Family doctors across the Tri-Cities are teaming up with colleagues in hopes of reaching out to residents who are still unsure if they want to get a COVID-19 vaccination.
The Divisions of Family Practice (DFP) received funding from the Public Health Agency of Canada earlier this year to create an online campaign that puts physicians "on a mission" by putting themselves in front of the camera.
The Fraser Northwest division provides primary care services to residents living in Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, New Westminster, Anmore and Belcarra.
The video series features three regional doctors — two from Coquitlam and one in Port Moody — speaking their thoughts on why eligible people aged 12 years and older should get jabbed.
It was also produced in multiple languages and DFP explains, in a release, the focus is primarily on minority groups, as well as young people, and covers four topics:
- The importance of reliable information when it comes to health and the vaccine
- The safety of vaccines for maternity and breastfeeding parents
- The emphasis of receiving the second dose
- Talking to doctors if there are concerns about the vaccines
Dr. Vincent Wong is a Coquitlam-based physician. He says patients should be talking to family doctors, adding they are a good source for reliable details.
"It’s important to seek information from reliable sources because there is simply a lot of information out there," he explains.
"Resources like UpToDate and the government have backed up data and are supported by science. Those are the kind of resources that people should be looking for."
DR. WONG (ENGLISH)
DR. WONG (CANTONESE)
Dr. Nahla Fahmy, who practices out of Coquitlam and New Westminster, provided the campaign with her expertise and insight on why residents shouldn't ghost on the second COVID-19 vaccine dose.
"We can only get the full effectiveness of the vaccines if we get the second dose. Getting vaccinated is not only important for ourselves but our family, friends and loved ones."
DR. FAHMY (ENGLISH)
DR. FAHMY (ARABIC)
In her campaign video — spoken in Korean only — Port Moody physician Dr. Jennifer Yun talks with her elderly mother about her experiences throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
DR. YUN (KOREAN)
As of this publication (Aug. 14), roughly 76% of eligible Tri-City residents aged 12 years and older has received two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine with more opportunities on the way before Labour Day for anyone who hasn't received one jab or both.
"Getting vaccinated means protecting those most vulnerable, it means protecting the people we love most, and it means getting back to normal," he DFP adds in its release.
"Thank you to everyone who has done their part thus far by getting vaccinated, wearing masks, social distancing and getting tested when ill."
Residents are encouraged to register for an immunization through B.C.'s GetVaccinated portal, but you can also walk into a designated clinic for a first or second dose as well.
TRI-CITY VACCINATION STATIONS
Coquitlam Central Station park and ride lot (open daily):
- 2900 Barnet Hwy.
- 9:45 a.m. to 8 p.m. = Monday to Friday
- 9:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. = Saturdays, Sundays and holidays
- Entrance off Mariner Way – east side of Rona. Proceed down the ramp and turn right
- The address will direct you to the main lot on the left but COVID-19 Services are located in the overflow lot to the right
- Do not cut through the Rona parking lot. Please follow the signs
Poirier Forum (closing Sept. 3):
- 618 Poirier St.
- 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Port Coquitlam Farmers Market (Aug. 26):
- 200 - 2253 Leigh Square Place
- 3 to 7 p.m.
SCotFestBC Highland Games (Sept. 4):
- LaFarge Lake Park, Coquitlam
- Sept. 4, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
