Orleans Family Health Clinic

Orleans Family Health Clinic Please note the Clinic is open Saturdays by appointment only. This is the official page of Orleans Family Health Clinic. on Saturday.

Here you will find our up-dated hours, nursing hours, and when available, the hours for our vaccination clinics. Phone lines will be open at 8 a.m on weekdays, and 9 a.m. If you need assistance after hours please call the Family Health Group (FHG): 1-866-553-7205.

*Please note that Orleans Family Health Clinic will NOT offer medical advise over the internet. We also refuse to book appointments o

r cancel appointments over this page. If you need assistance, please call our main line: 613-837-5454.*

🌟 5 Essential Things to Know Before Starting GLP-1 Medications Like Ozempic, Wegovy, or MounjaroGLP-1 medications — incl...
07/28/2025

🌟 5 Essential Things to Know Before Starting GLP-1 Medications Like Ozempic, Wegovy, or Mounjaro

GLP-1 medications — including semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Zepbound, Mounjaro) — are changing the landscape of weight management and type 2 diabetes care. But with millions now taking these injections, physicians want patients to understand: these drugs aren’t magic — they’re a tool that works best with the right support, guidance, and lifestyle changes.

Here’s what doctors at OFHC want you to know before you start:

1. Weight loss can include muscle loss — protect your lean body mass
GLP-1s can help many patients lose 15–21% of their body weight. But up to one-quarter of that loss may be muscle, not fat. Muscle mass is essential for strength, metabolism, bone health, and mobility — especially as we age.

💡 What you can do:
Incorporate resistance training into your weekly routine. This includes body-weight exercises, free weights, or resistance bands.

2. Start every meal with 20–30 grams of protein
Protein isn’t just for bodybuilders — it’s essential when using GLP-1s to preserve muscle and stay full. Aim for 1.0 to 1.5 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight daily. If you can’t eat a full meal, try a high-protein shake as a supplement.

🥗 Pro tip:
Build your plate:
½ fruits and veggies
¼ protein (chicken, fish, tofu, legumes)
¼ whole grains

3. You still need to move — exercise is not optional
The most successful patients on GLP-1s treat exercise like medicine. Aim for:
150 minutes/week of aerobic activity (e.g., brisk walking)
60–90 minutes/week of resistance training

Even 10-minute daily walks or light strength training can make a big difference when done consistently.

4. Hydration matters more than ever
GLP-1s often cause constipation, nausea, or dehydration — especially in the early weeks. Water helps regulate digestion, reduce side effects, and support weight loss.

🚰 Hydration checklist:
Drink 8–12 glasses of water/day
Add cucumbers, watermelon, or broth to meals
Limit alcohol, caffeine, and artificially sweetened drinks

5. Don't lie down after meals — and go easy on fried foods
GLP-1s slow down your digestion, which increases the risk of heartburn and reflux. To reduce discomfort:
Wait 2–3 hours before lying down after meals

Avoid high-fat, greasy, or fried foods
Add soluble fiber (chia seeds, oats, psyllium) to ease constipation

🎯 Final Thought: GLP-1s Are a Tool, Not a Shortcut
Clinical trials that showed impressive weight loss results combined GLP-1s with structured diet, exercise, sleep, and behavioral support. As Dr. Andres Acosta of the Mayo Clinic puts it, “Just taking the shot isn’t enough — it won’t create long-term behavioral change.”

At OFHC, we help you take a whole-person approach to weight loss. Talk to your family doctor or pharmacist today about whether a GLP-1 is right for you — and how to build a sustainable plan for success.

Stay Connected with Orleans Family Health Clinic!
If you found this article helpful, don’t forget to like, share, and Follow to stay up to date on our latest health tips, updates, and wellness advice.

Disclaimer: The medical information on this site is provided as an information resource only and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. This information does not substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment. Please do not initiate, modify, or discontinue any treatment, medication, or supplement solely based on this information. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider first.

