COVID-19 IMMUNIZATION PROGRAM UPDATES This afternoon, Alberta Health announced several updates to Alberta's COVID-19 Immunization Program that will come into effect on April 12. EXPANDING ELIGIBILITY FOR FOURTH DOSES Alberta will be offering fourth booster doses to the following populations: All residents of seniors’ congregate living facilities, regardless of age (Strong recommendation) Individuals 80 years of age and older living in the community (Strong recommendation) First Nations, Metis and Inuit adults 65-79 years of age, regardless of where they live (Strong recommendation) Individuals 70-79 years of age living in the community (Discretionary recommendation) This is in line with the recent recommendations from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI). Also in line with these recommendations, children age six to 11 will also have an additional option with the Moderna mRNA vaccine. NOVAVAX (NUVAXOVID) COVID-19 VACCINE Alberta will be making the Novavax (Nuvaxovid) COVID-19 vaccine available as a two-dose primary series and/or as a booster dose to Albertans 18 years and older who are contraindicated for or have refused mRNA COVID-19 vaccines.

PRESCRIBING PAXLOVIDTM IN YOUR PRACTICE

Later this month, prescribing Paxlovid™ to eligible Alberta COVID-19 patients at high risk of severe outcomes will begin transitioning to primary care providers. Primary care providers will likely have varying capacities to take on this responsibility, and it’s an important role: involving the patient’s most-trusted care provider ensures greater continuity of care and greater access to this treatment.  EXPANDING PAXLOVID AND SOTROVIMAB ELIGIBILITY Effective April 6, eligibility has expanded to include: First Nations, Métis, and Inuit people age 45 and older who are unvaccinated or have received only one dose of vaccine Individuals living in long-term care and designated supportive living settings, regardless of vaccination status Curious about your unvaccinated or under-vaccinated patients? Check your HQCA Primary Healthcare Panel Reports to review this information.

TESTING AND PRESCRIBING PROGRAM AHS will continue to provide testing and will operate a dedicated Health Link line (1-844-343-0971) and the Monoclonal Antibody Prescription Program (MAPP) for Albertans wanting to access Paxlovid.  Primary care prescribers can also contact the MAPP program through Referral, Access, Advice, Placement, Information & Destination (RAAPID) if they have questions about prescribing in complex situations. Note: MAPP will be important in coordinating and providing care for unattached patients. UPCOMING WEBINAR 12 PM, April 27 | COVID Talks for Docs: What you need to know about Paxlovid, AMA ACTT During this webinar, physicians and their teams will have the opportunity to ask questions related to Paxlovid. COMING SOON: TOOLS AND RESOURCES To ensure providers are prepared for this transition, provincial teams are assembling key resources to be available toward the end of April.

QUICK LINKS ICYMI | Update on the sudden increase in influenza cases and outbreaks Map & list of pharmacies providing Paxlovid, Alberta Blue Cross Updated guidance on aerosol-generating medical procedures and designated support persons, AHS For more on Paxlovid, visit COVID-19 Outpatient Treatment, AHS Questions? Email PHC@ahs.ca

For the latest COVID-19 information, tools, and resources, visit our: COVID-19 Resources Page

Alberta College of Family Physicians | www.acfp.ca

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