Dear Colleagues,
As we approach the New Year, I am hopeful about the COVID-19 vaccines and a better 2021 for everyone. The OCFP is continuing to advocate, in partnership with other associations*, for the engagement and participation of family physicians and primary care in vaccine distribution.
We are aware there is a lot of information coming at you about the COVID-19 vaccines. We are working to streamline this so that you receive resources that are both timely and useful. Some highlights are listed below.
COVID-19 vaccine info sessions
Join our next Community of Practice session, Friday, Jan. 8, 8:00 to 9:00 a.m. (ET), with the UofT Department of Family and Community Medicine, for an update on the COVID-19 vaccines. Here are a summary of answers to key questions asked by your family physician colleagues at the Community of Practice session on December 11, as well as a recording of that session.
For those of you who were unable to join the daytime PHAC webinar, COVID-19 Vaccine Foundations for Health Care Providers, on Dec. 14, the recording is expected to be posted soon here.
The CFPC will be hosting a COVID-19 vaccine webinar on January 12th; more details to follow and a recording will be available after the session.
Addressing COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy
We know patients want to come and see their family doctor to talk about and receive the vaccine. We are also hearing about some vaccine hesitancy. Every patient interaction can be an opportunity to share your intention to get vaccinated, address their concerns and let them know you will help them plan to get the vaccine when it is available.
This CEP resource answers common patient questions about the COVID-19 vaccine, and the OMA has a vaccine hesitancy toolkit on its COVID-19 vaccine resource page. (OMA sign-in required)
Other COVID-19 vaccine resources
- The Public Health Agency of Canadahas published this two-pager on what you need to know about the COVID-19 vaccine, as part of its COVID-19 toolkit
- The CEP has produced a COVID-19 vaccines tool with resources geared to primary care providers
- The Ministry of Health recently released COVID-19 fact sheets, including on the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine and Vaccine Availability and Rollout
- Public Health Ontario has a COVID-19 vaccines page
Seasonal surge and holiday planning
Many parts of the province are seeing unprecedented numbers of COVID cases. We support the Ontario Hospital Association’s call for stricter measures to protect the capacity in our healthcare system. You can help amplify the OHA's #StopTheSpread campaign – take the pledge at www.ontariocovidpledge.ca and share through social media.
For some tips to help you to ensure access and coverage for your patients over the holidays, see this message from Dr. David Kaplan, COVID-19 Primary Care Lead for Ontario Health.
Upcoming
Don’t forget to register for the OCFP’s Family Medicine Summit, starting January 30! Up to 65 Mainpro+ certified credits are available, and recorded sessions are available to registrants on-demand until July 2021.
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When you have a few minutes, please have a look at our Year in Review and see what the OCFP has been up to this year.
I hope your holidays are safe and that you take time for rest and recovery. I know we are all looking forward to a healthy 2021 for everyone.
To those of you working in clinics, hospitals, assessment centres or long-term care during this holiday season, a special thank you for your commitment to your communities and the health and wellness of all Ontarians.
Take care and stay well,
Liz
* COVID-19 Vaccine Partners in Primary Care: (in alphabetical order)
Alliance for Healthier Communities
Association of Family Health Teams of Ontario
Indigenous Primary Health Care Council
Nurse Practitioners' Association of Ontario
Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic Association
Ontario College of Family Physicians
Ontario Medical Association Section on General and Family Practice
Ontario’s Academic Chairs of Family Medicine