Dec. 17, 2021 – Ontario has called on the Ontario College of Family Physicians (OCFP) and family doctors to help get more Ontarians vaccinated. Family physicians across the province are stepping up to meet this urgent “call to arms.”
For family physicians to assist with the mass vaccination efforts currently under way, patients may see some short-term changes in the services offered by their family doctor. At the request of the Ontario government, family doctors may need to defer some non-urgent care.
“Please be assured that our offices will remain open and that your family doctor will be there for you at this time. Do not delay seeking care particularly for any new or worsening condition,” said Dr Elizabeth Muggah, President of the OCFP. “However, in some cases, for non-critical issues your doctor may need to postpone that appointment during this period so that they can help with this enormous public health effort.”
Throughout the pandemic, family physicians have been working tirelessly to support the COVID-19 response. Collectively, we have continued to care for patients in practice, staffed hospital emergency departments, and supported COVID testing, assessment and vaccination efforts. Family doctors are also providing consultations for patients who have questions about the vaccines. We have also provided care to some of our most vulnerable Ontarians – including seniors, those with chronic illness, people in long term care and those experiencing homelessness.
“We recognize the ongoing challenge this will bring both to family physicians and their patients as we are currently still working through a backlog resulting from the pandemic,” said Dr Muggah. “However, we understand the need for vaccines is critical right now in response to the omicron variant that is rapidly increasing in our communities and family physicians across Ontario will support as needed. We ask Ontarians to please be patient with your family doctor as we work through this urgent phase of the pandemic.”
Family physicians across Ontario urges all who are eligible, including children ages 5 and up, to get their vaccine (1st, 2nd or 3rd dose) as soon as possible. If you need a vaccine or have questions about vaccines, contact your family doctor or go online to book your appointment.
About the Ontario College of Family Physicians
The Ontario College of Family Physicians represents more than 15,000 family physicians across the province. We support our members by providing evidence-based education and professional development, promoting and recognizing leadership excellence in family medicine, and advocating for the vital role family physicians play in delivering the highest-quality care to patients and families across Ontario. A not-for-profit and voluntary organization, the OCFP was established in 1954 and is the provincial chapter of the College of Family Physicians of Canada.
Contact
Karen Archer