COVID-19 Information

Beginning October 16, 2023: Patients 18 and older are eligible to receive both the COVID vaccine and the Flu Vaccine within the Windsor Regional Cancer Centre.

COVID Booster Intervals: 

• At least 6 months, or a minimum of 3 months, from previous dose.
• High risk populations are recommended to receive their booster as soon as eligible (3 months since last dose) to protect themselves this fall. 

The best prevention of a serious COVID-19 infection is a COVID vaccination.

Vaccines Available by Walk-In for Cancer Centre patients: 

• We Care Pharmacy - Cancer Centre
• Monday - Friday
• 8:30 am - 4:30 pm (closed for lunch 12pm - 1pm)

• We Care Pharmacy - Windsor Regional Cancer Centre (Beginning October 16 while supplies last)

Available by walk-in Monday – Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm or speak to a member of your Care Team at your next appointment

• Windsor-Essex County Health Unit (Windsor Office)

https://www.wechu.org/cv/clinics

• Many other community locations can be found via the link below

https://covid-19.ontario.ca/vaccine-locations

• Any provincial clinic through the COVID-19 vaccine website:
  
  https://covid-19.ontario.ca/getting-covid-19-vaccine or call 1-833-943-3900 (TTY 1-866-797-0007).

• It is strongly suggested that individuals continue to receive their booster doses in the suggested timeframes
• Individuals who have had COVID-19 and have been previously vaccinated should wait a minimum of three months (84 days) after symptom onset or positive test to receive their booster dose; however, a six-month (168 days) interval may provide a better immune response.

• The vaccine booster is recommended 2 weeks prior to any new start of chemotherapy or immunosuppressive therapy
• If you are currently receiving treatment, you can get your booster within 2-3 days of your next treatment
• If you are currently on ipilimumab (Yervoy®) or have had treatment with ipilimumab (Yervoy®) within the past 6 months, please discuss with your Cancer Care Team
• If you have received a transplant or CAR-T therapy, please discuss with your Cancer Care Team

• We Care Pharmacy - Windsor Regional Cancer Centre (Beginning October 16 while supplies last)
  
  Available by walk-in Monday – Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm or speak to a member of your Cancer Care Team at your next appointment
• Windsor-Essex County Health Unit (Windsor Office)
  
  https://www.wechu.org/tags/flu-shot

• Individuals 6 months and older, may receive a COVID-19 booster simultaneously with (i.e., same day), or at any time before or after non-COVID-19 vaccines (including live and non-live vaccines). If vaccines are co-administered, immunization on separate limbs is recommended.

• Call you to change the date of your next appointment.
• Change an in-person appointment to be over the telephone or a video conference.
• Change how often you have your treatment or postpone it until later.
• Change you to a different treatment (such as a different type of chemotherapy).
• Change how often you have radiation treatment.
• Change your scheduled scan or diagnostic test.
• Adjust your palliative appointments.

• To protect our patients and keep our workforce as safe as possible, we are only keeping appointments at the Cancer Centre that cannot be safely delayed.
• You will be contacted by phone to inform you of any changes.
• If you have questions about the status of your appointment please contact your cancer care team by calling 519-253-5253.

• It is possible your test may be delayed or cancelled.
• We will make every effort to have your scan done as quickly and safely as possible.
• You will be called and notified of any changes to your diagnostic test appointment.
• If you have any changes in your symptoms, please call to be re-assessed.

• Your surgeon will contact you if your surgery date is impacted.
• Your surgeon will reschedule when they are able to safely perform the surgery.
• While your surgery is postponed, we will closely watch your health and any changes to your cancer.

Please continue to bear with us as our staff work to answer all your questions. Thank you for your patience.

• If you are a patient on active treatment and experiencing a symptom after 4:00 pm and need help with your symptoms right away, please call CAREpath at 1-877-681-3057 to speak to a specialized cancer care nurse.
• If you have general questions about COVID-19, please visit the WRH website or call Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000.

If you require support to help you through this difficult time, please call the Cancer Centre at 519-253-5253. We have an expert team of social workers dedicated to helping you during these difficult times.

Stress during an infectious disease outbreak can include:

• fear and worry about your own health and the health of your loved ones
• changes in sleeping or eating patterns
• difficulty sleeping or concentrating
• worsening of chronic health problems
• increased use of alcohol, tobacco or other drugs

Taking care of yourself, your friends and your family can help you cope with stress.

