Recommendations for Spring 2023 COVID-19 Boosters Are In!

NACI (the National Advisory Committee for Immunization) recommends:

Starting in the spring of 2023, an additional booster dose may be offered 6 or more months from the last COVID-19 vaccine dose or infection to the following individuals who are at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19:

• Adults 80 years of age and older

• Adults 65 to 79 years of age, particularly if they do not have a known history of SARS-CoV-2 infection

• Adult residents of long-term care homes and other congregate living settings for seniors or those with complex medical care needs

• Adults 18 years of age and older who are moderately to severely immunocompromised due to an underlying condition or treatment

You can check your eligibility and arrange a time for your vaccine via the Durham Public Health site: https://www.durhamvaccinebooking.ca/

Pharmacists Can Now Prescribe for Minor Ailments

As of January 1, 2023 pharmacists in Ontario are now authorized to prescribe certain medications for the minor ailments listed below:

  • Allergic rhinitis

  • Candidal stomatitis (oral thrush)

  • Conjunctivitis (bacterial, allergic and viral)

  • Dermatitis (atopic, eczema, allergic and contact)

  • Dysmenorrhea

  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

  • Hemorrhoids

  • Herpes labialis (cold sores)

  • Impetigo

  • Insect bites and urticaria (hives)

  • Tick bites, post-exposure prophylaxis to prevent Lyme disease

  • Musculoskeletal sprains and strains

  • Urinary tract infections (uncomplicated)

Keep the following things in mind when seeking care from your pharmacist for minor ailments:

  • Your pharmacist does not have access to your full medical record. Please ensure you tell them about any medications you are taking, and about any significant medical conditions especially conditions of the immune system, heart, gastrointestinal tract, liver or kidneys.

  • If your symptoms do not improve after the time period suggested by your pharmacist, please follow up with your doctor as some minor ailment symptoms can overlap with more serious conditions.

  • Your family doctor will continue to see and treat these conditions at scheduled appointments. We have online appointment booking here: https://portal.healthmyself.net/newcastlemedical/ (This service is only for patients already rostered to a family doctor in our practice.) If your condition has resolved, it may not be necessary to see your doctor as well, please use your judgment.

  • Having the legislated authority to prescribe for minor ailments does not mean all pharmacists must offer or provide this service.

  • The assessment is covered by your Ontario Health Card, however medications may not be depending on your coverage eligibility.

December 2022 Holiday Closures

Our office will be adjusting our hours in accordance with statutory holidays and to provide our staff a chance to celebrate with their families. If you require urgent medical care during times we are closed please use the AFTER-HOURS CARE tab to review your options.

Friday Dec 23 to Tuesday Dec 27 (inclusive) - CLOSED

Wednesday Dec 28 and Thursday Dec 29 - OPEN 9am-4pm with same day urgent appointments available

Friday Dec 30 to Monday January 2 (inclusive) - CLOSED

Tuesday January 3 - Normal hours resume.

We with you a safe and healthy holiday season!

2022 Flu Vaccines are here!

2022 FLU SHOTS AVAILABLE NOW

Flu shots are now available for both high risk and average risk patients.

Patients enrolled with a family doctor at our office may send a message via Pomelo messaging or call reception at 905-987-1896 to be scheduled into a flu vaccine clinic.

For enrolled patients - Pomelo Health Portal for secure communication and online booking

We are excited to be introducing the Pomelo Patient Portal to allow secure online communications. Please check your inbox for an invitation to register you and your family members. It will be titled: “Newcastle Medical - Please Register for the Pomelo Patient Platform”

 Access to the Pomelo Platform: https://portal.healthmyself.net/newcastlemedical/

Book and manage your appointments online  

Receive reminder emails of upcoming appointments  

Securely send messages to the medical secretary with non-urgent matters  

Receive test results and documents (such as lab requisitions) securely

 

For more information please call reception at 905-987-1896.

Regards,  

Newcastle Medical