West Carleton FHT is continuing to monitor and respond to the outbreak of the respiratory illness, COVID-19 caused by the novel coronavirus. This page provides up-to-date information to our community relating to:
COVID-19 Vaccine
WCFHT's preparedness and response
Mental Health and Wellness
Links to important resources
Frequently Asked Questions
COVID-19 Vaccine Health Canada has now authorized four COVID-19 vaccines in Canada made by Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, AstraZeneca, and Johnson & Johnson. Our clinic is not administering COVID-19 vaccines at this time. The vaccines are being administered by public health in a phased approach with slight variations across each public health unit. Residents ages 60+ must book through the Province of Ontario's website. Physicians at the WCFHT encourage eligible patients to get immunized with an available COVID-19 vaccine, when possible.
PLEASE NOTE: When you arrive to the vaccine clinic, you will be asked to complete a consent form that asks if you: have problems with your immune system or are taking any medication that can affect your immune system. If you are and have a question about your medication, please ensure you contact your specialist (eg. rheumatologist or gastroenterologist) prior to attending the appointment to get clearance.
Ottawa Public Health has set up an Emergency Response Phone Line to answer your questions regarding COVID-19 and the COVID-19 vaccine. You can call 613-580-6744 between the hours of 7:30 am to 6:30 pm Monday to Friday or on weekends from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm to speak to a Public Health Nurse.
Frequently asked questions can also be asked using Ottawa Public Health's COVID-19 Virtual Assistant. Look to the bottom right corner on their webpage.
COVID-19 Vaccine: Frequently Asked Questions
How are vaccines being administered?
The vaccines are being administered by public health in a phased approach that began with long term care, retirement homes, hospitals, and other high risk communities and occupations. Residents ages 60 and older can now schedule their appointment online.According to the current provincial schedule (subject to vaccine availability), people in high-risk settings, frontline essential workers and other populations at greater risk of illness will qualify to be vaccinated between April and June. Find out more here: COVID-19 Vaccination in Ontario
HOW WILL I KNOW WHEN ITS MY TURN TO GET THE VACCINE and where to go?
Please consult your public health unit for the most up to date information about eligible neighbourhoods. You will be informed (e.g. through TV, radio, local newspapers, and other channels) when it is your turn to book your vaccination. We will also continue to provide updates by email, facebook, twitter, and our website, as they become available.
I'm eligible but my spouse/caregiver is not. can he/she get vaccinated at the same time as me?
At this time, only those who meet the eligibility criteria will be permitted to receive the vaccine. See below for more information about other groups.
when will i be eligible to get vaccinated?
Residents ages 60 and older (70 in Renfrew County) can now schedule their appointment online.According to the current provincial schedule (subject to vaccine availability), people in high-risk settings, frontline essential workers and other populations at greater risk of illness will qualify to be vaccinated between April and June. Find out more here: COVID-19 Vaccination in Ontario
Why can't i get the vaccine at my family doctor's office?
Local public health units are managing the vaccine rollout. Vaccination is currently happening in mass vaccination sites (e.g. hospitals) and mobile sites, along with select pharmacies. Family doctors may be vaccinating in our offices in later phases of the rollout.
can i choose which brand i get?
At this time, the type of vaccine you receive will depend on availability. Each vaccine has been shown to provide protection from severe illness and death.
i'm pregnant/breastfeeding. can i get the vaccine?
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding and are currently eligible to receive the vaccine, it is recommended that you consult your OB doctor to determine the best course of action for you. The following resource may provide some information to help you in your decision making. Click here for more information.
i have an illness or take a medication that is immunocompromising. can i get the vaccine?
If you have an illness or take medication that is immunocompromising and are currently eligible to receive the vaccine, it is recommended that you consult your specialist (e.g. Rheumatologist, Oncologist etc.) to determine the best course of action for you. If you have cancer, the following resource may provide some information to help you in your decision making. Click here for more information.