Full Disclaimer at: orleansmedical.ca/disclaimer/

07/28/2025

Hepatitis: What Travellers Need to Know Before You Fly

As World Hepatitis Day (July 28) approaches, it's a good time to clear up common misconceptions about hepatitis—and to highlight how travellers can protect themselves before heading abroad. At Destinations Travel & Immunization Clinic, we often see individuals unaware of the risks hepatitis poses during international travel, particularly in regions where sanitation and water quality may be compromised.

🦠 What Is Hepatitis?
Hepatitis refers to inflammation of the liver, often caused by viral infections. There are five main types of viral hepatitis—A, B, C, D (delta), and E:

Hepatitis A and E: Transmitted via contaminated food and water, especially in areas with poor sanitation.

Hepatitis B, C, and D: Spread through contact with infected blood, bodily fluids, or during childbirth. Hepatitis B and D can also be sexually transmitted.

💡 Common Misconceptions
Many believe hepatitis can be spread through casual contact—like hugging or sharing cutlery—but that’s not true for the blood-borne types (B, C, D). Hepatitis A and E are spread like foodborne illnesses, not through physical contact.

🚨 Why Travellers Should Pay Attention
Regions in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, South and Central America, and parts of Eastern Europe have significantly higher rates of hepatitis A and B. Foodborne hepatitis A is common in many of these destinations, and hepatitis B prevalence is high in certain countries.

Unfortunately, symptoms of hepatitis are often silent—especially for chronic hepatitis B and C. When symptoms do appear, they may include jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin), dark urine, fatigue, and flu-like illness.

If left untreated:
➡️Hepatitis A usually resolves on its own.
➡️Chronic hepatitis B and C can silently progress to liver cancer, liver failure, or cirrhosis over time.

🛡️ Prevention Is Key — Especially When Travelling
Here’s what we recommend for anyone planning international travel:
1: Get Vaccinated Before You Travel:
➡️Hepatitis A vaccine: Highly recommended for travel to most parts of the world outside North America, Western Europe, and Japan.
➡️Hepatitis A & B vaccine: Offers long-term protection against both. Ideal for frequent travellers, volunteers, and aid workers.
➡️Schedule your shots 2–4 weeks before travel for best protection.
2: Practice Good Hygiene While Abroad:
➡️Drink only bottled or purified water.
➡️Avoid raw or undercooked seafood and street food.
➡️Wash your hands often with soap and clean water.
3: Travel with Confidence:
At DTC, we provide personalized travel consultations and vaccines based on your destination, length of stay, and health status. We also offer post-travel care and lab testing for hepatitis and other travel-related conditions.

🌟 The Bottom Line
Hepatitis is common—but largely preventable. As a traveller, you can dramatically lower your risk through vaccination and simple precautions. Whether you're heading to the Amazon, the Andes, or the Mediterranean, don’t take unnecessary chances with your liver health.

Book your travel consult today at Destinations Travel & Immunization Clinic—and protect yourself before you go.

https://healthytrip.orleansmedical.ca/travel-inoculations-book-appointment/

Stay Connected with Destinations Travel and Immunization Clinic!
If you found this article helpful, don’t forget to like, share, and Follow to stay up to date on our latest travel health tips, updates, and wellness advice.

Disclaimer: The medical information on this site is provided as an information resource only and is not to be used or relied upon for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. This information does not substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment. Please do not initiate, modify, or discontinue any treatment, medication, or supplement solely based on this information. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider first.

Full disclaimer at: healthytrip.orleansmedical.ca/disclaimer

07/25/2025

🚨 Canada is facing a shortage of common prescription painkillers — here’s what patients at Centrum Pharmacy need to know.

Medications like Percocet, Tylenol No. 3, Teva-Oxycocet, and Rivacocet are in short supply across the country. Shortages may continue until early August due to manufacturing issues and high demand.

