Tag: pandemic

Home / pandemic
Post

Reports to poison centres concerning ivermectin as a prevention or treatment for COVID-19 have increased over the summer months

Health Canada is reminding Canadians not to use ivermectin to prevent or treat COVID-19. Canadian poison centres have seen an increase in reports concerning ivermectin over the summer. There is no evidence that ivermectin works to prevent or treat COVID-19, and it is not authorized for this use. To date, Health Canada has not received...

Post

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

Post

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...

Post

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

Post

Myocarditis Risk

Since May 2021, the Public Health Agency of Canada has been actively monitoring reports of myocarditis and pericarditis following vaccination with COVID-19 mRNA vaccines through passive and active Canadian safety surveillance systems. Available information from international reports, including those from Israel and the United States, indicated that: cases were more commonly reported after the second dose, and...

Post

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...

Post

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...

Post

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...

Post

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...

Post

3 Approved COVID-19 Vaccines Efficacy

Interim results of two large randomized, placebo-controlled trials (RCTs) demonstrate ~95% relative efficacy in preventing COVID-19 (Pfizer, Moderna). The AstraZeneca/Oxford vaccine has ~70% relative efficacy. Absolute benefits will vary with baseline risk and time but if annual risk of developing COVID-19 is 20%, then vaccine would decrease risk to 1% (6% with AstraZeneca/Oxford). These vaccines...