May 11, 2021 - PGME Communication - re: healthcare workers and second dose of vaccine
Dear Residents and Fellows,
Please read the message from the Ontario government regarding shortening the interval for the second dose. The message contains the relevant groups – ER, ICU and general internal medicine. My only caveat is that those of you on the redeployment lists for IM and/or ICU should also call public health for an appointment if you have only received the first dose.
Jan 6, 2021 - Additional Vaccine Info from Dr. Alim Pardhan - Town Hall Notes
Dear residents and fellows
Here is another summary that Dr. Pardhan did after the town hall
As seems to be much more organized Than mine- thought we would send this out as well
We are now going the way of more information than none!!
Parveen
Hi Everyone,
Notes from today’s Meeting:
Toronto/Ottawa got a head start
Deployment based on MOH/PHO requirements
Vaccine till now has been focused on LTC and RH who care for vulnerable population – once vaccinated can start allocating to HCW at high risk of exposure
Now are getting some additional doses for HHS Staff
300 staff so far using residual doses from LTC/RH Staff
Ramping up to 12 hours per day – goal is 1000 doses per day
Moderna is coming as well but for LTC residents/RH residents
4 Tiers
Group 1 – high risk of COVID exposure at work – COVID Units, ICU, IM, ED, Critical Care, AGMP Teams – includes everyone – MD (including residents), RNs, RT, Cleaning Teams, Porters etc.
Group 2 – working with vulnerable patients at high risk – Patient populations caring for high risk patient – e.g. Heme Onc, Frail Elderly, Renal Patients
Group 3 – working in all other clinical areas (patient facing) – Ambulatory clinics, procedural (non AGMP) groups etc.
Group 4 – all other hospital workers – working remotely, senior team, non-patient facing
Next Steps:
Starting at 600 people per day
Additional vaccinations starting tomorrow
Includes HHS Staff, Physicians, Residents and learners
Goal is to have all staff done by March
Vaccination Site is at HGH Campus
Sign Up Process
Sign up for the vaccine online – and review FAQ
Looks like self-screening app
Will be asked to self-identify what tier you are in based on the type of work that you do
Sequencing will be done in order as more vaccines are available more people vaccinated
Randomized electronic draw night before
Contacted likely night before – accept if you can make it – if you do not accept or miss will go back to re-randomize. There will likely be some flexibility in times when they call with next day appointment
Will be asked if you wish to be on standby – and can get called at end of day and come in to get it if left over from the day
Jan 6, 2021 - Message from Dr. Wasi to all Learners - Vaccination Distribution Plan
Dear Residents and Fellows,
I hope some of you were able to attend either the town hall either at SJH or HHS.
It was very informative and also great news!
If you were not able to attend, please try and see the recorded session on the HHS hub on the citrix platform.
Here is a summary
There is just a preliminary message and I will follow up on Friday or the weekend. We also have an urgent town hall tomorrow PM with all the PDs to discuss this and make sure everyone is on the same page and if there are questions. Multiple attachments are included for your review and are also available on our vaccination information webpage:
1. The link is included in the attached communication from the hospital. Residents and fellows are included in each priority group with your faculty group.
2. Vaccination clinic – up to 500 per day as of tomorrow and up to 1000 as of Monday.
3. 1- 2 weeks with priority one and up to another 1-2 for priority 2. The hope is that everyone who is seeing patients will be vaccinated by early March.
4. Priority Units- the link/attachment below will explain the risk groups – Any questions about where you fit should be discussed with your Program Director- as you will fit in the priority group of your staff attending. Priority 1 is highest risk of exposure; priority 2 are those looking after vulnerable populations.
5. We also need to keep in mind your rotations- if you are doing a rotation that is considered high- risk for this block or block 8 – please indicate priority 1 even if your base discipline is a lower priority ( e.g GIM; ICU etc for family medicine residents will fit into priority one if you are doing it now or in Block *).
6. Anyone on the redeployment list for Blocks 7 and 8 (that one has not been determined) for CTU or ICU need to indicate Priority 1.
7. All residents in community rotations outside Hamilton, please fill out the app and indicate the priority according to base discipline and/ or high- risk rotation either now or block 8.
This will also depend on availability of vaccine at your local site – if you are being approached then go ahead- some sites such as KW have already started and are ahead of Hamilton. Information about sites should be directed to the PD and/or site coordinator as we do not have specific information for all sites right now.
If you are not sure and haven’t heard anything, please complete the HHS application (link in documents) and we can always remove you if you get vaccinated elsewhere. All residents regardless of rotation and site will have equal access to the Hamilton process.
I think all preceptors will be receptive to your leaving to get the vaccination and would appreciate some lead time.
If you do have to travel – you probably should not sign up for the wait list option.
8. If you are not certain if you should be vaccinated due to a pre-existing health condition ( or pregnancy) please discuss with your health care provider.
9. If you feel that there is a reason ( e.g. immunocompromise etc) that you feel you should be higher priority than base discipline, this should be discussed with your health care provider and your PD- we will leave that decision to you.
10. This is a randomised process so please be patient if you do not get called for a few days and people around you are getting vaccinated. The same will be told to the faculty and staff.
I am sure there is lots that I have not covered and other questions, but really wanted to send this out as soon as possible.
Please contact me if any questions- If I do not know the answer, I will find out for you, and specific questions about your priority group should be discussed with your Program Director.