COVID-19 is an infection caused by a new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). COVID-19 was recognized for the first time in December 2019 and has since spread around the world to cause a pandemic. COVID-19 is mainly passed from an infected person to others when the infected person coughs, sneezes, sings, talks or breathes. It is important to note that infected people can spread the infection even if they have no symptoms. Symptoms of COVID-19 can include cough, shortness of breath, fever, chills, tiredness and loss of smell or taste. Some people infected with the virus have no symptoms at all, while others have symptoms that range from mild to severe.
All vaccines work by presenting our body with something that looks like the infection so that our immune system can learn how to produce natural protection. This natural protection then helps to prevent future illness if you come into contact with the COVID-19 virus in the future. You cannot get COVID-19 from the vaccine.
All COVID-19 vaccines authorized for use in Canada are effective at protecting against symptomatic, lab-confirmed disease. In large studies where people were given both doses of the vaccine, all of the vaccines worked very well to prevent people from becoming sick with symptomatic, lab-confirmed COVID-19.
Vaccine efficacy 14 days after dose one and before dose two is estimated to be
Vaccine efficacy after dose two at the recommended interval is estimated to be
ALL VACCINES ARE ALMOST 100% EFFECTIVE IN PREVENTING HOSPITALIZATION AND DEATH.
It is important that you receive two doses of these vaccines. Long-term protection against COVID-19 is not achieved until after the second dose of vaccine is received. All of the COVID-19 vaccines authorized for use in Canada are also highly effective at preventing hospitalization.
A complete vaccine series is offered to individuals without contraindications to the vaccine and in currently identified priority groups (as outlined in Ontario’s vaccine distribution plan.
Before receiving the vaccine, inform the health care provider who is providing you with the vaccine if:
If you have questions about whether the vaccine is right for you based on your medical condition, talk to your health care provider.
There have been very rare cases (1 in 250,000) of unusual blood clots accompanied by low levels of blood platelets after Astrazeneca vaccination.
Health Canada has assessed the data on reported events and determined that the AZ vaccine has not been associated with an increase in the overall risk of blood clots. Also, after a review of the 20 million Astrazeneca vaccinations completed so far in Europe and the United Kingdom, the European Medicines Agency (EMA), which evaluates drug safety, has said that Astrazeneca is a safe and effective vaccine and the benefits of the vaccine in protecting people from COVID-19 outweigh the risks of side effects.
Given the scarce vaccine supply, the Province has directed the following:
All second doses for the following individuals will be delivered at the intervals described in the product monographs:
All second-doses for all other groups will be scheduled at 112 days after their first dose. This decision was made by Canada’s Chief Medical Officer of Health based on recommendations from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI).
Common side effects include pain, redness, swelling at the site where the needle was given, tiredness, headache, muscle pain, chills, joint pain, and low fever.
Serious side effects are rare. Call your doctor or go to the nearest emergency department if you develop any of the following adverse reactions within three days of receiving the vaccine:
The AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD vaccine is associated with a very rare side effect (1 in 250,000) known as Vaccine-Induced Prothrombotic Immune Thrombocytopenia (VIPIT). If you develop any of the following symptoms after receiving the vaccine please seek immediate medical attention: shortness of breath, pain in the chest, swelling or coldness in an arm or leg, persistent abdominal pain, severe or worsening headaches or blurred vision, or multiple small bruises, red or purple spots or blood blisters under the skin.
It will take some time to vaccinate everyone. Please continue to follow public health guidance of wearing a mask, physical distancing, avoiding crowded places, and washing your hands to protect yourself and your loved ones, especially as cases of COVID-19 continue to rise.
Please continue to monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 and get tested if symptoms present.
If you have any questions, please speak with your health care provider.
We strive to continue to provide you with the most accurate and up to date information about the vaccines and their availability.
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We understand that there is a great need for family doctors in our area, however all six of our family physician's practices are full. In addition, we are not keeping a wait list. May we suggest https://www.ldam.ca/find-a-doctor,