Partnership with Doctors Manitoba Support Informed Consent Process for Clients: Stefanson

A new collaboration with Doctors Manitoba is helping to add additional capacity at immunization super sites in Winnipeg, Health and Seniors Care Minister Heather Stefanson announced today.

​“The expertise and support of Manitoba physicians are an integral part of this vaccine campaign,” said Stefanson. ​“People coming for their vaccine may have questions or concerns, and doctors provide trusted advice as part of that process. Together, we will protect Manitobans from COVID-19 and keep each other safe.”

Many individuals require medical guidance or screening before agreeing to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, due to specific health issues, medications or allergies. The Doctors Manitoba physician team is providing this service, while also supporting super-site staff with clinical questions that arise. Coverage is now in place at the RBC Convention Centre location and will also be in place at the Leila location when it opens May 7.

“Physicians want to do whatever we can to support Manitobans in accessing COVID-19 vaccines, whether that is at a doctor’s office or by supporting the provincial vaccine super sites,” said Dr. Cory Baillie, president, Doctors Manitoba. ​“Getting a vaccine is a personal decision, and doctors can offer trusted advice and guidance about personal health concerns to support Manitobans in making an informed decision. Over 95 per cent of physicians have already been vaccinated, which demonstrates the trust we have in the safety and effectiveness of all of the COVID-19 vaccines approved in Canada.”

At the request of the Vaccine Implementation Task Force, Doctors Manitoba has led the recruitment of the physician team, and will oversee scheduling and payroll. Over 170 physicians have applied to cover shifts into early September.

The new joint initiative builds on other collaborations between the province and Doctors Manitoba to support the pandemic response including:

• offering COVID-19 vaccines in nearly 200 medical clinics across the province,
• partnering with medical clinics to offer COVID-19 testing, and
• approving the use of virtual visits during the pandemic period to keep patients and doctors connected.

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