NEWSLETTER
Be kind, be calm, be safe!
COVID 19 - Coronavirus/ COVID testing
COVID -19 and pregnancy/vaccination
Letter to patients about reopening
Xarelto Care Patient Support Program

BC COVID-19 IMMUNIZATION PLAN
Phase 2 of BC's Immunization plan has been launched.
The booking appointments will be starting Monday 8th March for 90+ seniors and Indigenous seniors 65+.
The roll out will continue over the following two weeks. Seniors 85+ can book from Monday March 15th then seniors aged 80+ from Monday March 22nd.
It is a telephone booking system. For details and phone numbers please click here
The general public is expected to start receiving vaccines in April. Vaccines will be delivered by age group, starting with those aged 75 and older. Everyone should have received the first dose of the vaccine by the end of July.
Health authorities will shortly be reaching out to all British Columbians with information on how to register to get the vaccine.
For more information about the COVID-19 vaccine and BC's immunization plan please look at the BCCDC website here
Another helpful site for vaccine information is Doctors of BC, it has more answers to commonly asked questions.
We are frequently asked about caregivers in the community, family or friends. There is no provision for early vaccination of caregivers in the plan. There is also no provision for us as Family Physicians to advocate for anyone to get the vaccine early at this point in time. We are hopeful this may change once all seniors age 80 and over have been vaccinated but nothing has been announced.
Thank you for your patience, and please continue to do all you can to prevent spread of the virus, and to keep you and your loved ones safe.
This means wearing a mask when you’re out, staying six feet from others, limiting contact to those living in your household, and washing your hands frequently.

COVID-19
In-person COVID testing is done through the Vernon Health Unit. Please call 1-877-740-7747 to book or you can book online at:
https://interiorhealthcovid.secureform.ca/index.php
This is an on line self-assessment tool for COVID 19 from BC Ministry of Health. THE LINK IS HERE
Interior Health have an excellent site with lots of useful information which is updated regularly and it can be found here
The BC Centre for Disease Control has an extensive Covid website which can be found here
Information from Healthlink BC can be found here
LifeLabs COVID Antibody test
Some patients are asking doctors to sign requisitions for COVID antibody tests offered by LifeLabs, under the impression that the test is needed for travel or work purposes.
A COVID antibody test is not required for purposes of travel or work.
MSP does not cover a visit with your doctor if you are requesting a COVID antibody test.
If patients want to see the doctor to request this test, you will be charged for the visit.
Patients will also be billed by LifeLabs for the test.
COVID TESTING PRIOR TO TRAVEL
This is not available in BC. Please see the attached link to a letter that can be printed from Dr Bonnie Henry
OTHER USEFUL LINKS:
Information for people with chronic health conditions:
Managing anxiety and stress in families with children/youth:
COVID 19 parenting tips:
https://www.unicef.org/media/66146/file/COVID-19%20parenting%20tips.pdf
This a short video about overcoming fear of face masks
COVID AND PREGNANCY
SOME LINKS FROM FROM THE SOCIETY OF OBSTETRICIANS AND GYNAECOLOGISTS OF CANADA
These are written for health care workers but are useful for anyone interested. Talk to your doctor to discuss more.
LETTER TO PATIENTS ABOUT REOPENING THE OFFICE
XARELTO CARE PATIENT SUPPORT PROGRAM
Have you experienced loss of coverage for your Xarelto due to COVID-19? Discuss with your Physician and click the link below.