Things you can do to support yourself:

• Your cancer Care Team is here for you. If you are very worried about COVID-19, you should ask for help.
• If you find it upsetting to hear about COVID-19, try limiting your time watching, reading or listening to news stories.
• Take care of your body. Eat healthily, be active and get plenty of sleep.
• Make time to relax and do things you enjoy, such as reading, listening to music, cooking, or watching a movie.
• Stay connected with friends and loved ones through telephone or video chats. Social distancing refers to the physical distance between people. It does not mean social isolation. 
• Alcohol, tobacco, and recreational drugs can worsen your health and well-being. Talk to your cancer Care Team if this affects you.

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Sore throat
• Runny nose
• Sneezing
• Nasal congestion
• Hoarse voice
• Difficulty swallowing
• Evidence of pneumonia
• Decreased ability to smell or taste

Please also call your cancer Care Team if you have any of the symptoms below and they are new or have become worse.

• Fatigue and feeling discomfort, ill and uneasy
• Confusion and reduced awareness of your environment
• Falls
• Loss of physical and mental abilities
• Worsening symptoms of your previous or current illness
• Digestive symptoms (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain)
• Chills and shivering
• Headache
• Croup (respiratory infection showing symptoms of a cough and fever)
• Unexplained tachycardia (a fast resting heart rate)
• Decrease in blood pressure
• Unexplained hypoxia (low blood oxygen)
• Lethargy (extreme lack of energy or tiredness, and/or decreased motivation or enthusiasm)

CONTACT INFORMATION:

If you are concerned about any symptoms that you may be experiencing, you may also visit the Ontario Health Symptom Management Page for a self-assessment.

Please call 911 if you are having severe symptoms such as feeling like you cannot breathe. 

• If you are a patient on active treatment, have symptoms after 4:00 pm, and need help right away, please call CAREpath at 1-877-681-3057 to speak to a specialized cancer care nurse.
• If you are not currently receiving treatment, or if you are unable to speak with your cancer care team, call your Primary Care Provider (Family Doctor or Nurse Practitioner) or Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000.

Outpatient Treatment Appointments (Systemic Suite and Radiation): 1 Essential Caregiver. No children under the age of 16 will be permitted in the Systemic Suite unless by exception.
• Ambulatory Care Clinic Appointments: For scheduled appointments with a provider, 2 Essential Caregivers may accompany the patient.
• Anyone experiencing fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat, skin rash, vomiting or diarrhea should avoid visiting with patients in the hospital.
• In the event of infection control outbreaks, further restrictions may apply.
  

Ask your cancer Care Team if it is okay to phone or video calls your family members, friends or caregivers during your visit or stay. This is a great way to include them in your visit and have an extra person to listen to the discussion. You can use the GuestWRH WiFi network for free.

Please arrive at the Cancer Centre entrance if you are coming for:

• Your treatment appointments
• An appointment with your Cancer Doctor
• A diagnostic test related to your cancer care
• A lab test related to your cancer care

• We are taking caution by limiting the number of people on-site and restricting access to the Cancer Centre.
• We are working closely with our Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) team to ensure the best practices are maintained to protect our patients, visitors and staff. This includes cleaning surfaces using rules recommended by IPAC, limiting visitors, active screening in place at all entrances and using proper personal protective equipment (like masks and gowns) when needed.

• You should self-screen before coming to the Cancer Centre.
• Screening might include answering some questions about how you are feeling.
• If you indicate you experiencing any of the listed symptoms, speak to a member of your Care Team and you will be assessed further before your appointment.

• You will notice that all waiting areas in the Cancer Centre have been re-arranged to allow for physical distancing.
• Please practice physical distancing by staying 2 metres (6 feet) away from others.
• Do not touch common surfaces (such as door handles and elevator buttons) with your bare hands.
• Wash your hands or use hand sanitiser often and especially if you have touched anything in the hospital.

Point of care risk assessment (e.g. patient coughing)

• Additional Precautions (please look for signage on entryways or doorways prior to visiting a patient to determine if a mask and eye protection are required)
• Procedural (based on the type of procedure being performed)

In any area of the hospital that may face a respiratory outbreak, universal masking may be recommended depending on the specific outbreak situation.

