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Dentists and doctors are expected to get vaccinated against COVID-19 as outlined in the guidance, jointly released by the Dental Council and the Medical Council of New Zealand today.
“As health care providers, dentists and doctors have a responsibility to get vaccinated to protect themselves, their patients and wider community against COVID-19, unless medically contraindicated,” says Dental Council, Chair Andrew Gray.
Dentists and doctors have an ethical and professional obligation to protect and promote the health of the public. The guidance recognises vaccination is a crucial part of the New Zealand public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This guidance sets clear expectations across both professions to support Aotearoa’s public health response and the COVID-19 vaccination programme. Doctors and dentists should be prepared to discuss evidence-based information about vaccination and its benefits with patients,” says Medical Council Chair, Dr Curtis Walker.
Respiratory physician Lutz Beckert considers chronic obstructive pulmonary disease management, including the prevention of COPD, the importance of smoking cessation and pulmonary rehabilitation, and the lifesaving potential of addressing treatable traits. He also discusses the logic of inhaler therapy, moving from single therapy to dual and triple therapy when indicated, as well as other aspects of management
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