🔍 What we’re doing at Centrum Pharmacy:
✅ Working with doctors to find safe alternatives
✅ Sourcing limited stock from other pharmacies
✅ Limiting dispensing to ensure everyone gets care
✅ Monitoring Health Canada updates daily
💡 What should you do?
➡️ Call us if your medication is affected
➡️ Don’t stop treatment without speaking to us
➡️ Avoid buying meds online from unlicensed sellers
⛔ Unsafe products from unauthorized sources can contain wrong or dangerous ingredients. Stick with licensed pharmacies like Centrum for your safety.

We're committed to Complete, Comprehensive, Caring, and Connected Care.
📞 Call us or drop in — we’ll help you stay informed and supported.

Find us online at centrumpharmacy.com



Stay Connected with Centrum Pharmacy!
If you found this article helpful, don’t forget to like, share, and Follow to stay up to date on our latest health tips, pharmacy updates, and wellness advice.



Disclaimer: The medical information on this site is provided as an information resource only and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. This information does not substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment. Please do not initiate, modify, or discontinue any treatment, medication, or supplement solely based on this information. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider first.

Full Disclaimer at: https://centrumpharmacy.com/disclaimer

Canadians with Down Syndrome Are Living Longer—But Still Face Premature Health RisksThanks to advancements in care, Cana...
07/25/2025

Canadians with Down Syndrome Are Living Longer—But Still Face Premature Health Risks

Thanks to advancements in care, Canadians with Down syndrome are living longer than ever before. But despite this progress, many still face serious health risks and a significantly shorter life expectancy than the general population.

A recent study found that as of 2020, there were 22,367 people living with Down syndrome in Canada, and 30% were age 40 or older. While this reflects tremendous strides in healthcare, life expectancy for people with Down syndrome remains around 60 years—compared to 82 years for the average Canadian.

At Orleans Family Health Clinic (OFHC), we believe it’s time to address the critical gaps in adult care for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), including Down syndrome.

🧠 The Alzheimer's Connection
One of the most significant health threats for adults with Down syndrome is early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. According to Dr. Brian Skotko, a leading expert in the field, Alzheimer’s-related complications are now the leading cause of death for this population.

Why? People with Down syndrome carry an extra copy of chromosome 21—the same chromosome that carries the gene responsible for producing amyloid plaques, which are strongly linked to Alzheimer’s.

As life expectancy improves, preventive care and early screening for dementia symptoms become essential—not just in hospitals, but also in community-based clinics like OFHC.

🩺 Preventive Care and the Role of Primary Care
Historically, Down syndrome was viewed as a pediatric condition, but that mindset no longer reflects reality. Many individuals with Down syndrome now live into adulthood and require ongoing primary care support to thrive.

Unfortunately, a system-wide lag in adult-focused supports means many adults with Down syndrome miss out on:
➡️Alzheimer’s screenings
➡️Cardiovascular health checks
➡️Thyroid function testing
➡️Sleep apnea diagnosis and treatment
➡️Mental health evaluation

At OFHC, we aim to prevent “diagnostic overshadowing”—a dangerous practice where symptoms (e.g., fatigue, irritability, or memory loss) are wrongly attributed to Down syndrome itself instead of being fully investigated.

Clinicians are encouraged to use tools like the Canadian Down Syndrome “Health Watch” checklist, which is posted online by the College of Family Physicians of Canada. This tool helps ensure patients receive holistic, individualized care.

👪 Family & Community Support Matters
Medical care is just one part of a longer, healthier life. Adults with Down syndrome benefit greatly from:
➡️Strong social networks
➡️Engagement in day programs and recreational activities
➡️Routine physical activity
➡️Cognitive stimulation (e.g., puzzles, word searches, music)
➡️Balanced nutrition, including vitamin B12 and sleep disorder management
Family caregivers play a vital role in identifying early changes in health and ensuring timely care. At OFHC, we collaborate with caregivers and social services to provide integrated, coordinated care.

🧭 The Way Forward
This landmark study reminds us that while we’ve made enormous strides since the 1950s—when most children with Down syndrome didn’t survive past age 5—we still have much more work to do.

