Patient Update

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Dear Patients, 

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We are writing to share information about COVID-19 updates and our clinic’s response. 

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COVID-19 updates, non-urgent visits and return to “phone-first” 

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We know many of you have questions about quickly changing information. The best way to stay informed is to keep a very close watch on the changing public health guidelines. 

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In response to recent changes, Tay River Health Centre’s medical clinic has been prioritizing support for the COVID-19 vaccine effort. Which means that over the next few weeks there will be fewer staff on site to assist with in-person care. In addition to hosting vaccine clinics at our facility, we are focusing our efforts on supporting community clinics at the mass vaccine sites, as well as providing vaccines to our high-risk patients. 

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To accommodate this shift in focus, we are asking patients to defer non-urgent requests and appointments. If your health concern is not urgent, please book your healthcare appointment the week of January 31st or later. This will help us ensure we can see those who need to be seen right away and continue to provide high-quality care for our patients. If you have an existing appointment scheduled, you can keep the appointment unless you hear otherwise. 

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Due to the increased prevalence of COVID-19 cases we will also now be returning to a “phone-first” model of appointment booking, where appropriate. If you call for an appointment you will be offered a phone appointment with your provider first. If your health issue is too urgent to wait until your provider’s next available phone appointment, please advise us when you call and discuss with our receptionists so the appointment can be booked appropriately. 

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COVID-19 vaccines including 3rd doses 

Anyone 5+ (born in 2016 or earlier) is eligible for COVID-19 vaccines in Ontario. 

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Recently, in response to the rapidly spreading omicron variant, guidelines for 3rd doses have changed. They now include: 

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Currently individuals aged 50 and over as well as all those currently eligible who have already booked their appointment at an interval of six months (168 days) can re-book for an earlier date at the three-month interval. 

Individuals aged 18 and over can now schedule their booster dose appointment.

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It is very important that you receive your third dose as soon as you are eligible or your first or second dose if you have not already had it. 

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Here are some ways you can book your COVID-19 vaccination: 

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Through Ontario’s booking portal https://covid-19.ontario.ca/book-vaccine/ 

By calling the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900 or the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark vaccine booking line at 1-844-369-1234. 

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We will be offering some COVID-19 vaccines at our facility throughout January. You will require an appointment, so please do not walk in. We will post about any doses available to walk-ins on our Facebook page. 

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It is also now more important than ever to follow recommended public health measures. This continues to include washing your hands, practicing physical distancing, and wearing well-fitting 3 layer masks to reduce the spread of COVID-19. If you are sick, self-isolate and get tested. If you receive a positive result, continue to isolate and let people you may have come into close contact with that you tested positive so they take proper precautions. We understand that this is challenging news.

 

Please remain diligent and keep well. 

With appreciation, 

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Dr. Taylor Ferrier 

Dr. Andrew Oh 

Dr. Marcus Lai 

Dr. Richard Peter Seaby 

Dr. Jade Sillick 

Dr. Tony Li 

Dr. Rocky Purewal