Please see this quick update with new information and guidance to help you in your practice.

• Eligibility for Evusheld has been updated by Ontario Health. Memos are available in English and French. Ontario Health recommends that health care providers communicate with patients who receive Evusheld, noting important details about its lack of effectiveness as a treatment and as a pre-exposure prophylaxis, the importance of limiting exposure to COVID-19 and to seek medical care if they experience symptoms.
• Eligibility for Paxlovid has been updated by Ontario Health. Memos are available in English and French. Prescriptions for Paxlovid also continue to be available through Clinical Assessment Centres. Effective December 12, 2022, pharmacists are authorized to prescribe and dispense Paxlovid. Individuals with complex medical conditions may benefit from seeing their family doctor to manage possible drug interactions and ensure renal dosing where required.
• For children, six months of age and older, COVID-19 vaccines may now be given concurrently with other vaccines, per Canada's National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI).
• The Pfizer BA.4/BA.5 bivalent booster has been authorized for use in children five to 11 years of age by Health Canada. Ontario’s Ministry of Health expects to update guidance over the coming weeks.
• As a reminder, please see our Family Doctor Tips on Caring for Children with Respiratory Symptoms tip sheet, translated into multiple languages.

Holiday greetings

Thank you for your dedication and commitment to family medicine. While acknowledging the extraordinary challenges we have faced, I’d also like to highlight the important contributions family doctors have made and continue to make.

The current surge in respiratory infections has been yet another challenge on top of the issues we were already experiencing.  However, family doctors keep stepping up for Ontarians.  And even though we love our work, I know how difficult it can be. Please remember that every single day, you are making a difference in the lives of your patients.

Over the holidays, I hope each of you finds time to rest, reflect on the impact you have had, and connect with family and friends.

All the best,

Mekalai