Our mission at OFHC is to help people with Down syndrome live not just longer—but better.

📞 If your loved one has Down syndrome, speak with an OFHC provider today about personalized adult care, preventive screenings, and wellness strategies.
Together, we can help close the life expectancy gap—and support full, enriching lives for all.

Stay Connected with Orleans Family Health Clinic!
If you found this article helpful, don’t forget to like, share, and follow to stay up to date on our latest health tips, updates, and wellness advice.

Disclaimer: The medical information on this site is provided as an information resource only and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. This information does not substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment. Please do not initiate, modify, or discontinue any treatment, medication, or supplement solely based on this information. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider first.

Full Disclaimer at: orleansmedical.ca/disclaimer/

WALK-IN CLINIC NOW AVAILABLE – Fridays & Saturdays at Centrum PharmacyCentrum Pharmacy Walk-In Clinic  is proud to offer...
07/24/2025

WALK-IN CLINIC NOW AVAILABLE – Fridays & Saturdays at Centrum Pharmacy
Centrum Pharmacy Walk-In Clinic is proud to offer a walk-in clinic right here in Orleans — no appointment needed. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or need quick medical care, you can see a doctor in person on Fridays and Saturdays only.

Learn more at: https://centrumpharmacy.com/walkin-clinic/

When to use the Walk-In Clinic:
If you don’t have a family doctor
If your family doctor is unavailable
For non-emergency, mild illnesses
For prescription renewals
Emergency contraception
Nausea, fevers, flu, minor asthma
Sick notes (must be diagnosed on-site)

Please Note:
No insurance forms, WSIB, or referrals
No narcotic renewals
No emergency services
No psychotherapy/mental health counseling

📍 Location: Centrum Pharmacy, Orleans
🕒 Clinic Hours: Fridays and Saturdays 9:30 AM - 1:30 PM
📋 What to Bring: Bring your OHIP card, private insurance and a list of current medications

😷 If you have respiratory symptoms, please wear a mask

💊You don’t always need to wait for a doctor. Our pharmacists can assess and prescribe for common conditions like UTIs, pink eye, cold sores, and more — available six days a week! Learn more about minor ailments at: https://centrumpharmacy.com/services/minor-ailments/

🚀Or make an appointment for an online consultation with an Ontario Physician. Our Virtual Walk-In Clinic allows you to make OHIP covered online appointments with a doctor providing you with access to doctor, usually on the same day. You MUST use this link to access the service. Book here: https://centrumpharmacy.com/rocket-doc/

If you or a loved one is experiencing severe symptoms like chest pain, head trauma, overdose, or difficulty breathing, please go to the nearest Emergency Department or call 911.

Disclaimer: The medical information on this site is provided as an information resource only and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. This information does not substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment. Please do not initiate, modify, or discontinue any treatment, medication, or supplement solely based on this information. Always seek the advice of your health care provider first.
Full disclaimer: https://centrumpharmacy.com/disclaimer/

Canada’s Measles Outbreak: What You Need to Know — and How to Stay ProtectedIn 2025, Canada has become the epicentre of ...
07/23/2025

Canada’s Measles Outbreak: What You Need to Know — and How to Stay Protected

In 2025, Canada has become the epicentre of the largest measles outbreak in North America — a startling development for a country where the disease was once considered eliminated. With over 3,800 cases reported, mostly among infants and unvaccinated children, the outbreak has now surpassed even the United States, despite Canada’s smaller population.

At Orleans Family Health Clinic, we believe this is a wake-up call to ensure our community remains vigilant, informed, and protected.

Why Is This Happening?
Measles is one of the most contagious viruses in the world. It spreads rapidly through airborne droplets and can cause serious complications — including pneumonia, brain swelling, and even death. The MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella) is 97% effective, yet vaccine hesitancy has grown significantly since the COVID-19 pandemic. Misconceptions and distrust — often amplified online — have resulted in declining immunization rates, particularly in certain communities.