• All decisions about your cancer treatment will be made on a case-by-case basis by your Cancer Doctor and care team.
• If you test positive for COVID-19 and require treatment, all necessary precautions will be taken, as per our policies, to ensure your treatment is delivered in a safe manner to protect you and our staff.

• Location: Cancer Centre, Stretcher Bay Area, Ground Floor
• Hours: 7:00 am - 4:30 pm, Monday - Friday, excluding holidays

Check-In:

• 7:00 am - 3:00 pm: at the Stretcher Bay Area
• 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm: at Radiation Reception

• All prescriptions for oral anti-cancer medications and maintenance medications will be delivered to patient homes. A member of the pharmacy team will call you to arrange delivery.
• All prescriptions for supportive care medications for patients being actively treated in the Systemic (Chemotherapy) Suite will be delivered to the suite for the patient. We encourage patients to continue calling in their refills and let the pharmacy know their treatment date.

If you have any questions, please call your Cancer Centre pharmacy:

• Windsor Regional Cancer Centre: 519-254-5577 ext. 58529
• Bluewater Health Pharmacy: 519-464-4400 ext. 5535
• Chatham-Kent Health Alliance: 519-352-6401 ext. 6682

• Call your pharmacy a week before your current supply runs out.
• You do not need to call your Cancer Doctor to order a refill.
• Your Pharmacist will be in touch with your Cancer Doctor at the Cancer Centre to refill your prescription.
• Your pharmacy can deliver the medication when it is ready for you.

• At this time, you do not need to ask for extra refills or early refills.
• You will be dispensed a 30-day supply at a time to ensure that there are no medication shortages because of the stockpiling of medicines.
• If you need your prescription delivered, please contact your dispensing pharmacy to ask about delivery options.
• The Cancer Centre pharmacy is also currently delivering medication.

• If you have arrangements to see a home or community nurse at your home, please keep these arrangements. This is a safer way to ensure your continued care. Please do not cancel any of your home care appointments until you speak to a member of your care team at the Cancer Centre.
• Like all healthcare organizations, the LHIN Homecare Service (formerly CCAC) is taking precautions to ensure their nurses and patients remain safe during this time.
• If you have any issues, questions or concerns about your home care, please contact LHIN Homecare Services at 519-258-8211 and ask to speak to your Care Coordinator who will be able to respond appropriately.
• If you have any trouble getting through, please call the Cancer Centre at 519-253-5253 and we will help as best we can.

• Your cancer care team will let you know if you can delay flushing your port.
• If you can delay flushing your port, your appointment at the Cancer Centre or with your home nurse to flush your port will be adjusted as needed.

• Store the disconnected pump in the biohazardous bag you were provided.
• Keep it in a safe place until your next appointment at the Cancer Centre.
• Bring the biohazardous bag with the pump inside to your next appointment at the Cancer Centre.

• Getting COVID-19
• Getting very sick from COVID-19
• Dying from COVID-19

The government is rolling out a 3-phase plan to vaccinate people in Ontario. People with cancer can get the vaccine in Phase 2 of the plan. People with cancer should get the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as they are able.

The sooner that most people in Ontario get vaccinated, the sooner life can go back to normal. 

Check the websites of Ontario's Ministry of Health and your local public health agency to find out more details. Call the Ontario Vaccine Information Line (1-888-9999-6488) if you prefer to use the phone.

• Are 65 years or older
• Have had a stem cell transplant in the last 6 months
• Are getting or have recently stopped having cancer treatments
• Have been diagnosed with cancer in the last year
• Have cancers of the blood like leukaemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma
• Have lung cancer 
• Have cancer that has spread to another area of the body (metastatic cancer)
• Have had cancer surgery within the last 2 months

If you are in one of the above groups, you must be extra careful to protect yourself from getting COVID-19. Stay home as much as possible, stay apart from people you do not live with, wear a mask, and wash your hands often.

• The COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna are messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines. mRNA is a type of molecule (a small part of a cell) that our bodies are always making. mRNA vaccines teach our bodies to make proteins that tell our immune systems to fight the COVID-19 virus.
• The COVID-19 vaccines from AstraZeneca (may also be called Covishield) and Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) are viral vector-based vaccines. This type of vaccine uses another harmless virus (not COVID-19) to teach your body to build up immunity to COVID-19 without making you sick. The flu shot is also a viral vector-based vaccine.

You cannot get COVID-19 from either type of vaccine.

