Know Plan Go
Know if you have a high-risk factor for severe COVID-19. Be ready with an Action plan. And, if you get infected, act quickly and speak to your healthcare provider about possible treatment options.1
Severe COVID-19 means that your symptoms get more serious,and may lead to hospitalization or even death.1
COVID-19 is still out there, but help and treatments are available.2,3 High-risk factors can increase your chances of getting very sick from COVID-19.1,4 That's why it’s important to make a plan now, and act quickly if you experience symptoms related to COVID-19 or test positive.1
Know
Roughly 3 in 4 adults are at high risk of becoming very sick from COVID-19.5 Are you one of them?
Plan
Mapping out your Action plan with your healthcare provider before COVID-19 strikes is one of the most important steps you can take to help prevent serious illness.1
Go
Have high-risk factors and have tested positive for COVID-19? It’s time for action! Speak to your healthcare provider to see if a prescription treatment may be right for you.3
Know
It begins with learning if you have a high-risk factor.
Being at high risk for severe COVID-19 is more common than you might think. In fact, nearly 200 million American adults have at least one risk factor that places them at high risk for getting very sick from COVID-19.5 And for people who are at high risk, symptoms that begin mild can quickly become severe.6 Unfortunately, many don't consider themselves at high risk or don't think serious illness or hospitalization could happen to them.7
Being age 60 years or older, having diabetes, or a chronic lung condition like moderate to severe asthma, are just some high-risk factors that can lead to severe illness, and even hospitalization, from a COVID-19 infection.4 Other risk factors, like being a current or former smoker, or being overweight, may surprise you.8.
According to the Government Canada, having one or more of the following factors puts you at high risk of getting more severe COVID-19:4,8*
- Age 60 or over
- Overweight or living with obesity (body mass index [BMI] over 25 kg/m2)
- Chronic kidney disease
- Diabetes
- Immunocompromised (weakened immune system from medication or a disease)
- Active cancer
- Cardiovascular conditions, such as hypertension (high blood pressure) and heart disease
- Chronic lung disease, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma (moderate to severe), interstitial lung disease, cystic fibrosis, and pulmonary hypertension
- Current smoker
- Sickle cell disease
- Neurodevelopmental disorders, such as cerebral palsy and Down syndrome
- Use of tracheostomy tube, gastrostomy tube, pressure ventilator (not related to COVID-19), or any other dependence to a medical device
In addition to certain medical conditions, being unvaccinated or not being up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations also increases the risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes if infected.4 Some people are also at risk of getting very sick or dying from COVID-19 because of where they live or work, or because they have difficulty accessing healthcare.4,8 This includes many people from racial and ethnic minority groups and people with disabilities.8
* Other factors may put you at high risk of severe illness from COVID-10 and are not limited to those listed above.4
If you have questions about a condition not included on this list, talk to a healthcare provider
Visit the Government of Canada website for the latest information on prevention and risks.
Unsure whether you are at high risk for severe COVID-19?
In preparation for speaking with a healthcare provider, complete this quick and easy checklist to find out if you are at high risk of a COVID-19 infection becoming severe, and if a prescription treatment option might be right for you.3
Plan
Be ready for COVID-19.
Make your Action Plan ahead of time.
As soon as you know that you or a loved one are at high risk of becoming very sick from COVID-19, talk to your healthcare provider about steps you can take in case of an infection.8 An Action Plan is key if you test positive or have COVID-19 symptoms. When you’re prepared, you can act quickly.1
First, make sure your vaccinations are up-to-date, in accordance with current recommendations.
Click here to schedule an appointment. The risk of hospitalization is greater in those that are not up to date on their COVID-19 vaccinations.4
You know your health situation best and that will inform how you make a personalized list of to-dos. If you test positive or have COVID-19 symptoms, your Action Plan will remind you of the steps to take right away. Some starter suggestions are listed below that you may find helpful.
- Immediately isolate at home and away from others. Check with your healthcare provder or local health authority for more advice, including where and how to get tested if recommended.9,10
- If you’ve been in contact with someone who has COVID-19, contact your local health authority for advice on what to do next.9
- If you test positive for COVID-19 infection, monitor your symptoms and ask your healthcare provider if a prescription treatment might be right for you.3,10
- Keep an up-to-date list of any medications you take, including vitamins and supplements, and be ready to share it with your healthcare provider.
- Also have enough at-home COVID-19 test kits and know how to get more.
- Set a plan with loved ones so everyone knows what steps to take if anyone tests positive.
- Only leave your home for medically necessary appointments (avoid public transport).10
- Have someone you can turn to who can pick up items you may need during the quarantine period.
And lastly, encourage loved ones to make their own COVID-19 Plan. Because nothing is more important than your family’s health.
Let’s get your Action Plan in order
Use this quick and easy form to create your COVID-19 Action Plan and use it to discuss your with your healthcare provider whether a prescription treatment may be right for you.
Go
Have COVID-19?
It’s time for action!
It can be overwhelming if you have COVID-19 symptoms or if you test positive. Speak with your healthcare provider about whether a prescription treatment is right for you.3
You’re already aware of whether you have any high-risk factors and you’ve prepared for this moment. You’re ready to act right away.
Your healthcare provider is the go-to person to work with in this situation. They will consider your high-risk factor(s), along with your medical history and current medications, in determining if a prescription treatment is right for you.3 Remember, being at high risk means timing is important Since mild symptoms can quickly become severe, it's important to act by starting a treatment, if prescribed, within days of getting COVID-19.6,11
It’s understandable if you feel concerned, scared, or upset if you’re feeling COVID-19 symptoms or test positive. But having your pre-planned, personalized Action Plan is a great way to push through that difficult time.
Stick to the strategy that you created with your healthcare provider to help reduce the chance of serious illness and hospitalization from COVID-19.1
Reach out to a healthcare provider
If you do not have a healthcare provider or your healthcare provider is not available, telehealth services can be a convenient way to connect with one by phone, chat, or video.
Telehealth Services
There are different ways to receive the care you need from a healthcare provider. You can visit one in person, or you can use telehealth, which enables care without requiring a visit to the office. With telehealth, you don’t have to travel or sit in a waiting room when you’re sick, and you can opt for an appointment that fits your schedule.
There are many ways to access telehealth. Explore the options below to connect virtually with a healthcare provider to discuss your care and a potential COVID-19 treatment plan. Each link will take you to an independent provider that is not affiliated with Pfizer.
Gotodoctor.ca
Maple
Rexall Online
Health Services
Rocket Doctor
Tia Health
Virtual Clinic
Pfizer does not own or operate any of these telehealth platforms or the services they or their healthcare provider may furnish, and Pfizer accepts no responsibility or liability for them.
The above links are provided as a resource to our visitors and do not imply an endorsement or recommendation of a particular telehealth professional by Pfizer nor an endorsement of any Pfizer product by a company, healthcare provider, or platform. Healthcare providers or telehealth companies do not pay a fee to Pfizer for inclusion on this website.
If these telehealth platforms match users with healthcare providers, the selection of a particular healthcare provider is determined by the criteria set by the platform and/or healthcare provider professional, not Pfizer. All treatment decisions are at the sole discretion of the healthcare provider based on the patient’s individual needs and risk-benefit profile.
Know Plan Go Resources
Schedule a COVID-19 vaccine appointment in your Province
High-risk factors that can lead to severe COVID-19
Learn about COVID-19 testing and treatment options