Rapid Antiviral Access: Overcoming Time-Critical Barriers
Season 7 – Episode 4
with Amy Lamb & Mike Boivin
Listen to the eXpand Podcast and join experts clinicians as we dive into chronic lung diseases and eXpand your practice.
Early testing and treatment can make a critical difference in respiratory infections. In this episode of the eXpand podcast series, pharmacists Mike Boivin and Amy Lamb discuss the importance of rapid access to antivirals and timely care pathways in Indigenous and remote communities.
About this episode
This episode examines how early diagnosis and rapid treatment can improve outcomes in respiratory infections such as COVID-19 and influenza.
Mike Boivin and Amy Lamb discuss barriers to testing and treatment in remote settings, the importance of culturally responsive communication, and how community-led pathways can support earlier intervention. The episode introduces the “Life Pathway” model, a practical framework for improving access to care.
Today you will learn
- Why early testing and treatment are critical for respiratory infections
- The importance of initiating antivirals within the early symptom window
- Barriers to testing and medication access in remote communities
- How community leadership can help improve health pathways
- Practical strategies to identify high-risk individuals early
- Why culturally responsive messaging improves health engagement
Our special guest
Amy Lamb is a Métis pharmacist with experience working in community health and addressing healthcare access barriers.
Together with pharmacist Mike Boivin, she discusses practical strategies for improving testing, treatment access, and community engagement in respiratory illness management.
Resources to go Deeper
General Indigenous-Led Resources (COVID-19, Flu, RSV)
- National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health (NCCIH): The NCCIH provides extensive resources, including webinars, videos, and fact sheets on vaccine confidence, mental health, and infectious disease prevention tailored for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples.
- Maad’ookiing Mshkiki | Sharing Medicine: A community-led initiative providing timely, accurate, and culturally relevant information regarding COVID-19 vaccines and vaccine hesitancy.
- We Matter: An Indigenous-led initiative providing support and resources to Indigenous youth regarding mental health and coping during the pandemic.
- Talk4Healing: A confidential, culturally safe helpline for Indigenous women in Ontario, available in 14 languages.
First Nations-Led Resources (FNHA & Others)
- First Nations Health Authority (BC): The FNHA provides comprehensive guidance for respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, influenza, and RSV.
- Respiratory Illness Page: Protecting Wellness During Respiratory Illness Season
- RSV Resources: RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) Information
- COVID-19 Guide: A Guide to COVID-19 (PDF)
- Assembly of First Nations (AFN): Offers webinars, fact sheets, and tools focusing on safety and community wellness.
Métis-Led Resources
- Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO): The MNO has led studies on vaccine behaviour and provides resources for its citizens, including the Virtual Care Program.
- Vaccine Report: COVID-19 Vaccine Behavior Community Report
- Health Initiatives: MNO Virtual Care Program
- Métis National Council (MNC): Provides information on support for Métis citizens.
Inuit-Led Resources (ITK)
- Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK): ITK provides COVID-19 and health resources tailored for Inuit Nunangat, including info on federal benefits and safety infographics.
- Main Projects Page: Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami COVID-19 Projects
- Infographics: COVID-19 Infographics
- Tungasuvvingat Inuit (TI): Offers urban services, counseling, and food security resources for Inuit in Ontario.
Vaccine Hesitancy & Cultural Safety Resources
- NCCIH/NCCID Vaccine Confidence Resources: Fact sheets and guides for Indigenous peoples and professionals, available in Cree, Ojibway, and Inuktitut.
- Vaccine Mistrust Report: A document discussing the colonial origins of vaccine hesitancy among Indigenous peoples.
- Webinar on Vaccine Hesitancy: A session featuring Dr. Sarah Funnell, a First Nations Family Physician, discussing challenges and strategies for vaccine uptake.
RESPIPLUS™ received support from Pfizer to develop an informative podcast series specifically tailored to COVID-19.
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