If you are getting any of the treatments below, speak to your cancer Care Team about when it is best to get the vaccine during your treatment:

• Chemotherapy
• Immunotherapy
• Stem cell transplant
• Adoptive cell therapy
• Immunosuppressive therapy (treatments that weaken your immune system)

The best vaccine for you is the first one you are offered.

The COVID-19 vaccines are safe for people with cancer. It is important that people with cancer get vaccinated because they may be at higher risk for more severe outcomes of COVID-19.

The vaccines:

• Were tested on thousands of people
• Have met all the requirements for approval, including safety
• Will be observed for any issues as they are used across the world

The Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca and Covishield vaccines are 2 shots. The Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) vaccine is 1 shot.

For 2-shot vaccines, the second shot will be given weeks or months after the first shot. When booking your vaccine appointment, ask about the timing of your second shot to make sure it follows the advice of your cancer Care Team. 

People with weakened immune systems, including some people with cancer, may not get as much protection from the vaccines as others. The vaccines are still being studied for how well they work on the virus variants.

For the single-shot vaccine, you will begin to get some protection 2 weeks after the single shot.

At this time, we do not know how long protection from the vaccine will last. Since the vaccines are new, they will need to be studied over time to see how long they will work. 

The most common side effects from the vaccines are:

• Pain, redness or swelling in your arm where the needle was given
• Fatigue (tiredness)
• Headache
• Body chills
• Muscle aches
• Joint pain
• Mild fever
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Swollen glands can happen for a few days after getting a COVID-19 vaccine. Talk to your cancer Care Team if this lasts for more than a few days.

If side effects last for more than 2-3 days, make sure you speak to your health Care Team.

After you get the COVID-19 vaccine, wait for at least 15 minutes before going home. This wait is to check for side effects or an allergic reaction. 

Rare but serious side effects:

A rare but serious form of blood clots has been linked to the AstraZeneca vaccine. These are different type of clots than those that can be caused by cancer and cancer treatments. The blood clots have mostly happened in women under the age of 55. The blood clots have happened 4 to 20 days after the vaccine is given. 

You may need to speak to an allergy doctor to see if it is safe for you to get the vaccine. You may also need to get your vaccine in a hospital instead of at a clinic or pharmacy. For more information about ingredients in the vaccines search the vaccine names on the Health Canada website or ask your health care team. 

• Keeping wearing a mask
• Wash your hands often
• Stay apart from people you do not live with

You must keep following public health measures because:

• It takes time for your body to build up protection after getting the vaccine
• It is possible for COVID-19 to spread even between people who have already gotten the vaccine
• We need to control the spread of COVID-19 in our communities until everyone has had a vaccine 

• If you have COVID-19 you should wait to get the vaccine until after you recover from the virus. You need to get the vaccine even if you have already had COVID-19 because it is possible to get the virus again. Talk to your health care team about when you should get the vaccine after you recover.
• If you have symptoms of COVID-19 or are currently self-isolating you should wait to get the vaccine. Talk to your health care team about your symptoms and getting a COVID-19 test. Your health care team will tell you when to get the vaccine.
• If you need to get another type of vaccine (such as the flu shot) wait for at least 28 days after getting your COVID-19 vaccine (single dose or 2nd dose of a 2-shot vaccine) before getting any other vaccines.
• If you have already gotten another type of vaccine, wait 14 days before you get the COVID-19 vaccine.
• Schedule your vaccine at least one week before or one week after getting surgery. This is so that any vaccine side effects are not mistaken for problems after surgery.

• The COVID-19 virus is similar to other viruses. Researchers already knew a lot about these types of viruses.
• Research teams around the world started to work on the vaccine right away when the COVID-19 virus was found.
• Research teams all over the world shared information with each other.
• Many people quickly signed up for clinical trials (a research study that involves humans) to test the vaccines. For example, over 200,000 people in Britain took part in clinical trials.

• Health Canada
• Ontario Ministry of Health
• Public Health Unit locator
• Ontario Government Ethical Framework for COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution

Provincial Vaccine Information Line

Call if you have questions about Ontario's COVID-19 vaccination program or booking your vaccination appointment. Information is available in multiple languages.

• Telephone: 1-888-999-6488 
• TTY: 1-866-797-0007

Local Public Health Units

• Chatham-Kent Public Health
• Lambton Public Health
• Windsor-Essex Public Health Unit