‘It’s really scary’: Alberta physicians face more aggressive, misinformed patients – CBC

Some patients seeking notes for COVID-19 vaccine exemption become abusive when denied, doctors report

Sep 30, 2021

Some family physicians in Alberta say they are dealing with an increasing number of aggressive, misinformed and untrusting patients who want a note exempting them from getting a COVID-19 vaccine.

Two of three Calgary doctors who spoke to The Canadian Press also said some people have yelled racist comments at them after they declined to write a note because the patients did not have health conditions known to cause serious side-effects to a shot.

“They mostly comment on my brown skin and hijab,” said Dr. Sakina Raj. “I’m also Muslim … so they come to religion and they get personal with that.

“It’s really scary because I feel sometimes they were so abusive verbally, that they could harm us. But I still am kind to them. I calm them down nicely. I’m too experienced to be stressed by them.”

Raj said since Premier Jason Kenney announced a proof of vaccination program to try to turn back a crippling fourth wave in the province, safety has become such a concern that Sehet Medical Clinic is now dealing with new patients wanting an exemption only on the phone.

‘It’s really scary’: Alberta physicians face more aggressive, misinformed patients – CBC

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