The Dalglish Family 22q Clinic

Updated September 13^th, 2023

Individuals at high risk of severe COVID-19 illness are recommended to get their next booster dose if it has been at least six months since their last dose or confirmed COVID-19 infection.

Health Canada approved an updated COVID-19 vaccine on September 12^th, 2023. This new Moderna vaccine can be given to anyone six months of age or older and should be available early October. [See What is the updated vaccine? on this CBC News COVID-19 Q&A article]

Our Clinic recommends that all individuals with 22q as well as their family members receive all the vaccine doses (including boosters) for which they are eligible.

For more information and to book your vaccination appointment, please visit the Ontario Government’s COVID-19 vaccines page.

All the COVID-19 vaccines approved by Health Canada give excellent protection against the COVID-19 disease. None of them contain any live virus. They cannot cause disease. So they are safe for people with immune deficiencies, just as they are for everyone else in the general population. Even for people who don’t make antibodies very well, the vaccine will help protect against the COVID-19 disease.

If you have any concerns, please check with your doctor. You can also call the VaxFacts Clinic of the Scarborough Health Network to book a phone appointment. VaxFacts is an opportunity for a one-to-one, judgement-free phone call with a physician, to address any questions or concerns about the COVID-19 vaccines. They have successfully counselled hundreds of patients in the past couple of months and have now opened up to all of Canada.

Book an appointment anywhere in Ontario

If you need help booking a vaccination appointment, please call us at (416) 340-5145 or email us at 22q@uhn.ca.

Even though many places no longer ask for a proof of COVID-19 vaccination, Toronto General Hospital still requires that essential care partners who bring patients to medical appointments be vaccinated. Please visit the Government of Ontario’s Proof of COVID-19 vaccination site to obtain your vaccination certificate.

If you have any questions or concerns, please speak with your healthcare provider.

COVID-19 is a respiratory disease caused by a new coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2.

COVID-19 symptoms and treatment (Government of Canada website)

Self assessment (Government of Ontario website)

Although this disease spreads easily, there are a few things you can do to avoid catching it.

• Avoid being very near another person
  • “Social distance” means keeping about 6 feet apart (2 metres, or 3 big steps)
  • Be especially careful about keeping your distance from other people when you are eating or drinking
• Wash your hands properly and frequently using soap and water
  • Although hands are lower risk vehicles for passing on COVID-19, they are higher risk for common colds, which share some symptoms with COVID-19.
  • Video: How to wash your hands properly
• If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Video: How to use hand sanitizers properly
• Wear a mask as an added layer of protection
  • Government of Canada: COVID-19 mask use: How to choose, use and care for a mask
  • Although masks are no longer required in many places in Ontario, a good mask that is worn properly will offer an extra layer of protection when you are indoors or in a crowded situation.
  • Masks are still required in hallways and patient care areas of the Toronto General Hospital
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with your hands

Updated September 13^th, 2023

If you have COVID‑19 symptoms and are at a higher risk of severe illness, you should get tested for COVID‑19 (by molecular or rapid antigen test) and seek care as soon as possible, as you may benefit from available COVID‑19 treatments. These treatments must be taken immediately within the first five to seven days (depending on the treatment) of symptom onset.

Please visit the COVID‑19 testing and treatment website of the Government of Ontario for more information.

Rapid antigen tests that have expired:

• Health Canada has extended the shelf life of many rapid tests so the new expiry date is 24 months from the manufacturing date.
• If you have these tests at home, add two years to the manufacture date on the package to confirm the revised expiry date and use as directed. [Source: CBC News COVID-19 Q&A]

Updated September 13^st, 2023

If you have any symptoms of illness or tested positive for COVID-19, please:

• Stay away from others, including those in your own home
• Take the online Self-assessment from the Government of Ontario. You will get a recommendation on what to do next.

There is a lot of information on the Internet about the current pandemic, but not everything is accurate.

Please visit the following websites for the most up-to-date and reliable information:

• CBC News - Q & A on COVID-19
• Confused About COVID? Family Doctors Answer Your Questions
• University Health Network (UHN) - COVID-19 Info/Policies
• City of Toronto
• Public Health Ontario
• Government of Canada - includes outbreak updates, symptoms, prevention, travel, preparation

Please do not come to the Clinic if you have any of the symptoms. Please call us at (416)340-5145. Depending on your situation, you may be able to have your appointment remotely. Alternatively, you may reschedule your appointment for another day.

If you need to see a doctor for a problem that is very urgent but not life-threatening, and if you are unable to book an appointment with your family doctor, you can book an appointment with Toronto’s Virtual Emergency Department. You can receive care by phone, smartphone, tablet or computer. Please watch the video on their website to see the types of health issues that they can help you with.