McMaster Children’s Hospital opens dedicated flu, cold, COVID-19 clinic

Starting Monday, McMaster Children’s Hospital (MCH) will have a dedicated clinic to treat viral illnesses.

Like other health care providers in Ontario, Hamilton Health Sciences (HHS) has tried to find ways to alleviate pressure on its emergency department.

St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton announced last week it would be collaborating with HHS on a dedicated flu, COVID, and cold clinic at its West 5th campus. The dedicated clinic at MCH will focus on individuals under the age of 18.

“The amount and severity of viral illness are heavier than normal, and we’re seeing kids with serious flu, pneumonia, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus infections,” says HHS.

The Flu, COVID, and Cold Clinic at MCH will be open on a walk-in basis from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. during the week and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends

The clinic, located on the main floor in the main lobby, will be staffed by family doctors.

More clinic information is available at www.hamiltonhealthsciences.ca/coldandflu.

Meanwhile, pediatric flu shots are now available at Limeridge clinic, inside the mall at 999 Upper Wentworth St, on a walk-in basis until Dec. 21, 2022.