Sick child in bed with parent taking their temperature

November 6, 2024

Hamilton health experts urging individuals to get their shots and know their healthcare options

HAMILTON, ON – Hamilton Health Sciences (HHS) and St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton (SJHH), and are asking for the community’s help to minimize the spread of illnesses and to consider all of the various health-care options available when seeking care this viral season.

Ways to prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses:

ensure you are up to date on your immunizations, including the influenza, COVID-19 and RSV vaccines
always sneeze or cough into your elbow
wash your hands often with soap and water or use hand sanitizer
avoid touching your face
stay home when sick
wear a mask in crowded indoor spaces
clean and disinfect common surfaces, like phones and door handles
speak to a health-care provider in advance about treatments for COVID-19 and influenza

NEW THIS YEAR – RSV PREVENTATIVE MEDICATION FOR INFANTS

RSV is a common virus that can cause serious lung infections, especially in infants and young children. While most kids have mild symptoms, some can get very sick with conditions like bronchiolitis or pneumonia. These serious infections can make it hard to breathe and may need hospital care.

Eligible infants (see criteria below) can now receive a new preventative medication, nirsevimab (Beyfortus®), from their family doctor or by booking an appointment at RSV clinics located at McMaster Children’s Hospital (MCH) and West Lincoln Memorial Hospital (WLMH). For more information on RSV and the MCH and WLMH clinics, please visit https://www.hamiltonhealthsciences.ca/mcmaster-childrens-hospital/areas-of-care/medicine/rsv-clinic/.

All babies born at SJHH after November 4, 2024 will be offered the vaccine in the hospital during the viral season.

Babies born during RSV season (October to March) can receive Beyfortus® soon after birth.
Babies born within this calendar year (2024) before RSV season starts can receive Beyfortus® just before and/or during RSV season.
Infants older than one year who have certain high-risk medical conditions may also be eligible to receive Beyfortus®.

RSV vaccines are also available to adults aged 60 years and older who are at higher risk of severe RSV disease. Find out if you are eligible for the publicly funded RSV vaccine at hamilton.ca/RSV.

EXPANDED HOURS AT HHS’ WEST END URGENT CARE CENTRE

HHS’ Urgent Care Centre (UCC) at the West End Clinic will be expanding its hours of operation as of October 31. From that date, the UCC will be open daily to the public from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

If you are experiencing a medical emergency: Call 9-1-1 right away.
For health concerns that can wait a day or more:
- Make an appointment with your family doctor, or visit your family doctor’s after-hours clinic if available.
- Contact Health811 to speak with a registered nurse 24/7 via phone or web chat
For health concerns that aren’t life-threatening but can’t wait for a doctor’s appointment: you can go to the SJHH Urgent Care Centre or HHS Urgent Care Centre. UCCs are staffed by emergency-trained doctors, and wait times are typically less than in an emergency department.
Urgent Care Ontario offers same-day virtual appointments with a nurse practitioner that are available on a first-come, first serve basis. This service is for urgent medical issues that are not life threatening. Visit urgentcareontario.ca to book an appointment.
To learn more, visit needadoc.ca.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES FOR COMMUNITY MEMBERS

QUOTES

“RSV is the most important cause of respiratory disease in newborns and infants and is directly responsible for how busy children’s hospitals and wards get in the winter. This is an unbelievable opportunity for all eligible children to get access to medicine that can very effectively prevent RSV.”
Dr. Jeffrey Pernica, infectious disease specialist at MCH

“Avoiding cold and flu season is not possible, unfortunately, but we can all take measures to limit the spread of illness and avoid a visit to the hospital. You can protect yourself, your friends and your family by staying up to date on your vaccinations including the new RSV medication, staying home when sick, and knowing where to go for care when it’s needed.”
Dr. Dominik Mertz, medical director of infection prevention and control at HHS

“We are entering the time of year when temperatures force us inside, and respiratory illnesses are easily passed from person to person. At the same time, our hospitals are seeing greater numbers coming into the Emergency Departments, and we are stretched to capacity much of the time in our hospital. The staff and physicians at St. Joe’s continue to go the extra mile to care for those in need. We are here to take care of our community. We ask the public to take precautions where possible – get your immunizations, wash your hands, and stay home if you can when you feel sick. And please consider the level of care you require when you’re ill.”
Dr. Zain Chagla, Senior Medical Director, Medical and Academic Affairs, and Infectious Disease Physician at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton

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