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Pharmacies already facing vaccine shortage Residents of Tofield and area in for a wait as vaccine shipping and supply problems abound Moush John Editor Eligible residents from Tofield and area were happy when the local pharmacy, PharmaChoice, was booking COVID-19 vaccine appointments, but this weekend, pharmacy owner Darren Erickson said that he administered the final vaccine injection. “It has been an interesting week at the Tofield PharmaChoice as we witnessed many emotions this week, mostly smiles and tears of relief,” Erickson said. “But, it was also the week where we ran out of vaccine and even though future orders have been confirmed, shipping and supply problems seem to be rampant. There are so many steps that need to align to get the vaccine here.” Outlining the process briefly he said, “First of all it arrives to Canada in a large order, frozen at minus 20 degrees Celsius and monitored by the GPS. It is then split and shipped to provinces, and further split again into small temperature-monitored coolers for store delivery. It goes directly into our fridge at regulated temperatures of between two and eight degrees Celsius, where it thaws and then has a 30-day expiry date. ” The first batch of Moderna that PharmaChoice received was delivered by FedEx last week, but future orders may be delivered by a different company. According to Erickson, special low waste syringes are delivered by another company, which are used to get as
much vaccine possible out of every vial available. “It’s very complicated with many moving parts, but the bottom line is that we are at the mercy of all these steps and procedures, and it is likely our supplies will be limited.” Erickson said that all those who came in to get their shots were relieved and happy to have it administered locally. “I feel I have won a lottery,” said Bryan Quinn, one of the many who came to get their vaccine. “I hope everyone will take the vaccine when their turn came.” Another patient, Nancy Cuelenare, arrived very relaxed and quiet. While she filled out the paperwork she had tears running down her cheek. “I can’t believe that the day has finally come to get the shot!” Even though vaccine has been administered, patients are still requested to wear a mask while building immunity for the next two weeks, and after as well to provide additional protection to those who haven’t yet received the vaccine. All those who have had the shot will have to return for a booster when they are called within the next 120 days. Community physicians will soon administer vaccines In a statement released last week, the Government of Alberta stated that community physicians will soon begin administering the COVID-19 vaccine, helping more Albertans get their dose as soon as possible. According to the release, Alberta Health has been working with the Al-
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berta Medical Association (AMA) to incorporate community physicians into the vaccine distribution plan as vaccine supply increases. This has resulted in more than 500 expressions of interest from Alberta physicians and stand-alone clinics. Combined, 185 physician clinics containing 1,100 physicians will create additional capacity for an estimated 14,000 daily doses, as supply allows. Some physicians are already assisting Alberta Health Services (AHS) with vaccine administration. “Albertans look to their family physicians as a trusted primary source of health care,” said Tyler Shandro, Minister of Health. “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.” The first community physicians are expected to begin administering vaccines in their clinics in April. New temporary billing codes are being added to the schedule of medical benefits to allow physicians to bill for this service. A medical bulletin outlining the details will be issued in the coming days. Initially, a limited number of clinics will be able to offer the COVID-19 vaccines; however, vaccine supply is expected to increase during the coming weeks and the number of community clinics administering the vaccine will expand along with supply.