In Ontario, the outbreak began in late 2024 after an individual contracted measles at a large gathering and returned to a community where vaccination uptake was historically low. As cases spread, mobile clinics and public health teams worked to identify and treat those affected. But the virus had already taken hold, especially in areas like southern Ontario and Alberta.

How You Can Protect Yourself and Your Family
At Orleans Family Health Clinic, our team of family physicians, nurses, and pharmacists strongly urge all patients to review their immunization records and ensure they are up to date. The key points are:
➡️Children should receive the first MMR dose at 12 months of age, and a second dose between ages 4–6.
➡️Infants travelling to outbreak areas may be eligible for earlier vaccination—speak with one of our clinicians.
➡️Adults unsure of their vaccination status should consult with our medical team about catch-up doses.
➡️Pregnant individuals and immunocompromised patients should be especially cautious — and benefit from community protection (herd immunity).

What We're Doing at OFHC
Orleans Family Health Clinic is committed to proactive public health. Here's how we’re addressing the measles outbreak:
➡️Vaccination appointments available on short notice
➡️MMR vaccine counselling provided by our pharmacists and physicians
➡️Family check-ins and immunization reviews during routine visits
➡️Clear communication with our community through staff and front desk team members

If you or a family member hasn’t had your MMR vaccine — or if you’re unsure — please book a consultation today at orleansmedical.ca

This outbreak is a reminder that diseases we thought were behind us can return if we let our guard down. Protecting yourself also protects those who can’t be vaccinated, like newborns and people with certain medical conditions.

Let’s keep our community safe — together.

Disclaimer: The medical information on this site is provided as an information resource only and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. This information does not substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment. Please do not initiate, modify, or discontinue any treatment, medication, or supplement solely based on this information. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider first.

Full Disclaimer at: orleansmedical.ca/disclaimer/

07/21/2025

🔔 NOTICE REGARDING FAMILY PHYSICIAN WAITLIST

If you are looking for a family doctor, please read this entire notice carefully.

📋 Waitlist Temporarily Closed
Due to overwhelming demand, we regret to inform you that the current waitlist for rostering new patients to a family physician is now closed, having reached full capacity.

We understand how important it is to have consistent access to primary care. Please be assured that this closure is temporary, and the waitlist will reopen periodically.

We strongly encourage you to check our website regularly for updates, as:
➡️Existing physicians may reopen their rosters, and
➡️New family doctors are actively being recruited to serve the Orleans area through our ongoing efforts.
When new opportunities arise, the waitlist will reopen to the public.

✅ For Those Already Registered (as of 12:00 a.m. on June 21, 2025)
If you submitted your name before the deadline, rest assured:
➡️Your name has been securely received and has been forwarded to the clinic.
➡️Each physician independently determines how many new patients they can accept.
➡️Patients will be randomly selected from the waitlist.
➡️If selected, you will be contacted directly by the physician’s office within the next month.

⚠️ Important: Centrum Pharmacy does not make rostering decisions. Our role is to collect and forward names, ensuring that every eligible patient is presented fairly to the recruiting physicians.

📞 If You Are Not Contacted Within a Month
If you do not receive a call from a physician's office within four weeks, it unfortunately means you were not rostered in this round.
In compliance with privacy regulations, we will securely remove your application from our records.
➡️You will need to reapply when the waitlist reopens in the future.
➡️Please monitor our website for updates on future openings.

❤️ Our Commitment to Centrum Pharmacy Patients
If you are currently a Centrum Pharmacy patient, we want to reassure you of our continued advocacy:
➡️Physicians often open limited spots throughout the year as their capacity allows.
➡️Each time we are informed that a doctor is accepting new patients, we automatically submit the names of our regular pharmacy patients for consideration.
➡️As a result, virtually every regular Centrum Pharmacy patient eventually obtains a family doctor through our coordinated efforts.

If you are not yet a Centrum Pharmacy patient, we strongly encourage you to:
Fill your prescriptions with us, and become part of our patient community.
Doing so allows us to include your name in future physician openings — many of which arise without public notice or large-scale announcements.