DO I REQUIRE ANTIBODY TESTING BEFORE RECEIVING THE VACCINE?
Antibody testing is not required before receiving the vaccine. The COVID-19 vaccine is recommended for eligible individuals regardless of the results of their antibody test. See pamphlet on antibody testing.
IF WCFHT GETS THE VACCINE, HOW WILL I BE NOTIFIED?
We will be contacting eligible patients by email with priority given to individuals at high risk. We will continue to update patients via the newsletter and website as information becomes available.
If you are contacted by your public health unit and offered a vaccine, it is strongly encouraged that you receive it and do not delay. Public health has not provided details as to when/if we will be receiving the vaccine.
CAN I BE ADDED TO A WAIT LIST?
As we are not administering the COVID-19 vaccine at this time, we are not managing a wait list. Eligible patients will be contacted as more information becomes available.
The astrazeneca vaccine is currently offered to me. SHOULD I GET IT?
Each vaccine has been shown to provide protection from severe illness and death. The currently approved vaccines in Canada are being administered through different pathways based on availability and special handling instructions. The AstraZeneca vaccine is being offered in some pharmacies in select cities to individuals 55-69.
CAN I GET MY COVID-19 VACCINE WITH OTHER IMMUNIZATIONS?
Patients should not have any immunization two (2) weeks BEFORE they get the COVID-19 vaccine or four (4) weeks AFTER. This is only for immunizations (eg. Adacel, Prevnar, Pneumovax, Hepatitis A/B, Shingrix etc.). This does NOT apply to other injection medications such as allergy shots, Lupron, Prolia, B12 etc.).
More Information For more information about vaccine effectiveness, possible side effects, and eligibility, please visit Ottawa Public Health's COVID-19 Vaccine page. The Ontario College of Family Physicians has also put together a great FAQ that answers many of the common questions we get from patients. See it here.
WCFHT's preparedness and response The West Carleton FHT is responding to developments of the novel coronavirus and we are taking measures to protect our patients and staff. As the situation is rapidly changing, our policies and booking guidelines have changed to keep in line with current recommendations. Your appointment may be cancelled, rescheduled, or changed to a phone or video appointment to help minimize potential spread of infection. When visiting the clinic, you will notice additional signage at our entrance and in our waiting room. Please read signs and follow applicable instructions when visiting our facility. You will be screened at the front door and asked to use hand sanitizer and wear a mask. Wearing a mask is mandatory for patients, staff, and visitors in public areas of the clinic.
Before arriving for your appointment, notify staff if you have travelled outside of Canada within 14 days of your appointment or if you have been in close contact with an individual who has. Please also notify us by phone if you or anyone else in your household have any cold/flu symptoms, including a cough, sore throat or fever.
If you have travelled outside of Canada or have come in contact with a person who has in the past 14 days or you have a cough, fever, or difficulty breathing, please visit Ottawa Public Health's website for further instruction. We are not doing testing at this time.
Patients coming to the medical centre for any reason (appointment booking, forms or records pickup/drop-off etc.). are asked to call us BEFORE arriving, PLEASE DO NOT WALK IN.
We thank you for your cooperation.
Patient Portal We are encouraging patients to avoid non-urgent clinic visits and where possible, communicate with us via the WCFHT Patient Portal. Through the Portal, you can send questions or concerns about a medication or medical issue and a doctor or nurse will typically respond within three business days. Patients can also request medication renewals, view lab results, submit blood pressure readings, view upcoming appointments and print immunization records online. All patients of the WCFHT are encouraged to register.
For information about the Portal: click here. To register: click here. At the main page, select "Login" then "New User? Create Account." You will need to enter your OHIP card (health card number).
Mental Health and Wellness It's normal for situations like COVID-19 to affect your mental health and well-being. If you are feeling stress or concern, it is important to practice positive coping strategies. We have compiled a list of Ottawa-area resources that can help to support you and your loved ones during this difficult time. Visit: Mental Health Resources
Links to important resources In order to ensure residents have factual and up-to-date information, the Ontario Ministry of Health along with Ottawa Public Health have created new webpages and information for residents. Please visit these sites for the latest information.
