Weekly COVID-19 update February 25, 2021 A message from the Registrar Dear Colleagues,
Yesterday, Alberta started the process for people to book appointments for the COVID-19 vaccine. While it was not without a few hiccups, the fact the system was overwhelmed within the first few hours is a sign that there is considerable public interest. This is a positive step forward for our province and for the health and well-being of Albertans.
At this time, the ACAC has not been notified by Alberta Health as to where chiropractors and their clinical staff are in the timetable for eligibility to receive the vaccine. Rest assured that once we are told, we will make that information available to you.
Last evening, the ACAC was proud to host an information session for chiropractors in Alberta and across Canada with representatives from the COVID-19-to-zero task force. "Information on the COVID-19 Vaccination for health-care professionals" with Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Jia Hu and Infectious Disease Specialist Dr. Cora Constantinescu had more than 300 participants who heard information on the two vaccines currently in use in Canada, as well as information about the testing process among other topics. This was followed by a Q&A session. While not all the questions asked by participants were answered in the session, the presenters have agreed to review all of them and provide answers in the coming weeks. I would like to personally thank all Alberta chiropractors that attended this webinar. The session was recorded and is available to view on the ACAC website.
This session was put on to inform chiropractors in their personal vaccination decision. It was not intended for chiropractors to discuss vaccination information with their patients. The ACAC directs members to refer all patient questions regarding immunization and vaccinations to the appropriate public health authorities and/or health professional whose scope of practice includes vaccination.
As part of our commitment to you to help you in this process, as we fully understand that patients will be potentially more engaged in the vaccine discussion now that the province has begun the larger population registration for appointments, the ACAC is offering a webinar on March 4 dealing with managing patient questions related to COVID-19 vaccines. Additional details are below.
These two webinars are a small sampling of the resources the ACAC has prepared and provided to members in the past year. And we are seeking your thoughts on these resources through our online ThoughtExchange. Full details are listed below.
Finally, as the ACAC continues to receive inquiries regarding eye protection, we are reprising information shared before Christmas on wearing eye protection in your clinical settings.
Your continued professionalism and dedication to the well-being of yourselves, your staff, and your patients while providing chiropractic services continues to receive recognition by public health. Thank you for your ongoing efforts.
Regards, Dr. Todd Halowski ACAC Registrar
Wearing eye protection in the office The ACAC is in regular contact with Alberta Health on a variety of PPE and safety measures for front-line health-care workers. The information provided to members in December is still accurate as of this publication and remains our best advice for chiropractors and staff working in close contact with patients. Community-based practitioners, such as chiropractors, do not require eye protection when treating asymptomatic patients. However, Alberta Health Services and Primary Care Networks are instructing community-based physicians to wear eye protection in addition to masking when caring for asymptomatic patients.
While there is no official requirement for community-based practitioners, the ACAC strongly recommends that chiropractors start to wear eye protection in addition to procedural masks when treating patients. The reason for this recommendation is that wearing eye protection in addition to procedural masks reduces the likelihood that you will be considered a close contact after an exposure in the clinic.
The ACAC is also receiving reports from members that exposure to COVID variants without eye protection is automatically leading to 14 days of quarantine. We are seeking clarity on these reports with Public Health. These reports are yet another reason to consider protecting yourself by adhering to the strong recommendation to wear eye protection.
As a reminder, you should not be treating any patients that exhibit symptoms. Symptomatic patients should be directed to call 811.
March 4 "Managing patient questions related to COVID-19 vaccines" The ACAC will host a webinar on March 4 at 8:30 a.m. to discuss managing patient questions on the COVID-19 vaccines and to respond to your questions. Click here to register. In preparation for the webinar, you may have questions that you would like to have answered. You can ask them in advance of the webinar through this survey. By asking in advance, you will help us to be more complete in the answers we provide.
How have you found the ACAC COVID-19 resources? Share your thoughts in our ThoughtExchange before it closes on March 4 at 4 p.m. Your feedback will help us determine how we can best support you in the months ahead.
This weekly, Thursday morning COVID-19 update provides non-urgent, yet important, information and answers questions posed by members as part of the ACAC’s ongoing efforts to keep members informed about public health responses to the pandemic. If you have questions related to policy, procedures, control measures, safety, or any other topic pertaining to effectively responding to COVID-19 in your practice, please send them to registrar@albertachiro.com.
The next update will be March 4, 2021.
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