Intraocular lenses when used to replace a patient’s natural lens of the eye are only licensed in Canada to treat cataracts. They are not licensed to replace lenses in patients without cataracts, and come with risks. HMC
Tag: Canada
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Clarification on WHO statement about COVID-19 vaccine interchangeability
The media has recently reported that a physician associated with the World Health Organization (WHO) suggested that the mixing of vaccines was a ‘dangerous trend’. This was not an official statement by the World Health Organization. The statement was made at a session unrelated to vaccine mixing and was taken out of context by news...
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Real World Evidence for COVID-19 Vaccines
Similar to clinical trials, real world cohort and case-control studies find COVID-19 infections are reduced by >90% with two doses of mRNA vaccines. Single doses of either mRNA or AstraZeneca vaccine decreases infections by ~60% and hospitalizations by 70-80%. Vaccine effectiveness appears similar for variants of concern and are safe for pregnant women. HMC
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Updated information on AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD COVID-19 vaccines
On June 29, 2021, Health Canada issued a Health Product Risk Communication regarding the AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD COVID-19 vaccine: https://healthycanadians.gc.ca/recall-alert-rappel- avis/hc-sc/2021/75389a-eng.php Health Canada has updated the product monograph for the AstraZeneca and COVISHIELD COVID-19 vaccines to add capillary leak syndrome as a potential side effect following vaccination. Patients with a history of capillary leak syndrome should not...
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Second dose of COVID-19 Vaccination
NACI has provided updated recommendations on COVID-19 vaccine schedules. For those who have received a first dose of an AstraZeneca vaccine, an mRNA vaccine is preferred for the second dose due to emerging evidence suggesting better immune response, and, to mitigate the risk of VITT(Vaccine-Induced Thrombotic Thrombocytopenia) from viral vector vaccines. HMC
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COVID-19 Second Dose Booking
Residents aged 70 and over, as well as those who received the first dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine on or before April 18, 2021 are now able to book their second dose appointments. The provincial booking system will allow these individuals to book appointments as of Monday, June 7, 2021 at 8:00 am. This...
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Second Dose COVID-19 Vaccine Type-Interchangeability, Updated on June3, 2021
NACI recommends that persons who received a first dose of the AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD vaccine may receive either AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD vaccine or an mRNA vaccine (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna) for their second dose, unless contraindicated. On June 1, the Public Health Agency of Canada released updated recommendations from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) on the interchangeability of authorized...
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COVID vaccination for 45 years old and older individuals
As of April 27th, 2021, all individuals who are 45 and over who live in a hot spot postal code, will be eligible to book their COVID-19 vaccine appointment. HMC
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Interchangeability of COVID-19 vaccines
As per the Ministry of Health’s guidance on the Administration of the AstraZeneca COVID-19/COVISHIELD vaccine, individuals who have received one dose of the AstraZeneca/COVIDSHIELD vaccine, should receive a second dose of the AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD vaccine to complete their vaccination series. HMC
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Pregnancy added to Highest Risk conditions for COVID-19 vaccine
In response to emerging data on the increased risk of severe illness for pregnant individuals, Ontario’s Vaccine Clinical Advisory Group (VCAG) has recommended the inclusion of pregnant individuals in the Highest Risk category of health conditions. As part of this group, pregnant individuals and one primary caregiver are now eligible to receive their COVID-19 vaccines...
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Age eligibility for AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine expanded to 40+
The province of Ontario has announced that starting Tuesday, April 20, the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine will be offered to individuals aged 40 and over at pharmacies across the province. Eligible individuals can book an appointment at participating pharmacies by accessing: https://covid-19.ontario.ca/vaccine-locations Based on the review of data from Europe and the United Kingdom, Health Canada...
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Health Canada provides update on the AstraZeneca and COVISHIELD COVID-19 vaccines
https://healthycanadians.gc.ca/recall-alert-rappel-avis/hc-sc/2021/75389a-eng.php HMC
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COVID-19 Vaccination of the Senior 75+ Population
• As of March 22nd, Peel residents aged 75 and older (including those who will turn 75 in 2021) are eligible to get vaccinated for COVID-19. These residents are currently being invited to book appointments at Peel Public Health clinics as well as hospital clinic sites. To access appointment booking for any of these sites, eligible...
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Astra Zeneca and blood clot risk in Europe
Health Canada has issued the following advisory statement “ Health Canada is aware of reports of adverse events in Europe following immunization with the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, and would like to reassure Canadians that the benefits of the vaccine continue to outweigh its risks. Health Canada authorized the vaccine based on a thorough, independent review...
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Janssen (Johnson and Johnson) COVID-19 Vaccine
On March 5, 2021, Health Canada authorized the use of the Janssen (Johnson and Johnson) vaccine. This vaccine is an adenovirus vector vaccine administered through a single dose. More information about the Janssen vaccine including how it works, how it’s given and possible side effects is available at https://www.canada.ca/en/health- canada/services/drugs-health-products/covid19- industry/drugs-vaccines- treatments/vaccines/janssen.html HMC
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Unintentional exposure of young children to adult acetaminophen tablets may pose serious health risks
Health Canada is advising Canadians to take precautions to prevent the unintentional exposure of young children to adult acetaminophen easy-to-swallow tablets following multiple incident reports to poison control centres. These tablets are red and sweet tasting, may seem like candy to young children, and can be packaged in bottles with a red, gear-shaped cap that...
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Some short useful videos about COVID vaccine
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUKIRxHVLkEUm727UtibHSg HMC
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More COVID-19 Vaccine Info
Dear Patients, As you all know, the first vaccines are being given to higher risk people and health care workers. But we look forward to when we will have access to the vaccine. We do not yet know the place or the timing and we will communicate this when we do. Some questions have arisen that...
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COVID-19 Vaccines
Dear community members and families, In the last few weeks, we have seen significant movement in our understanding of the COVID-19 vaccines. As of today, here is what we know: The vaccines are safe The vaccines approved for use in Canada work by sending a message to our body’s immune system to stimulate our natural immune response....
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Important Safety Information on the Authorization of Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine with English-only Vial and Carton Labels – Moderna Biopharma Canada Corporation
Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine was authorized for use in accordance with the Interim Order Respecting the Importation, Sale and Advertising of Drugs for Use in Relation to COVID-19. As an extraordinary measure to provide earlier access to vaccine supplies in the context of the global pandemic, Moderna is providing, at this time, vaccine vials and cartons...