255 Main Street Unionville, Unionville, Ontario L3R 2H3, Canada
Appointments: (905) 477- 0027
Appointments: (905) 477- 0027
Important: Information has changed day by day and week by week. Some posted info may no longer be current. Click below for the updates by date.
2 MOST RECENT COVID-19 INFORMATION EMAILS
*PLEASE NOTE THE INFORMATION IN THESE MAY NOT PERTAIN TO THE CURRENT CIRCUMSTANCES*
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Dr. Carson's COVID-19 Email Update for Patients #19
December 23, 2021
HIGHLIGHTS:
COVID-19:OFFICE UPDATE
DOESN’T MY VACCINATION PROTECT AGAINST OMICRON?
HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF AND OTHERS
ASSUME A COLD OR FLU SYMPTOM IS OMICRON
COVID-19 TESTING
PFIZER VACCINE FOR 5 TO 11 YEAR OLDS
WHAT DO I DO IF I GET SICK?
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COVID-19: OFFICE UPDATE
Key points:
Our office is much busier.
If your test results are deemed not urgent but require some discussion/follow-up, our staff will be directed to book your follow-up appointment in 2-3 weeks time.
Please do not get angry with our staff if you are not offered a sooner appointment.
Your patience is greatly appreciated as we are trying to accommodate patients who have more urgent needs.
Now that daily COVID cases are once again skyrocketing, to ensure the safety of both patients and staff,
virtual appointments will be made in most cases with in-person appointments only when absolutely necessary.
We expect this for the month of January and possibly beyond.
This means that many in-office appointments for non-urgent concerns will be deferred.
Again, your patience is greatly appreciated.
DOESN’T MY VACCINATION PROTECT AGAINST OMICRON?
We know of several patients who are now sick despite 2 or even 3 vaccinations. Omicron is far more contagious than prior variants with case counts doubling every 2 days. Two doses of mRNA vaccine provides a vaccine effectiveness (VE) of 30% against the Omicron infection. With a 3rd dose, the VE improves to 75% (and over 90% against Delta). Bottom line: being vaccinated is the first step in protecting yourself and your loved ones, but don’t let your guard down.
HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF AND OTHERS - LIMIT CONTACTS NOW
We want you to be safe at any holiday gathering / meal. Everyone is exhausted by the pandemic and what we need most is people and connection. Yet you can minimize your risk while getting together. It does require discussion, communication and agreement. If you cannot minimize your risk, you may choose to stay apart. That way you’re also protecting your family and friends from illness. Studies show that a large percentage of individuals with Omicron are asymptomatic. You may be spreading the infection without knowing it!
These are steps you can take to reduce your risk of transmission.
Get vaccinated. Two doses are good but three is much better. 3rd dose eligibility (including those aged 18+ as of this week) can be found here.
YRPH clinics will allow 2nd doses for kids age 5-11 to receive dose #2 after 3 weeks with parental consent.
Vaccine Hunters is an excellent tool for locating vaccine availability near you. Ontario vaccine phone number to call 1-833-943-3900. Better yet, try booking through your pharmacy or online through the Ontario or local public health portal.
Wear a better mask. A three-layer medical mask is good while an N95 (or equivalent) mask is even better. Cloth masks are no longer considered effective.
Maintain a distance of 2 metres from others, whenever possible.
Wash hands with a disinfectant soap and clean frequently touched surfaces and objects often with disinfectants.
Gather in large, well-ventilated spaces
with open windows (you may need to wear your coat indoors) and hepa filters, or bundle up and take your special gathering outdoors. Better yet, consider having a virtual celebration.
At a holiday meal, keep your mask on when you are not eating or drinking.
If you work in an office, keep your mask on and do not eat lunch in the same room as others if possible.
ASSUME A COLD OR FLU SYMPTOM IS OMICRON
Early symptoms of the Omicron infection tend to be much milder than the earlier COVID variant symptoms such as: fever, chills, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of smell or taste. These are commonly reported early symptoms
of Omicron:
Runny nose
Sneezing
Sore throat
Cough
Headache
Mild to severe fatigue
Even if you only have one of the above symptoms, it’s very reasonable to assume that it’s Omicron.
COVID-19 TESTING
The two main options for COVID-19 testing are Rapid Antigen Tests (RAT) and PCR tests.
