COVID-19 vaccination in Canada

Increasing the Time Gap Between COVID-19 Vaccine Doses Leads to a Stronger Antibody Response

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, August 3, 2021
Clinical trials, Medicine, BioNTech, RNA vaccines, Health sciences, Articles, Medical research, Societates Europaeae, Pfizer–BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, Vaccine, COVID-19 vaccination in Canada

This finding could play a vital role in shaping vaccine distribution strategies that increase access to the vaccine around the globe.

Key Points: 
  • This finding could play a vital role in shaping vaccine distribution strategies that increase access to the vaccine around the globe.
  • For vaccines that require two doses, one of the biggest questions is how long people can wait to get the second dose.
  • The U.S. has adhered strictly to the dosing regimen tested in clinical trials, which involves two doses of the Pfizer vaccine spaced 21 days apart or two doses of the Moderna vaccine spaced 28 days apart.
  • In the current study, healthcare workers that had an extended period between their first and second dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech BNT162b2 vaccine had statistically significant higher antibody response."

Canada reaches major vaccine campaign milestone

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, July 27, 2021
Medical specialties, Medical research, Vaccination, Vaccine, Virology, Medicine, Health sciences, COVID-19 vaccination in Canada, COVID-19 vaccination in the Philippines

This milestone in the largest immunization campaign in Canada's history is the result of a proactive procurement approach, focused on building a diverse vaccine portfolio.

Key Points: 
  • This milestone in the largest immunization campaign in Canada's history is the result of a proactive procurement approach, focused on building a diverse vaccine portfolio.
  • As vaccines were authorized by Health Canada, the government remained engaged with vaccine suppliers to speed up delivery schedules and get as many doses into the country as quickly as possible.
  • The Government of Canada has committed over $9billion to procure vaccines and therapeutics and to provide international support.The Public Health Agency of Canada is responsible for the vaccine rollout in Canada, including the ongoing interaction with the provinces and territories.
  • Canada has allocated the majority of that amount to secure up to 409million doses of vaccines and vaccine candidates for Canadians and for international support.

Statement from the Chief Public Health Officer of Canada on July 22, 2021

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, July 22, 2021
Health, Articles, Health Canada, Medicine, National Advisory Committee on Immunization, COVID-19 vaccine, Public Health Agency of Canada, Vaccine, Vaccination, COVID-19 vaccination in Canada, COVID-19 vaccination in Hungary

OTTAWA, ON, July 22, 2021 /CNW/ -Today, Canada'sNational Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) hasreleased updated guidance on the use of COVID-19 vaccines.

Key Points: 
  • OTTAWA, ON, July 22, 2021 /CNW/ -Today, Canada'sNational Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) hasreleased updated guidance on the use of COVID-19 vaccines.
  • NACI's latest guidance, continues to recommend that people who were previously infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus may receive a full series of COVID-19 vaccines.
  • The Public Health Agency of Canada(PHAC) is also providing regular updates on COVID-19 vaccines administered , vaccination coverage and ongoing monitoring of vaccine safety across the country.
  • As public health restrictions are eased, some increase in cases, particularly among unvaccinated populations, is not unexpected.

SVMHS Helps Vaccinate Indigenous Population

Retrieved on: 
Friday, July 16, 2021
COVID-19 vaccines, Clinical trials, RNA vaccines, Medical research, BioNTech, Medicine, Health sciences, Articles, Pfizer–BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, COVID-19 vaccine, COVID-19 vaccination in Canada

In June, SVMHS partnered with Centro Binacional para el Desarollo Indigena Oaxaqueno (CBDIO) to deliver free COVID-19 vaccine to underserved populations.

Key Points: 
  • In June, SVMHS partnered with Centro Binacional para el Desarollo Indigena Oaxaqueno (CBDIO) to deliver free COVID-19 vaccine to underserved populations.
  • The Center identified Greenfield as a vulnerable community needing easy access to the vaccine and the convenience of the SVMHS Mobile Health Clinic.
  • Our partnerships with grass roots organizations serving indigenous populations are more important than ever before."
  • SVMHS Mobile Health Clinic staff deliver COVID-19 Pfizer first doses to Greenfield residents at a special vaccine clinic on June 26.

Early results from a national study confirm antibody levels are stronger after receiving two doses

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, June 23, 2021
Clinical trials, COVID-19 vaccines, COVID-19, Vaccines, Medicine, Vaccine, Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, COVID-19 vaccination in Canada

CanPath is a national population health research platform that follows the health of 330,000 volunteer Canadians (or 1% of the population).

Key Points: 
  • CanPath is a national population health research platform that follows the health of 330,000 volunteer Canadians (or 1% of the population).
  • Early results from this study show a lag in the development of antibodies after a single vaccine dose.
  • The study detected high levels of antibodies in participants with two doses of an mRNA vaccine, with levels almost twice as high as those after the first dose.
  • The Canadian Partnership for Tomorrows Health (CanPath) is Canadas largest population health study and a national platform for health research.

