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...
Tag: Ontario
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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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Peel Youth COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics
In order to support the vaccination of students before returning to school in the Fall, beginning Saturday, June 5, 2021, youth of at least 12 years old in Peel can receive their COVID-19 vaccine at school pop-up locations. Walk-in appointments are available for youth enrolled in special education programs, or youth seeking a different environment...
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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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Vaccination Receipts
After you are vaccinated, you can log in to the provincial portal to download or print an electronic COVID-19 Vaccine receipt for each dose you have received. Receipts are available: for first and second doses received in Ontario (once you get them) regardless of where you were vaccinated (for example, at a mass immunization clinic,...
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All Peel residents aged 18+ are now eligible to receive their COVID-19 vaccine
Effective May 6, all Peel residents aged 18 or older are eligible for vaccination, including those who do not live in provincially designated hot spots. Please note that in order to be eligible, individuals must be at least 18 years of age at the time of their vaccination. Eligible residents can book appointments at any of Peel...
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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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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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Extension of Second Dose Intervals for COVID- 19 Vaccines
Ontario government is extending the vaccination dose interval up to 16 weeks for the three two-dose vaccines currently approved by Health Canada (Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD). This is based on the recommendation of the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI). Individuals who have already booked their second dose will have their appointments rescheduled. This will...
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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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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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Here are the top five things doctors recommend you can do to protect yourselves and others:
Wash your hands often. Wear a mask or face covering at all times, unless you are at home with housemates or outdoors at a guaranteed two metres’ distance from others. Stay away from crowded places. Celebrate or gather only with members of your household. Don’t invite others into your home. Prepare for contact tracing if...
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Online COVID-19 Test Results
Ontario has launched a new user friendly online portal (https://covid-19.ontario.ca/) for the public to easily access their COVID-19 lab test results. HMC
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