Welland McMaster Family Health Team

What is considered an emergency?

Navigating the health care system can be confusing, especially when you are sick and just want to be treated. But different health concerns are best treated in specific locations. In fact, only the most serious illnesses and injuries should be seen at the Emergency Department. Most health concerns are best served at an Urgent Care Clinic or your family doctor’s office.

where to go when you are sick

What if I have to go to the Emergency Department?

Our healthcare team is committed to providing safe, quality care in a timely manner.

what to expect in the Emergency Department ER Wait Times

Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information

We have implemented precautionary screening protocols for your safety and the safety of others.

If you have:

New or wosening cough or difficulty breathing;
AND a fever;
AND you have recently travelled outside of Canada or been in close contact with someone who has recently travelled outside of Canada(in the last 14 days);
OR you have been in contact with a confirmed or probable case of COVID-19;

Please DO NOT come to the clinic. Call our office for screening (905-734-9699 ext. 3). Please self-isolate at home. We are not able to test for COVID-19 at our office but can refer you to the testing site.

Information about AstraZeneca COVID Vaccine

Following the direction of the province (May 11), Ontario is immediately pausing administration of the first dose of the AZ vaccine. For those who received their first dose of the AZ vaccine, we understand that there are many questions. Here is what we know now and are working to confirm for you.

Why was this change made now?

There are several reasons for this change:

• The rates of rare blood clots with this vaccine are rising – the province quoted a 1:60,000 chance.

• We are starting to see falling rates of COVID-19 infection in the province.

• There are increasing supplies of other vaccines coming into Ontario.

Should I have waited for a different vaccine?

If you have already been vaccinated, you did the right thing by protecting yourself and others around you. Having a first dose provides significant protection against serious illness and death should you become infected with COVID-19. If you received the AZ vaccine within the past 28 days, the chances of serious side effects remain very small – but you should know the signs, as these rare blood clots can be treated if addressed early. Please seek emergency care if you have the warning symptoms. [For a quick summary of symptoms, see graphics here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Zvt1ui-FAQ2UrJZp5ABu3rST8tlEaWsF]

What about the second doses?

What this pause means for second doses is not clear at this moment. There is a more predictable supply of other vaccines coming and Canada should have information on mixing and matching different vaccine brands in the next 1 or 2 weeks based on a large study being conducted in the United Kingdom.

Where can I get updates?

We will update you as soon as we have information. You can also check the provincial and our local public health unit website as well. Ontario's central vaccine management system has a record of when and where you were vaccinated and with which vaccine -- so no one will be left behind with a second dose.

Important Links

Up-to-date information about COVID-19 in Ontario	Ontario.ca Niagara Region Public Health
Ontario COVID-19 Test Results Portal	COVID-19 Test Results
Self-Isolation Guidelines	Self-Isolation
Mental Health Support	Centre for Addiction and Mental Health BounceBack Ontario
Niagara Ontario Health Team (NiOHT)	Niagara Ontario Health Team
COVID Vaccine Booking: 12+ years old	Book Vaccine Appointment
Online appointment booking for COVID Test	COVID Test Online Booking
COVID-19 prevention information and FAQ	CMA covidquestions.ca

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