Residents with personal health questions or other concerns about COVID-19 vaccines can book a private phone consultation with either an Ontario physician or pediatric nurse to get answers.
"We know there are many residents who just want clear and straightforward answers about COVID-19 vaccines especially if they have health conditions they want to discuss,” said Brittany Cadence, PPH communications manager. “We understand many are trying to weigh the risks and benefits to getting vaccinated against getting sick and spreading the disease itself."
These services are being offered by two provincial healthcare partners – the Scarborough Health Network and Toronto SickKids Children’s Hospital. Their contact information can be easily accessed by visiting www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/consultation.
“We want to ensure anyone with concerns about the vaccine knows about these services, especially parents of younger children, as we expect they’ll have lots of questions once the pediatric COVID-19 vaccine is authorized by Health Canada,” said Donna Churipuy, director of public health programs.
"With the imminent authorization of pediatric COVID-19 vaccines, we expect parents and caregivers will have lots of questions to make an informed choice for their children,'“ added Cadence. “Youth over 12 years of age and over can also speak with a pediatric nurse from Toronto Sick Kids Hospital."
The Scarborough Health Network provides private, non-judgmental phone consultations with a physician through their service called VaxFacts.
Toronto SickKids Hospital has a team of pediatric nurses available to speak with anyone over the age of 12 about the COVID-19 vaccine. Both services are available free of charge, by appointment.