COVID-19: Testing, Screening, Reporting, and Vaccinations

Staff and Physician COVID-19 screening

Staff, physicians and learners are no longer required to complete the daily online screening tool when they come to an HHS site. However, everyone must remain vigilant for symptoms consistent with COVID-19 or any other infectious disease. Please follow Communicable Disease Protocol and report any symptoms of vomiting, diarrhea or fever to Employee Health Services:

  • EHS HGH – ext 46307
  • EHS JH – ext 42314
  • EHS MUMC – ext 75573
  • EHS SPH – ext 12204
  • EHS WLMH – ext 11211

Guidance on Self-Isolation, Testing and Return to Work for Staff & Physicians

The following information will help healthcare workers navigate the guidance and indicate if they are eligible to come back to work sooner.

COVID-19 guidance chart for staff and physicians

Definitions

  • Workplace isolation: healthcare workers will remain masked the entire time they are at work and take breaks alone and at least 2 metres away from anyone. If carpooling, they must remain masked while in the vehicle and while walking to and from work with others.
  • Vaccinated: healthcare workers who have received two doses of COVID vaccines (or one dose for the Johnson & Johnson/Janssen vaccine) with the last dose at least 14 days prior.

If you have any questions about the guidance above, please speak with your leader or contact Employee Health Services.

Boosters for Healthcare Workers

Healthcare workers who received their second dose more than six months ago as of November 6th, are eligible to receive a booster dose through the HHS healthcare worker vaccination clinic. You must make an appointment using Public Health Services online booking system: www.hamilton.ca/getyourvaccine

NACI has recommended booster doses based on evidence of gradual waning immunity six months after receiving a second dose and a higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19. Please see the Government of Ontario announcement and NACI guidance document for details.

While you are not required to submit proof of a COVID-19 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.

Bivalent COVID-19 vaccines are now available and strongly encouraged. Please follow up with your local pharmacy to book an appointment and discuss any questions you may have about the bivalent COVID-19 vaccine.

Mandatory reporting of COVID-19 vaccination status, additional vaccine resources

Health concerns or issues that may impact your ability to receive the vaccine should be discussed with your primary care physician.

HHS Resources

Resources to support vaccine confidence

Vaccine Intervention Resources

Provincial Resources