Hello all,
On behalf of AHS and our primary care partners, the Primary Health Care team is pleased to share the following items for distribution to your audiences as appropriate.
Important item alert: Please note that the first item below contains important clinical information on measles, and it’s recommended that it be included in communication materials to primary care teams.
If you have any questions about the mailout, please contact me at Jane.Chamberlin@AHS.ca.
Thanks,
Jane
Clinical information
New primary care measles resources
As measles has been identified in Alberta this year, and cases are increasing globally, AHS is offering new resources for primary care providers:
- Environmental Cleaning Guidelines in Community Clinics
- Note: cleaning guidelines are relevant to all clinical situations, not just measles
- Measles Primary Care Summary Guide
- Provincial Measles Primary Care Clinical Pathway
You can also refer to existing measles resources, including:
- Laboratory Testing for Suspected Measles (APL bulletin)
- Measles: Learn About Measles, Who is at Risk, & How It Spreads
- Measles Information for Health Professionals
- Viral Transport Medium Change (APL bulletin)
Paxlovid™ funding changes
As of May 24, the federal government is no longer providing Paxlovid™ to the provinces and territories.
Moving forward, Alberta will provide coverage for Paxlovid™ for Albertans at the highest risk of progression to severe COVID-19 and who are members of government-sponsored drug plans (e.g., Coverage for Seniors or a low income plan, such as Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped or Alberta Adult Health Benefit).
Albertans who require access to Paxlovid™ and do not have government-sponsored drug coverage are encouraged to speak to their private insurance plan administrator to determine if this therapy is funded under their policy. Paxlovid™ has been added as a benefit to Alberta Blue Cross group and Individual Product plans where eligible.
Albertans who have tested positive for COVID-19 can call their primary care practitioner to determine if they meet the eligibility criteria or are candidates for Paxlovid™. Or, they can call the dedicated line at 1-844-343-0971.
What is Paxlovid™?
Paxlovid™ is an oral antiviral drug used to prevent patients who are moderately to severely immunosuppressed with COVID-19 from progressing to a severe disease. It must be taken within five days of symptom onset.
Who’s eligible?
Albertans are eligible if they:
- Are 18 years of age or older AND
- Have been diagnosed with COVID-19 based on a positive test result (either rapid antigen test or PCR test) AND
- Are moderately or severely immunosuppressed – including, for example, patients who have had organ transplants, or who have HIV or renal conditions.
Note: there is no longer an age requirement for Paxlovid™ eligibility.
Find more information on funding changes
Get details on eligibility requirements and access
Reminder: Monday, June 10 – FAST will launch Gynecology in Calgary, Central, North and South Zones
The Facilitated Access to Specialized Treatment (FAST) program will begin accepting gynecology referrals in Calgary, Central, North and South Zones on June 10, 2024. FAST currently accepts referrals for general surgery, orthopedic surgery, urology* and vascular surgery.
Edmonton Zone continues to intake colposcopy referrals and plans to add all gynecology reasons for referral in Fall 2024.
FAST is a provincial central access and intake program. Learn more at AHS.ca/FAST.
*Urology referrals in Edmonton Zone should continue to be submitted through eReferral.
Engagement opportunities
Pride Month
AHS strives to create an environment that highly values diversity and welcomes and respects people’s contributions. An environment where everyone, including patients, families, healthcare providers, physicians and volunteers feel safe, healthy and valued. Creating safer and more welcoming healthcare increases the quality of care and experience offered to the 2SLGBTQ+ community.
For more information and resources
Professional development and events
Team Based Care
Teamwork is becoming more and more important in patient care and clinic teams are expanding. This webinar will focus on team-based excellence to achieve patient centered care.
- June 20, 2024 12:00-1:00pm
- Organized by AMA-ACTT & Alberta Association of Clinic Managers
- For more information
Stroke Month
Throughout June, which is nationally recognized as Stroke Month, The AHS Stroke Program Edmonton Zone (SPEZ) promotes stroke awareness through weekly virtual presentations on various stroke topics including nutrition and stroke, caregiver role, vision impairments after stroke, and pediatric stoke
- For more information
Pain Society of Alberta Conference
Coming together to share, learn and inspire healthcare providers to effectuate change for people living with pain.
- October 17-19, 2024
- For more information
AHS Breastfeeding Course
Alberta’s go-to online 20-hour breastfeeding course for healthcare professionals. This free CME-accredited course provides flexible, accredited learning to enhance your breastfeeding knowledge and support skills.
For more information
Updated Introduction of Complementary Foods Nutrition Guideline and NEW handouts
AHS Nutrition Services has updated the health professional resource, Introduction to Complementary Foods Nutrition Guideline, and associated client handouts, Starting Solid Foods: When and How, Starting Solid Foods: First Foods, Starting Solid Foods: Making Food for Your Baby, and Starting Solid Foods: Drinks for Baby, for use in your practice