Clinical information

New Clinical Updates

• August 2: COVID-19 vaccine now available for children 6 months to 5 years 
  Appointments are available through the Alberta Vaccine Booking System and Health Link 811. AHS will administer all doses for this age group. Information and resources to help parents, guardians and families make an informed decision about immunizing their children is available online.
• July 19: COVID-19 boosters expanded for those 18 and older
  Starting July 20, Albertans 18 years of age and older can book appointments for a second booster dose of mRNA vaccine five months or more after receiving their first booster dose.
• July 12: Changes to COVID-19 testing
  Beginning July 18, a laboratory requisition from a most responsible provider will be required for patients who meet testing criteria to receive a molecular test at an AHS assessment centre and swabbing site. Requisition forms can be faxed to 403-943-6700. The guidance summary breaks down the key testing policy changes to manage COVID-19 symptoms in community practice.
• July 7: Long COVID Resources
  Self-management resources for patients suspected of having Long COVID.

Community Physicians

Outpatient Treatments for COVID-19

• Paxlovid Practitioner Prescription Template 
  This practitioner prescription can be used when prescribing Paxlovid to patients. It can also be used as a companion sheet to send along with an EMR-generated prescription to let the pharmacist know interactions and eligibility have been addressed.
• Step-by-step Paxlovid prescribing guide
  A resource from ACFP to help physicians get started prescribing Paxlovid.
• Outpatient treatment for COVID-19
  Information and resources on available outpatient treatments for COVID-19.
• Paxlovid™ availability in pharmacies
  Since not all pharmacies in Alberta are handling Paxlovid, prescribers are responsible for confirming that the pharmacy they are sending a prescription to is dispensing Paxlovid and have it in stock. If a pharmacy receives a prescription for Paxlovid and is unable to fill it, the pharmacy is responsible for identifying another pharmacy that can fill the prescription. This map can be used to verify which pharmacies in your community are dispensing Paxlovid.
• Evusheld now offered for prevention of COVID-19
  Evusheld is offered for prevention of COVID-19 to Albertans who are highly immunocompromised. Health care provider FAQ; Patients FAQ
• Paxlovid™ treatment: Updates on rebound symptoms and long COVID 
  Letter to Alberta physicians from the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health

Patient Care & Your Practice

• COVID 19 Guidance for Community Providers
  Provincial PCN Committee - COVID Task Group has produced a COVID-19 guidance document for community providers. The guidance summary breaks down the key testing policy changes to manage COVID-19 symptoms in community practice.
• Advice and template to support doctor's note requests from patients for travel
  Advice and a letter template are provided to support clinics receiving requests for a doctor's note for the purpose of international travel.
• COVID-19 Information for Community Physicians
  The primary source of information on COVID-19 specific to community physicians and their teams. Includes guidance and pathways.
• COVID-19 immunization for children under 12
  AHS web page with resources and information on COVID-19 immunization for children under 12.
• COVID-19 FAQs for Community Physicians
  A comprehensive document for all COVID-19 related content. This document replaces the former Immunization, Infection Prevention & Control & Exposure, and Patient Care & Testing FAQs.
• Be a Vaccine Positive Clinic - Toolkit
  Resource from the AMA with tools and information on addressing vaccine hesitancy and providing vaccinations in community practice.

Evidence Reviews

• AHS Rapid Review: Likelihood of Transmission of COVID-19 infection after COVID-19 Vaccination
• Although studies suggest that it is overall rare for vaccinated people to spread COVID-19 infection, it is possible. Vaccinated people should still follow public health measures in place. October 21, 2021.
• PEER Tools for Practice: Long COVID: A (somewhat) short summary of risks, symptoms and natural course
  The presence of Long COVID (persistence of ≥1 symptom after acute infection) is found in 20-80% at 60 days post-infection, varying widely based on study design and population. Fatigue, dyspnea and cognitive effects are the most common symptoms. September 20, 2021
• Scientific Advisory Group COVID-19 Recommendations
  View more evidence reviews on the AHS website.

Hospital-Based Physicians

• COVID-19 Information for AHS Staff and Health Professionals
  AHS information page