COVID Vaccine Rollout Updates
Hi,
Hope you've enjoyed the warm weather and sun the last few days. Some exciting Vice-Chair news before launching into some brief vaccination updates...
Vice-Chair Elections
We have two wonderful candidates who have put their names forward for our Primary Care Association Vice-Chair: Dr. Dharmendra Doobay and Dr. Teresa Hum. Those of you who have signed the Primary Care Association Agreement will be receiving an email ballot to cast your vote. If you do not receive an email ballot in the next 24 hours, please email me at emilielam@gmail.com.
COVID-19 Vaccination Rollout Updates
York Region residents ages 70+ can book at york.ca/covid19vaccine starting March 23rd
Cornell Community Centre is accepting bookings for age 75+ residing anywhere in Ontario via the provincial booking system.
York Region Public Health is looking for vaccinators Mar 29 - Apr 4, you can complete the survey here to express your interest. Questions can be directed to HEOCscheduling@york.ca.
CFPC has a webinar Mar 23rd at Noon with Vaccine Updates for Family Physicians, tune in here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fSfRoDWWLNM
York Region Public Health (YRPH) is working hard on vaccination rollout to chronic homecare recipients and housebound patients. While most will be identified through the LHIN, we are advocating for a process for primary care to identify our patients in this priority.
YRPH is in early planning for distribution of AstraZeneca. We don't know when or how much, but YRPH will soon survey Primary Care for interest in administering AstraZeneca in our offices. It's worth starting the conversation in your office as there are logistical hurdles to consider including required documentation on COVAX (OntarioMD will be providing training and onboarding) and safe physical distancing of patients waiting 15 minutes post-vaccination. There is a new fee code G593 for COVID vaccine administration in office.
Also, just a reminder to think twice when administering other vaccines to your patients, as COVID-19 vaccine should not be administered in the 14 days after receiving any other vaccination. There have been reports of patients who had to be turned away from vaccination clinics due to recent other immunization.
Finally, OMA Burnout Task Force has an important survey on physician burnout. Results will be compared to March 2020 to assess the impact of pandemic on burnout over the past year. Please complete by April 4:https://insights.oma.org/c/r/PhysicianBurnoutSurvey.
Thanks,
Em
