President's Letter
As I am sure many of you have heard, Alberta Health announced that Phase 2C of the COVID-19 vaccine roll out begins today. They have given priority to health care providers delivering direct patient care. I have heard from many members since the first vaccines were approved late last year, and we have all been anxiously awaiting this announcement.
As per the information available on the Alberta.ca website, community physicians and their staff providing in-person, direct patient care can book appointments through participating pharmacies, through Alberta Health Services at 811 or online. This phase also includes physicians working in patient care facilities or providing services directly to patients in AHS, Covenant Health, Alberta Precision Labs and DynaLife, as well as on First Nation reserves and Metis Settlements. Medical students undertaking placement practicums in clinical areas are also included.
I have been in contact with the College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta and your license will serve as proof of your eligibility. For those of you who have staff who are involved in direct, in-person care, you will need to provide those staff members with a letter. The CPSA is working on a form letter to assist physicians with this task. Please remember that you and your staff are only eligible if you are providing direct, in-person patient care.
We have inquired about the process of providing documentation to prove eligibility. This is the same approach taken earlier in the roll out when health care staff working in long-term care, designated supportive living facilities and others attended their appointments. It will also apply to future groups in Phase 2C. Documentation isn’t required to book an appointment but must be presented at the appointment.
Stay safe.
Your comments are welcome in the following ways:
- Communicate with me privately and directly by email if you would like a reply: [email protected]
- Comment publicly on this President’s Letter on the AMA website (please be aware that comments are public, i.e., not members-only, even if you are logged in as a member).
Sincerely,
Paul E. Boucher, MD, FRCPC
President, Alberta Medical Association