RATs are self-administered and provide a result within about 15 minutes, whereas PCR tests require processing by a lab to get results which can now take a few days or more. Although the PCR test remains the most reliable detector of COVID-19, the accessibility and efficiency of RATs make them an excellent tool in helping to prevent the spread of the virus by alerting individuals of possible infection. A RAT is most effective if you complete it 30 minutes before you plan to be in close contact with others. If you receive a positive result, begin to self-isolate immediately and try to get a PCR test if possible. A negative RAT may provide some peace of mind but it is not a guarantee that you do not have COVID, therefore social distancing and other safety protocols should be maintained when gathering with others.
If you’ve been exposed to someone who has tested positive with COVID-19, refer to the Ministry of Health's flow chart for guidance. ***However, advice changes rapidly.
This week we have been told:
“Household members of positive cases WILL BE ASKED TO SELF-ISOLATE regardless of vaccination status.”
Here is a link to a video that explains how to perform a Rapid Antigen Test (“Rapid Response”)
PFIZER VACCINE FOR 5 TO 11 YEAR OLDS
In 2 words. “DO IT”
Dr. Carson believes that the benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks in almost every child. The dose is ⅓ of the adult dose. Kids 2 vaccine doses are ideally given 8 weeks apart, however a parent can choose as little as 3 weeks apart.
WHAT DO I DO IF I GET SICK?
Please notify our office. Give us a call. Tell us if it’s just you or also others at home. Tell us if you are coping. Don’t panic. Current reports indicate that vaccinated individuals (with at least 2 doses), will likely only develop mild to moderate symptoms, and not end up in an ICU or in a life-threatening situation.
To manage symptoms, Dr. Carson recommends getting lots of rest, plenty of fluids and taking a pain reliever such as Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen if needed. Continue to isolate but try to get outside for a walk in the sun and fresh air at a safe distance from others.
If you develop more severe symptoms such as shortness of breath and difficulty breathing, go to your local hospital emergency immediately, and make them aware that you may have COVID-19.
Get vaccinated, “Happy Holidays”: celebrate safely, and have a Happy New Year!
Dr. Carson and staff
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Dr. Carson's COVID-19 Email Update for Patients #18
November 30, 2021
QUICK HIGHLIGHTS:
Vaccinations for Children Aged 5-11
As you may have heard, Health Canada and the National Advisory Committee on Immunizations (NACI) have completed their careful review and are now recommending the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children aged 5-11.
As healthcare providers and parents, we will be vaccinating our own children because the research shows that the vaccine is safe and effective. We’ve compiled some very helpful information and resources to assist you in making the decision.
Why should you vaccinate your children?
Quick facts:
With rising Covid-19 pediatric cases and hospitalizations in unvaccinated children, there is a greater risk for severe and long-lasting health challenges in this population. The benefits of vaccinations for children 5-11 outweigh the risks, but it is necessary that any concerns or hesitancy you may have are addressed so that you may feel confident and secure with your decision.
Additional information is available through a variety of trusted resources:
· “Max the Vax” is an excellent website produced by the Canadian Medical Association and provides answers to common questions plus links to videos, articles and more.
· The University of Waterloo School of Pharmacy has provided an excellent resource list compiled by an impartial group of patients, scientists, doctors, and pharmacists, These include videos and a two-page FAQ on the COVID-19 vaccines for children.
· These are two great resources for managing your child’s anxiety over getting vaccinated: The CARD System and guide for families.
· About Kids Health and Kids Health First are reliable sources of information about children’s health and contain information about the COVID-19 vaccine for children.
· The Vaccine Consult Service operated by the Hospital for Sick Children offers free telephone consultations to both parents and children who have questions about the COVID-19 vaccine.
The COVID-19 vaccine is readily available for your child. Instructions on booking your appointment can be found online and are essentially the same as booking for an adult. Vaccinations may be arranged through your neighbourhood pharmacy or by accessing the Government of Ontario website, the York Region website or the Durham Region website.You may also book your child’s vaccination by calling the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900.
How to Celebrate Safely This Holiday Season
Please note...this infographic is an excellent tool however, Dr. Carson also emphasizes --- at a holiday gathering --- wear a mask inside when you are not eating!
While we all want to spend time with family and friends throughout the holidays, we must continue to follow public health advice and make every effort to celebrate safely. Though virtual gatherings and virtual events are the safest way to visit or celebrate occasions with people outside your household, the following advice should be followed if you choose to host or attend a gathering:
If you choose to host an in-person gathering:
If you choose to attend an in-person gathering:
For more information, visit:
We have compiled our older email updates sent out into one webpage with the information that is still relevant.
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