The Canadian government has expanded their age recommendation for the vaccine, now encouraging its use for individuals 65 and up as well.
With two more countries – Latvia & Sweden – halting distribution of the AstraZeneca Wuhan Virus vaccine, Dr. Theresa Tam says there are no unexpected issues with vaccines in Canada:
“Health Canada is aware of reports of serious adverse events in Europe following immunization with the AstraZeneca vaccine, but wants to reassure Canadians that the benefits of the vaccine continue to outweigh its risks,” said Tam.
“There is currently no indication that the vaccine caused the observed event.”
So far, “no unexpected vaccine safety issues have been identified in Canada,” added Tam.
One country is moving in the other direction, with Thailand resuming distribution of the AstraZeneca vaccine after a pause, with their PM getting it in an effort to reassure the public.
The European Medicines Agency said on Tuesday that there is “no indication” the AstraZeneca vaccine is causing blood clots.
“We are still firmly convinced that the benefits of the AstraZeneca vaccine in preventing COVID-19 with its associated risk of hospitalization and death outweigh the risk of the side effects,” said the Agency.
By contrast, Sweden’s national epidemiologist Anders Tegnell said the government “have felt compelled to pause AstraZeneca’s vaccine,” even if the chance of a risk is rare, amid further reports of blood clots.
It is notable that most of the countries suspending the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine have large supplies of other vaccines, giving them options, while in Canada the government has been desperate to change public perception of a weak vaccine rollout, with this country being nearly alone in delaying second doses of some vaccines to a four month interval.
Spencer Fernando
Photo – YouTube