This is one of the many ways Centrum Pharmacy goes beyond dispensing medication — we are your healthcare advocate. We are committed to ensuring that our patients have consistent and continued access to primary care. We work to ensure that every one of our regular patients has a family physician

💊 Supporting Your Healthcare While You Wait
Centrum Pharmacy remains fully committed to your health while you await a family doctor. We offer:
➡️Friday and Saturday Walk-In Clinics for prompt medical attention
➡️Minor Ailments Prescribing Services — for common conditions like infections, rashes, or allergies, without needing to see a doctor
➡️Prescription consultations, renewals, and medication reviews by our experienced healthcare team
➡️Unlike other pharmacies, we provide Prescription Extensions at no additional cost
Whether you're managing a long-term condition or need one-time care, our services are designed to ensure you never fall through the cracks.

🙏 Thank You for Trusting Centrum Pharmacy
To the thousands of residents who have trusted us through this process — thank you.

In 2025 alone, over 5,500 patients have been matched with a family doctor directly through Centrum Pharmacy’s efforts.

If you’ve already transferred your prescriptions to us — thank you for placing your healthcare in our hands. We are honoured to care for you and your family.

👩‍⚕️ Our Physician Recruitment Impact

Centrum Pharmacy has taken a leadership role in addressing the physician shortage in Orleans. This summer, we reached a major milestone:

Twelve new family physicians have been successfully recruited to practice in the Orleans area through our coordinated initiatives.

As a result, thousands of previously unattached residents now have access to dedicated primary care — and we will continue to grow that number.

💬 Final Words
Thank you for your patience, trust, and continued support.
We remain committed to helping every family in Orleans access the care they deserve.

Come for the Convenience. Stay for the Service.
Caring for Your Family Since 1999.

🛑 DISCLAIMER
Being on the waitlist or a patient of Centrum Pharmacy does not guarantee that you will be rostered to a family physician. Physicians make independent decisions regarding whom they will roster. Centrum Pharmacy’s role is to collect and forward names when physician openings are announced. If selected, you will be contacted directly by the physician’s office. Please do not contact the pharmacy for status updates. The waitlist will reopen when physician rosters expand or new doctors are recruited. A new application is required each time the waitlist reopens.

🧀 Cheese, Dreams & Nightmares: Is There Really a Connection?Have you ever had a weird dream after indulging in a late-ni...
07/21/2025

🧀 Cheese, Dreams & Nightmares: Is There Really a Connection?

Have you ever had a weird dream after indulging in a late-night cheese snack? You’re not alone—and now science is catching up with what many people have long suspected.

A new study from Canadian researchers has found that certain foods, especially dairy and sweets, may contribute to vivid or unsettling dreams, particularly when consumed close to bedtime. For some individuals, especially those with lactose intolerance or food allergies, these nighttime snacks may even contribute to nightmare disorder and disrupted sleep.

🧠 What Did the Study Find?
Led by neuroscientist Dr. Tore Nielsen of the University of Montreal, the research surveyed over 1,000 university students about their eating habits, dream patterns, and overall sleep quality. Key findings include:
➡️Dairy and sweets were most commonly blamed for unusual or disturbing dreams.
➡️22% of respondents blamed dairy, and 31% blamed desserts or sweets for strange or distressing dreams.
➡️People with lactose intolerance or food allergies experienced significantly more nightmares and poorer sleep, likely due to gastrointestinal discomfort that interrupted restful sleep.
➡️Individuals who followed a healthier, more intuitive diet reported fewer nightmares and better dream recall.
➡️Poor sleep caused by GI symptoms may contribute to a negative dream tone and fragmented sleep cycles.

🥼 What Does This Mean for Patients?
At Orleans Family Health Clinic, we know that sleep issues, food intolerances, and emotional well-being are often deeply interconnected. Nightmares aren’t just bad dreams—they can disrupt your sleep, increase anxiety, and even contribute to sleep avoidance and daytime fatigue.

