Health, Safety and Environment Bulletin

Sept. 22, 2023 | Health, Safety & Environment Coordinator

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Dear Staff, Faculty and Students,

Bi-Valent COVID-19 Vaccine Now Available

The new bivalent COVID-19 booster, which targets the original virus and the Omicron BA.1 variant, was approved by Health Canada on Sept. 1. AHS is offering the booster to everyone 18 and over starting Sept. 21.

AHS recommends waiting at least five months after your last dose or booster, or COVID infection, to get the bivalent shot. To book an appointment to receive the bi-valent COVID-19 vaccine, reach out to the University Health Centre or a local pharmacy for booking and more information.

For more information please visit Alberta Health Service Vaccine Information.

Changes to Fit For Work Screening

You may have noticed fewer choices when answering the “Where will you be” question on the FFW screening form. The selections remaining on the form are those clinical locations that are required to adhere to AHS interim COVID-19 requirements. This is the current School of Dentistry Fit For Work Screening Questionnaire.

**Completing a FFW form once each day you will be in Kaye Edmonton Clinic or any other School of Dentistry clinical location is STILL REQUIRED.** 

COVID-19 Pandemic Restrictions

We are approaching the 3 year mark of living with COVID-19 related restrictions. Many of us are exhausted with having to abide by these interim rules and are looking forward to their end.

We have been able to deliver our educational and patient care programs safely because of our adherence to those annoying restrictions and workplace requirements. Please, don’t quit now! We’ve kept ourselves and our patients safe by continuing to follow our workplace requirements and we must continue to do so.

The end of the pandemic is finally within sight. Let's finish this thing strong by continuously wearing our masks in ALL AHS locations and submitting an FFW form before the start of each clinical day. 

Have IPC Questions, Concerns or Positive Comments? Email dentIPC@ualberta.ca.

Sincerely,
Dr. Khaled Altabtbaei, IPC Officer
Ronna Richardson-Lozano, IPC Coordinator