COVID-19
COVID-19 presents important challenges for people affected by Scleroderma. This page provides available resources and pertinent information for Scleroderma patients, as well as initiatives to support the organization and patients during these difficult times.
If you have questions about mental health, well-being, or coping with COVID-19, SPIN Director, Dr. Brett Thombs, and the SPIN Team are ready to provide answers. Please submit your questions here.
Vaccine news
2021-03-12
Manitoba scleroderma patients' eligibility for the AstraZeneca vaccine
With the approval of several vaccines in Canada for Covid-19, there are many questions about the safety and efficacy of the vaccines for people living with scleroderma.
The Scleroderma Foundation in the United States has provided information and recommendations on COVID-19 vaccines which can be accessed using the link below. It has highly credible information from some of the top experts in the world. Scleroderma Manitoba recommends that you discuss medical decisions regarding the vaccine with your doctor.
Scleroderma Foundation: Questions and Answers Regarding the COVID-19 Vaccine
SPIN Series: Living with Covid
SPIN (The Scleroderma Patient Information Network) is offering weekly educational webinars, starting February 2nd and held every Wednesday thereafter, for a total of 11 webinars. To learn more about the SPIN webinars and presentation line-up click here.
Facebook Event page registration for the first session here.
Webinar February, March, and April Line-up:
02/02: Miss the “Healthy Information Management” session with Laura Dyas? Watch the recordinghere.
02/10: Miss the “Worry management” session with Ghassan El-Baalbaki? Watch the recording here.
02/17: Miss the “Relaxation techniques” session with Ghassan El-Baalbaki? Watch the recording here.
02/24: Miss the “Adapted home exercise” session with Kelsey Ellis & Delaney Duchek? Watch the recording here.
03/03: Miss the “Home activity engagement” session with Laura Bustamante? Watch the recording here.
03/10: Worry management (Part 2) – Ghassan El-Baalbaki
03/17: Relaxation techniques (Part 2) – Ghassan El-Baalbaki
03/24: Adapted home exercise (Part 2) – Kelsey Ellis & Delaney Duchek
03/31: Home activity engagement (Part 2) – Laura Bustamante
04/07: Worry management (Part 3) – Ghassan El-Baalbaki
04/14: Adapted home exercise (Part 3) – Kelsey Ellis & Delaney Duchek
More answers to your questions
Immunosuppression is a risk factor, and having an interstitial lung disease (ILD) or Scleroderma without an ILD puts you at a slightly higher risk.
If you have questions, watch this video forum captured on March 21, 2020.
Scleroderma & COVID-19: A conversation with the experts
Participants were invited to submit their questions concerning COVID-19 and Scleroderma in advance via an online Qualtrics questionnaire or to ask their questions directly to a team of five experienced panelists, Mrs. Maureen Sauvé, Dr. Janet Pope, Dr. John Varga, Dr. Don Sheppard and Dr. Brett Thombs, by typing them into the discussion section of GotoMeeting.
Access a transcript of the questions and answers here.
More information
Scleroderma Manitoba endorses The Scleroderma Foundation on COVID-19 for people with scleroderma: Information and Recommendations from The Scleroderma Foundation
COVID-19 and Scleroderma – Information and recommendations 
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