COVID-19 Vaccination

Hi everyone,

Happy New Year! We start 2021 with optimism that we can spot some light at the end of the pandemic tunnel. Vaccination is underway, slower than many of us hoped, but picking up speed.

Phase 1 Vaccination

The current focus is on vaccinating healthcare workers and essential caregivers in hospitals, long-term care homes, retirement homes and other congregate settings caring for seniors. Markham Stouffville Hospital is not a site for this initial roll-out, so our hospital is being supported by Mackenzie Health and Southlake. York Region Public Health is also rolling out the Moderna vaccine to LTC with the goal of getting all LTC residents their first dose by January 18th. Retirement homes and other seniors congregate settings will follow.

More information on the provincial vaccination plan including phases:

https://covid-19.ontario.ca/getting-covid-19-vaccine-ontario#task-force

How you can help

The SGFP and provincial COVID-19 Primary Care Action Council sent out a survey today to understand our willingness and capacity to support vaccination efforts. Please complete the survey here to help inform the strength and support primary care can provide to the vaccination effort. As opportunities to assist with local efforts arise, I will send more information via this mailing list.

Vaccine Information & Webinars

I've attached an email from Ontario Health with PDFs of Ontario government vaccination information on Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines that can help support conversations with your patients and family about the vaccines.

Below are a few upcoming webinars with vaccine information

OCFP Update on Covid-19 Vaccines
January 8th, 8:00 - 9:00 AM
Speaker: Dr. Noah Ivers
- https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_aElc9cN9RxSis36hotIOAg

CFPC The Covid-19 Pivot: Vaccine update for family physicians

January 12, 12:00 - 1:00 PM

Presenters: Dr. Gerald Evans, Dr. Mike Kolber, Dr. Caroline Quach-Thanh
Hosted by Dr. Allan GrillWatch here: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=MehpXnRvFG0

York Region Public Health COVID-19 Vaccine Update
January 18th, 5:00 - 6:00 PMSpeaker: Dr. Fareen Karachiwalla, Associate Medical Officer of Health- see attached flyer for link

Mississauga Halton Primary Care Network - Why Hesitate - Let’s VaccinateJanuary 26, 8:00 - 9:30 PM
Speakers: Dr. Peter Lin, Dr. Ivers, Dr. Fisman, Dr. Saxinger
- https://mhpcn_covid19vaccines.eventbrite.ca

Markham Stouffville Hospital Virtual Grand Rounds: COVID-19 Vaccine Update(past)

December 22, 2020
Speakers: Dr. Vicky Fera and Shellyna Moledina- link recording: https://youtu.be/EeviBxcZsUo

As usual, don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.
Em