(Canadian Press)

By Justin Goulet

Community physicians to soon be able to administer COVID vaccines in Alberta

Mar 16, 2021 | 10:22 AM

EDMONTON, AB – Community physicians in Alberta will soon start administering COVID-19 vaccine.

Alberta Health has been working with the Alberta Medical Association (AMA) to incorporate community physicians into the vaccine distribution plan as supply increases.

As a result, the province received over 500 expressions of interest from physicians in Alberta and stand-alone clinics. Combined, 185 physician clinics containing 1,100 physicians will result in additional capacity for an estimated 14,000 daily doses, as supply allows.

The province noted that some physicians are already assisting Alberta Health Services (AHS) with vaccine administration.

The first community physicians are anticipated to start administering vaccines in their clinics next month.

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The province stated that new temporary billing codes are being added to the schedule of medical benefits to allow physicians to bill for this service.

A medical bulleting outlining the details will be issued in the next few days.

“Albertans look to their family physicians as a trusted primary source of health care. Community physicians who are joining the effort to administer COVID-19 vaccines to everyone who wants one, will offer Albertans additional ways to receive the vaccine and protect themselves against this very real threat to their health,” stated Tyler Shandro, Alberta’s Minister of Health.

“Physicians are eager to know that their patients are being protected from COVID-19. Those family physicians who are able to participate – in their own clinics or through the new rapid flow sites – will make a substantial difference and enhance Alberta’s response to the pandemic,” added Dr. Paul Boucher president of the AMA.

Alberta Health is reviewing all expressions of interest.

Once that process is finished, interested physicians will be contacted to validate their interest and organize the logistics for supply distribution and record management.

At first, a limited number of clinics will be able to offer vaccines. However, supply is expected to increase in the coming weeks and the number of community clinics administering shots will expand with that supply.

Planning is underway for rapid flow clinics involving physicians and other health care professionals that can be used in the future, if need be. These clinics would be used if the province were to receive an unexpected surge in vaccine supply.

To date, 368,124 doses of vaccine have been administered in Alberta, with 91,593 Albertans fully immunized with two doses. More on the province’s vaccine strategy is available here.