For those without email who have not received our fall newsletter, please see below for a few updates.
Expired Health Cards
Did you know that Service Ontario is NO LONGER sending out reminders for health card renewals? PLEASE check your health card to ensure it is not expired. To avoid unnecessary interruptions in your health care, please sign up for digital reminders at ontario.ca/page/get-serviceontario-digital-reminders.
RSV Vaccine
New this year, Health Canada has approved a vaccine for RSV for people over the age of 60. RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) is a respiratory virus that infects the nose, throat, and lungs, similar to the cold or flu. According to clinical trials, a single dose of the RSV vaccine, AREXVY, was over 82 per cent effective in preventing RSV lung infections in people age 60 and older and over 94 per cent effective in preventing serious illness in that age group. If you are over age 60, have underlying medical conditions, and are interested in the vaccine, please let us know and a prescription can be faxed to your pharmacy. The cost of AREXVY is about $300. Please note a 14 day period is needed between receiving AREXVY and other vaccines, such as COVID-19 and the flu shot. To learn more about RSV and AREXVY, click here.
Pharmacy Treatment for Minor Ailments
Ontario pharmacist are now authorized to prescribe medications for 19 minor ailments such as acne, allergies, canker sores, cold sores, pink eye, eczema, diaper rash, reflux, hemorrhoids, tick bites, yeast infections, and urinary tract infections. For the full list visit the Ontario College of Pharmacists.
Flu Shots
We encourage all our patients to get vaccinated against the flu. Flu shots can be safely given at the same time as your COVID vaccine through your pharmacy or public health clinic. If you prefer to receive your flu shot through our office, please call to book with our nurse. Similar to previous years, both regular flu shots and high dose flu shots are available. If you are over age 65 and have received your flu shot elsewhere, please call our office so we can update your chart.