No images? Click here MEDICAL ADVISORY: Supporting the COVID-19 Vaccination RolloutIssued by: M. Mustafa Hirji, MD, MPH, FRCPC, Medical Officer of Health & Commissioner (Acting) Niagara Health is currently administering first and second doses of the Pfizer vaccine to the highest, very high, and high priority healthcare workers as outlined by the Ministry of Health. HCP engagement sent an email Friday, Feb. 26 with instructions for family physicians and their patient-facing staff to book vaccine appointments. If you are experiencing technical issues registering for the vaccine, please call 905-378-4647 Ext. 49099 and leave a message. If you have questions about COVID-19 vaccines, eligibility or your priority group please view Niagara Region Public Health’s Frequently Asked Questions for Health Care Professionals webpage, Niagara Health’s healthcare worker first dose vaccination plan website or contact hcpengagement@niagararegion.ca. As a trusted source of information for your patients, we recognize how challenging it must be not having as many answers as you would like to provide your patients regarding the vaccination rollout. Niagara Region Public Health is preparing to rollout large-scale vaccination later this month and has announced the planned locations of COVID-19 vaccination sites. Residents 80 years of age and older will be able to book their appointments through the Provincial online and phone registration that is scheduled to launch Monday, March 15. As soon as we have more information about it, including the website link, phone number, and any other pertinent information, we will share it with the public. You can read our recent media releases at niagararegion.ca/news. Once vaccine supply is increased, the clinics will be supplemented by local pharmacies and family doctors. If you are interested in seeing what this looks like, read the Ontario Pharmacies and Primary Care Settings to Begin Offering COVID-19 Vaccinations news release at ontario.ca/news. Here are some ways you can support Niagara’s vaccination efforts. Stay Informed Public Health will continue to send out communications in the form of Memos and Medical Advisories. If you don’t yet receive them via email you can sign up at niagararegion.ca/health/professionals and click “Medical Advisories” on the left navigation. In addition to the COVID-19 Vaccination Information Medical Advisory we sent in January, please visit the following resources to support your patient consults:
Getting timely information has never been more important. Subscribe for COVID-19 media briefings for the latest local updates. Proactively Engage Patients to Support Vaccine Confidence According to a recent study, at least two-thirds of Canadians think it is very important for their health care providers to explain possible vaccine side effects and rare reactions, effectiveness and safety of the COVID-19 vaccines. Recommendations:
Additional resources to help you address vaccine hesitancy in your practice include:
Prepare to Administer COVID-19 Vaccinations Please familiarize yourself with the following COVID-19 vaccination planning resources:
We will continue to update our COVID-19 Vaccination webpage as more information is made available. |