Reminder - COVID-19 Booster Eligibility for Healthcare Workers
In partnership with Hamilton Public Health, HHS is operating a COVID-19 booster vaccination clinic specifically for eligible healthcare workers at the HHS Main Street West Clinic.
Read More for information on eligibility, vaccination clinics, and how to book your booster.
NEW
Province announces expanded eligibility for boosters of COVID-19 vaccine
Healthcare workers may now choose to receive a booster
Boosters are encouraged although not required; anyone who has had two shots of the COVID-19 vaccine is considered fully immunized
HHS vaccination clinic for healthcare workers opening on Monday November 8th
The Government of Ontario has announced expanded eligibility for boosters of the COVID-19 vaccine. This follows the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) guidance document issued on October 29.
ELIGIBLE POPULATIONS
Following provincial direction and recommendations by NACI, the following individuals are now eligible to book an appointment for a booster if at least six months have passed since their last dose:
Ontarians aged 70 and older.
Ontarians who had two doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine, or those who received one shot of the Janssen vaccine elsewhere.
First Nations, Inuit and Métis people and non-Indigenous members of their households.
Health-care workers and designated essential caregivers in congregate settings (18+ years of age)
Booster doses are being offered to these groups based on evidence of gradual waning immunity six months after receiving a second dose and a higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19.
ELIGIBLE HEALTHCARE WORKERS
Healthcare workers include any regulated health professionals and any staff member, contract worker, student/trainee, registered volunteer, or other designated essential caregiver currently working in-person in a health care organization, including workers that are not providing direct patient care and are frequently in the patient environment (i.e. cleaning staff, research staff, other administrative staff).
HHS HEALTHCARE WORKER VACCINATION CLINIC
Ensuring that healthcare workers remain protected against COVID-19 is of vital importance for the health and safety of our patients and our community.
In partnership with Hamilton Public Health, HHS will operate a vaccination clinic specifically for healthcare workers beginning on Monday November 8th at the HHS Main Street West Clinic. We will be temporarily pausing the assessment centre currently located in this space for this purpose.
Eligible healthcare workers may also attend another clinic in the community. However, Hamilton Public Health Services’ top priority continues to be on the administration of first and second doses in keeping with the province’s ‘Last Mile Strategy, and boosters for eligible individuals residing in the community.
BOOKING YOUR BOOSTER
You will need to book an appointment for your booster at the HHS HCW vaccination clinic using Hamilton Public Health Services new booking system - www.hamilton.ca/getyourvaccine.
You will need an Ontario health card (green photo health card OR red and white), and an email address or cell phone number.
Individuals without an Ontario health card, or without an email address or cell phone number can call the Public Health Services COVID-19 Vaccine Hotline: 905-974-9848, option 7. Translation services are also available by phone.
HCWs must bring their hospital ID badge to their appointment, wherever it is booked.
REMINDERS
Everyone at HHS must report their first and second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine as per our current Vaccination Management Policy.
Vaccination receipts are available to print and scan OR download through the provincial portal (24/7), or by calling the Provincial Vaccine Booking Line at 1-833-943-3900 (M-F; 9-5).
Using the HHS self-reporting tool, follow the prompts to upload proof of vaccination or report that you are not fully vaccinated. The tool can be accessed outside of CITRIX, selecting “guest” at login.
When the form is completed, scroll to the top of the page and hit ‘submit.’
While you are not required to submit proof of a COVI1-9 booster to be in compliance with the HHS Vaccination Management Policy, you are encouraged to share this information with HHS Employee Health Services for inclusion in your employee health file. You can upload this documentation using the self-reporting tool.
The mandatory vaccination policy will come into effect on November 29th. If you have not yet had a first dose or received two doses of the vaccine, you are encouraged to do so as soon as possible.
Please see the resources available on the HHS website and on the provincial website for information about the safety and efficacy of the vaccine.
THANK YOU
We want to express our ongoing gratitude to all everyone at HHS for doing everything possible to keep our patients and each other safe. While we are making progress to manage this virus, it continues to be transmitted in our community and hospital. Getting vaccinated is a critical measure in reducing the severity of illness and ongoing transmission of COVID-19.
Sharon Pierson, EVP, Clinical Operations and COO
Dr. Michael Stacey, EVP, Academic and Chief Medical Executive
Dave McCaig, EVP, Corporate Affairs and CFO
Leslie Gauthier, VP, Clinical Support Services
Bruce Squires, VP, Women’s and Children’s Health
This story was first published by Hamilton Health Sciences on November 5, 2021. Click here to read the original post on the Hub. Click here
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