If you're experiencing:
✅ Frequent nightmares
✅ Poor or disrupted sleep
✅ Known or suspected food intolerances
✅ Stomach discomfort at night..then it’s time to speak with a healthcare professional.

🥗 What Can You Do?
Our team at Orleans Family Health Clinic can help you assess the root causes of your sleep issues with:

➡️Dietary counselling to identify food triggers
➡️Sleep hygiene support
➡️Referrals for allergy testing or GI evaluation
➡️Mental health resources if nightmares are linked to stress or trauma
➡️Medication review, especially if you're on prescriptions known to affect sleep

💤 Better Sleep Starts with Personalized Care
Food affects not just our bodies—but our brains and dreams, too. Whether it’s midnight cheese, sugary snacks, or food sensitivities, understanding how your diet impacts your sleep is essential to your overall well-being.

📍 Contact Orleans Family Health Clinic today for a comprehensive consultation on sleep, diet, and health. Because at our clinic, your care is never just about one symptom—it’s about the full picture

Disclaimer: The medical information on this site is provided as an information resource only and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. This information does not substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment. Please do not initiate, modify, or discontinue any treatment, medication, or supplement solely based on this information. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider first.

Full Disclaimer at: orleansmedical.ca/disclaimer/

07/18/2025

💉 How Effective Were the 2023–2024 COVID-19 Vaccines? What Adult Travelers Need to Know

As COVID-19 continues to evolve, new variants like XBB and JN.1 have become dominant. Vaccines must adapt—and so should we. At Destinations Travel and Immunization Clinic, we help ensure travelers stay protected not just from jet lag and routine risks, but also from viruses that are very much still with us.

A recent U.S. study evaluated how effective the 2023–2024 COVID-19 vaccines (monovalent XBB.1.5) were in preventing serious illness and medical visits. The study involved hundreds of thousands of adult patients from urgent care centers, emergency departments, and hospitals.

🧪 What Did the Research Show?
Researchers looked at over 345,000 emergency or urgent care visits and 111,000 hospitalizations from September 2023 to August 2024. Here’s what they found:
➡️Against Emergency & Urgent Care Visits:
✅Effectiveness was 49% within 2 months of vaccination
✅Dropped to –7% effectiveness 6–10 months post-vaccine
➡️Against Hospitalization:
✅Effectiveness was 51% in the first 2 months
✅Fell to –4% after about 6–10 months
➡️Against Critical Illness (ICU or death):
✅Effectiveness peaked at 68% shortly after vaccination
✅Still offered 16% protection 6–10 months later

⏳ What Does This Mean for You?
✅ COVID-19 vaccines continue to provide strong protection—especially against critical illness and hospitalization, the most serious outcomes
❗ Protection wanes significantly over time, especially after 6 months

✈️ Why It Matters for Travelers
If you’re planning travel—whether for work, vacation, or to visit family—it’s essential to:
✅Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations
✅Understand that immunity drops over time, even if you’ve had COVID before
✅Consult with a travel health professional to plan vaccine updates around your itinerary

Vaccination isn’t just about preventing infection—it’s about protecting yourself from severe illness far from home, where access to care might be limited.

🏥 We’re Here to Help
At Destinations Travel and Immunization Clinic, we offer:
➡️Up-to-date COVID-19 vaccine recommendations
➡️Customized travel consultations

Vaccine planning for travelers with chronic health conditions

📞 Book your travel consult today, and let us help you stay protected on your next journey.

➡️ healthytrip.orleansmedical.ca

Disclaimer: The medical information on this site is provided as an information resource only and is not to be used or relied upon for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. This information does not substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment. Please do not initiate, modify, or discontinue any treatment, medication, or supplement solely based on this information. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider first.

Full disclaimer at: healthytrip.orleansmedical.ca/disclaimer

Address

Orleans, ON

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 9pm
Tuesday 8am - 8pm
Wednesday 8am - 8pm
Thursday 8am - 8pm
Friday 8am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 1pm

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