The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) has clarified an earlier statement that sparked controversy for appearing to advise doctors that it may be necessary to refer patients with “anxieties” about receiving COVID-19 vaccination to prescription medications and psychological help.
Screenshots of the initial CPSO statement were published on Oct. 4 by Twitter user Nadine Ness, a former RCMP officer and the wife of a doctor. The statement advised, “It is also important that physicians work with their patients to manage anxieties related to the vaccine and not enable avoidance behaviour. In cases of serious concern, responsible use of prescription medications and/or referral to psychotherapy are available options.”
