Family physicians are key to Canada’s COVID-19 vaccination rollout
Position Statement
January 14, 2021The COVID-19 vaccination campaign marks a major turning point in Canada’s fight against the pandemic. The College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC) is working with the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) to highlight the role of family physicians as trusted advisers with their patients and their roles in COVID-19 vaccine administration.
With two safe and effective vaccines now available, the next tasks are the effective distribution and administration of the vaccines to everyone in Canada who wants to be vaccinated, starting with the most vulnerable and at-risk populations. Vaccinating millions of people is an immense undertaking, which is made more urgent by the increasing numbers testing positive for COVID-19. A collaborative effort from many health care professionals will be instrumental in successfully delivering the vaccines.
As the backbone of primary care, family physicians are uniquely positioned to make fundamental contributions to these efforts. Raising awareness of the vaccines through patient education and addressing any concerns, as well as delivering the vaccine in family practices across Canada, will be key to the efficient rollout of the campaign. Family doctors are also well positioned to assist with or lead vaccination efforts in other settings such as hospitals and long-term care homes.
While specific vaccine delivery programs are being created in every province and territory, the CFPC encourages PHAC to continue to inform family physicians of evolving circumstances and support family doctors in their work to provide care during the pandemic, including the ongoing distribution of COVID-19 vaccines.
