Thread by @globeandmail

Doctors are seeing an uptick in medical exemption requests as #COVID_19 vaccine mandates sweep across the country, but health officials warn that very few patients will qualify.

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Instead, some doctors see it as an opportunity to address patients’ concerns with immunization and explain the benefits of getting their shots, says Dr. Katharine Smart, president of the @CMA_Docs.

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“Many people with chronic health problems that may have perceived that as a reason not to be vaccinated are actually the very people we want to have vaccinated because they’re at much higher risk of a bad outcome from COVID,” Dr. Smart said.

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The Ontario Medical Association has already seen a small rise in requests for medical exemptions, says Dr. Adam Kassam, president of the organization, but he adds “you’re going to start seeing that uptick grow” as time goes on.

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There are very few conditions that meet the criteria for a medical exemption, making it unlikely that many who ask will qualify, Dr. Smart says. “The reality is, valid medical exemptions for vaccination are very few so it is fairly straightforward.”

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