Seasonal immunization has started for influenza, with COVID-19 vaccines available now or very shortly depending on location. All physicians are being asked by Public Health to help improve the uptake of immunization for COVID and flu, as well as pneumococcal vaccine for eligible patients. 

WHY IT MATTERS: Doctors are encouraged to provide both vaccines in their practice if possible, and all doctors are encouraged to recommend the vaccines to their patients. Research here and elsewhere has found a strong recommendation from a physician is perhaps the most important factor in patient decision-making. Seasonal respiratory illness poses a threat to Manitobans’ health as well as hospital capacity. 

• Most of last year’s ICU respiratory illness admissions had not received the current season’s COVID or flu vaccines according to an analysis by Public Health. What’s more, most had co-morbidities putting them further at risk, and most also had many encounters with health care providers in the weeks and months before their ICU admission. 
• Vaccines should be offered proactively during visits to all eligible patients with a clear physician recommendation.
• Dr. Natalie Casaclang, a Medical Officer of Heath, encourages physicians ​“to provide both flu and COVID-19 vaccines to prevent missed opportunities for patients to receive these vaccines. Physicians and other health care providers are also encouraged to get vaccinated against flu and COVID-19 to protect themselves and their patients who may be at high risk of severe influenza and COVID-19 illness.”
• Physicians and clinics can still register to offer the vaccine in their practice. Visit the Seasonal Flu and COVID-19 Vaccine and Distribution Supply webpage for more information on how to register. 

BILLING INFO: Billing tariffs are in place for COVID, flu and pneumococcal vaccines for this season. These tariffs can now be claimed even when the immunization is fully delegated to competent clinic staff. Visits can also be billed by the physician when there’s additional assessment, advice or monitoring required. If vaccines are offered after hours in a primary care clinic, they may be eligible for the extended hours premium. See the current tariffs and billing advice here.

WHAT’S THE LATEST: Flu vaccine was delivered over the last few weeks, with COVID-19 vaccines now being delivered as well. The most recent seasonal virus tracking from Public Health reported 49 hospital admissions, 6 ICU admissions and 10 deaths associated with COVID-19, similar to previous weeks. 

GO DEEPER: Here are key resources to help you in your practice:

• Public Health info for health professionals. Check out the quick reference guide and the vaccine comparison one-pager.
• Get resources, including posters. 
• Watch the webinar with Public Health, hosted by Doctors Manitoba. This includes a respiratory season outlook and information about this year’s immunization campaign. 
• Read the billing advice for seasonal vaccines.
• Find a vaccine using the provincial vaccine finder map.