Sarnia-Lambton COVID-19 Assessment Centres Now Offering Access to COVID-19 Antiviral Treatments
Supporting the Community’s Highest-Risk During Peak of Sixth Wave
LAMBTON COUNTY – Antiviral treatments are now available at Sarnia-Lambton COVID-19 Assessment Centres for people with symptoms (even if mild) who are at higher risk of severe COVID-19. Available treatments can help prevent serious illness if taken within five to seven days of the onset of symptoms.
Local access to the antiviral treatment has been made available locally thanks to the collaborative work with primary care, local pharmacies, Bluewater Health, Rapids Family Health Team, Central Lambton Family Health Team, North Lambton Community Health Centre, Twin Bridges Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic, and Lambton EMS Community Paramedics. “As always, our partners have come together swiftly when needed to improve access to care for Sarnia-Lambton residents,” says Steve Pancino, Executive Director, Sarnia-Lambton OHT. “Access to the antiviral treatments will be available both in Sarnia and rural areas through the Central Lambton Family Health Team.”
High-risk individuals experiencing COVID-19 symptoms can contact their primary care provider to get tested and assessed for treatment right away. Those individuals who do not have a primary care provider, can book an appointment with a local COVID-19 Assessment Centre (find location here).
“We are excited to now offer the antiviral treatments locally in Lambton County – especially as we see cases rise during the sixth wave,” says Dr. Haddad, Chief of Staff, Bluewater Health. “For the past few months, eligible patients had to travel to Windsor or London to access such specialized treatments. It’s important we can offer these treatments closer to home when you consider the importance of patients receiving the treatments in a timely manner, especially if not feeling well due to illness.”
A patient’s risk of serious illness is determined based on a combination of health, age, vaccination status, and assessment from a healthcare provider. This includes:
- Adults who are immunocompromised (have an immune system that is weakened by a health condition or medications)
- Adults 70 years and older with a clinical assessment, regardless of vaccination status
- Adults 60 years and older who have had fewer than three doses
- Adults 18 years and older who have had less than three doses and have risk conditions
- Unvaccinated pregnant individuals
For more information on eligibility, visit Ontario’s COVID-19 antiviral treatment screener.
Note: COVID-19 Antiviral Treatments are not substitutes for vaccines. The best defence against serious COVID-19 disease is to get vaccinated. To book a vaccination, visit GetTheVaccine.ca
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The Sarnia-Lambton Ontario Health Team is a collaboration of 35 partners with a shared goal of improving the healthcare journey for members of the Sarnia-Lambton community. The Sarnia-Lambton Ontario Health Team’s purpose is: Local partners innovating together for better health. For more information, visit sarnialambtonoht.ca.
MEDIA CONTACT
Julie Franchuk
Communications, Sarnia-Lambton OHT
519-464-4443