Walmart Provides Digital COVID-19 Vaccine Record

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, June 16, 2021
Data management, Discount, Variety, Department Stores, Technology, Managed care, Other Retail, Supermarket, Specialty, Mobile, Wireless, Pharmaceutical, Retail, Infectious diseases, Security, Convenience store, Telecommunications, Software, Health, Networks, Internet, Online Retail, Medicine, Medical specialties, Health, Vaccination, COVID-19 vaccine, Medical research, Vaccine, COVID-19 vaccination in Canada, Vaccination schedule

The offering provides individuals with an opportunity to securely store their COVID-19 vaccine record in their pharmacy account on Walmart.com or Samsclub.com.

Key Points: 
  • The offering provides individuals with an opportunity to securely store their COVID-19 vaccine record in their pharmacy account on Walmart.com or Samsclub.com.
  • The vaccine record can be printed, saved on a device or shared, giving people the option to use their record however they want.
  • View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210616005709/en/
    Walmart Provides Digital COVID-19 Vaccine Record (Photo: Business Wire)
    The vaccine record is a free digital version of the vaccine cards issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), including the individuals name, date of birth, date of vaccination, vaccine manufacturer, vaccine lot number and location where they received the immunization, so people no longer have to worry about losing their paper copy.
  • Walmarts digital vaccine record is available to those age 18+ who received their COVID-19 vaccine at a Walmart or Sams Club pharmacy or a Walmart-run vaccine event.

Update on Janssen COVID-19 vaccines made with drug substance from Emergent BioSolutions

Retrieved on: 
Friday, June 11, 2021
Health, Medicine, COVID-19 vaccines, Clinical trials, Emergent BioSolutions, Vaccine, Health Canada, Emergent, Adenoviridae, Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, COVID-19 vaccination in Canada

To protect the health and safety of Canadians in response to concerns regarding a drug substance produced at the Emergent BioSolutions facility in Baltimore Maryland, Health Canada will not be releasing the shipment.

Key Points: 
  • To protect the health and safety of Canadians in response to concerns regarding a drug substance produced at the Emergent BioSolutions facility in Baltimore Maryland, Health Canada will not be releasing the shipment.
  • The drug substance produced at the Emergent BioSolutions facility was used in the manufacturing of this shipment of Janssen vaccines.
  • The drug substance was manufactured at the time a separate batch of vaccines was contaminated by the components of a different vaccine.
  • Health Canada was unable to determine that this shipment of Janssen vaccines meets the Department's rigorous quality standards.

 Significant and Sustained Drop in Teen and Adult Immunization Rates During Pandemic, Study Shows

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, June 9, 2021
Drugs, Medicine, Medical specialties, Vaccines, Vaccination, Vaccine, Virology, Influenza vaccine, Medical research, Clinical trials, Gavi, COVID-19 vaccination in Canada

Teens and adults potentially missed over 26 million doses of recommended vaccines in 2020.This includes 8.8 million missed adolescent vaccine doses and 17.2 million missed adult vaccine doses.

Key Points: 
  • Teens and adults potentially missed over 26 million doses of recommended vaccines in 2020.This includes 8.8 million missed adolescent vaccine doses and 17.2 million missed adult vaccine doses.
  • Vaccine claims remain well below 2019 levels.Total non-influenza vaccine claims submissions were between 13-35% (adolescents) and 17-40% (adults) lower than the same period in 2019.
  • Despite warnings of a potential "twindemic," influenza immunization rates were lower in 2020 than in 2019.
  • GSK is a science-led global healthcare company with a special purpose: to help people do more, feel better, live longer.

Canadian study investigates immune response and vaccine hesitancy among Canada’s South Asian communities

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, June 3, 2021
Medicine, Medical specialties, Vaccination, Vaccine, Virology, Health sciences, Medical research, United States, Vaccine hesitancy, COVID-19 vaccination in Canada

Approximately $1.5 million is being invested in this study, which will seek to understand vaccine confidence and hesitancy in this population that has been disproportionately affected by COVID-19.

Key Points: 
  • Approximately $1.5 million is being invested in this study, which will seek to understand vaccine confidence and hesitancy in this population that has been disproportionately affected by COVID-19.
  • Canadas South Asian communities are the fastest growing ethnic group in Canada, and are among the highest at-risk populations for illness from COVID-19.
  • South Asian communities across Canada have been hit hard by the pandemic and its vital that they understand the safety and effectiveness of vaccines.
  • The COVIDCommUNITY-South Asian study involves an interdisciplinary team of experts and strong collaborations with public health and South Asian community organizations.

New guide helps nursing home leaders gain staff trust by addressing specific concerns about COVID-19 vaccines

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, May 26, 2021
Medical research, COVID-19 vaccine, COVID-19 vaccination in Norway, COVID-19 vaccination in Canada

WASHINGTON, May 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ --A new research-based guide is available to increase uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine among nursing home workers.

Key Points: 
  • WASHINGTON, May 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ --A new research-based guide is available to increase uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine among nursing home workers.
  • Invest in Trust: A Guide for Building COVID-19 Vaccine Trust and Increasing Vaccination Rates Among CNAs addresses concerns and challenges nursing home workers have expressed and outlines the most effective approaches to build trust in the vaccine and make it easier for them to get vaccinated.
  • "The incorporation of frontline wisdom and insight, paired with what we know from science, is what makes this guide so unique and valuable."
  • A recent survey of 233 U.S. nursing home and long-term care employees informed the guide and revealed that nursing home workers often face significant challenges to getting vaccinated.