Effective April 6, a fourth dose of COVID vaccine is available for individuals age 60 and over. This is recommended 140 days after you received your third dose (a useful calculator of “when was 140 days ago?” here), and is based on gradually decreasing immunity to COVID over time. The evidence we’ve seen so far (and it’s early days for this evidence!) is that this really benefits those who are 80+, or 70+ with a number of medical conditions. If that describes you, and you’re 140 days out from your 3rd dose of the COVID vaccine, I would recommend you get your 4th dose. If you’re uncertain – please call and book an appointment to speak to me.
Masks are now optional across the province (with some notable exceptions, like in health care facilities – you’ll still need a mask to come see me). I would strongly encourage you to continue wearing one if you’ll be indoors, near other people who could have COVID. I am still wearing my mask, and I’m still making my family mask as well!
If you have COVID, or symptoms of COVID – ConfusedAboutCovid.ca is a great resource for any questions you might have. You can always call the office if you’re uncertain. If you think you might be at higher risk of severe COVID (because you’re not fully-vaccinated, or you have a number of other medical problems, for example) – please call us and we can help determine if you might benefit from treatment for COVID. The new treatments that are available have to be started relatively soon after symptoms, though, so if you’re worried, call and check with us!