

What if I’m experiencing COVID-19 Symptoms?

If you are experiencing any COVID-related symptoms, please do a COVID test and only come in if it is negative. However, if you’ve had these symptoms for over 5 days, you may come in without testing. You can also choose to book a virtual appointment with your family doctor instead.

What COVID-19 symptoms should I look for?

Symptoms include:

  • fever or chills

  • cough

  • shortness of breath

  • decreased or loss of taste or smell

  • two or more of:

    • runny nose or nasal congestion

    • headache

    • extreme fatigue

    • sore throat

    • muscle aches or joint pain

    • gastrointestinal symptoms (such as vomiting or diarrhea)

Reference: https://covid-19.ontario.ca/exposed#symtoms

Preventing COVID-19

What can I do to protect myself?

  • Get Vaccinated!

  • Masking is recommended in indoor spaces

  • Follow all public health measures as indicated by Public Health Ontario

COVID-19 Vaccination

Below are links to websites to find out more information