Symptoms of the novel coronavirus, which can include fever, cough, or difficulty breathing (shortness of breath) are similar to other respiratory infections, including influenza. Symptoms can vary from person to person and may range from mild to severe. Other symptoms can include: sore throat, headaches, difficulty swallowing, nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, sweats/chills or muscle aches, runny nose or nasal congestion. For more information on symptoms and treatment, visit the Government of Canada's COVID-19 webpage.
If you have symptoms of COVID-19 or been in close contact with a person who has tested positive, it is recommended that you get tested. For more information on testing criteria along with information on COVID-19 Care Clinics and Assessment Centres, please visit Ottawa Public Health's webpage.
From Ottawa Public Health: The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to this virus. In general, everyday preventive actions can help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including:
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Stay home when you are sick.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early and share your recent travel history with your health care provider
Practice physical distancingto protect yourself and to limit transmission in the community.
have your hours of operation changed?
Our hours of operation have not changed, though some processes may look different.
Phone calls are answered 8:00 am - 8:00 pm Monday - Thursday and from 8:00 - 4:00 pm on Fridays.
Our doors are locked at 4:30 pm Monday - Thursday and 4:00 pm on Fridays. Patients will need to arrange document pick-up/drop-offs during these hours.
is the weekend urgent care clinic still open?
The weekend urgent care clinic continues to be available to registered patients for health issues that arise suddenly.
We are holding weekend urgent care appointments by telephone or video only (not in person) with a physician. This is an effort to ensure we can appropriately screen our patients and avoid putting our most vulnerable patients at risk. Between 10am to 1pm you may call 613-839-3271 and a receptionist will either book you a phone or video appointment with one of our physicians or transfer you to speak with a nurse who will assess your symptoms over the phone before discussing your issue with the doctor. We are not accepting walk-ins at this time.
can i make an appointment with my doctor or nurse practitioner?
We are continuing to offer medical appointments. If you call for an appointment you may be transferred to speak with a nurse who will assess your symptoms before discussing your issue with the doctor. Virtual visits (telephone or video) have been recommended for certain visit types which do not require significant physical assessments. Following the virtual visit, an office assessment may be requested if deemed necessary.
Our allied health professionals, including the dietitian, social workers, psychologists, and pharmacist, continue to offer appointments over the phone.
what should i expect for my upcoming telephone or video visit?
I have an in-office appointment coming up. What should i expect?
Patients visiting the medical centre will be screened upon arrival and asked to use hand sanitizer and wear a mask. Your temperature will be taken using a contactless thermometer.
Wearing a mask is mandatory for patients, staff, and visitors in public areas of the clinic. You are asked to bring your own mask.
Patients with a medical appointment will also be pre-screened by phone the day prior to their visit.
Note: if you are screened positive for any symptoms of COVID-19, be prepared to potentially have your appointment rescheduled. You may be required to follow-up with a triage nurse to further discuss your symptoms before being allowed entry.
i have a document to pick up. when should i come in?
Many patient documents are available on the Patient Portal. If it is a referral (physiotherapy, massage, orthotics etc.) or a sick note you have requested, your document may be available to view and print online.
Patients requiring to come to the medical centre for any reason (forms or records pickup/drop-off etc.) are asked to call us BEFORE arriving so we can have your documents ready. PLEASE DO NOT WALK IN.
Please note, our doors are locked at 4:30 pm Monday-Thursday and 4:00 pm on Fridays. Document pick-ups need to be arranged before this time.
how should i prepare my family for a return to school?
The decision of whether or not to send your child to school is difficult and depends on many factors, including your child’s health condition and your family’s ability to find alterate chilcare and home schooling resources.
Ottawa Public Health provides information on school reopening plans, screening tools for students along with information for parents and students. Visit Ottawa Public Health's webpage.
