Flu shots are available. Contact us to book an appointment.
Flu shots are available. Contact us to book an appointment.
Yes, these vaccines are extremely safe andeffective. They were developed quickly based upon over 20 years of scientific development along with modern molecular biology. The scrutiny of the vaccines was not compromised. All were subject to completing the standard 3 phases of clinical trials. Then, the authorization was sped up by reducing the wait times between the steps of the approval process. These COVID-19 vaccines have met the same high standards as other vaccines that are approved in Canada.
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No. Waiting to get the vaccine will leave you vulnerable to catching COVID-19 and spreading it to other people.
In general, no. The risk of anaphylactic (allergic) reaction to a COVID-19 vaccine has been comparable to other vaccines that we have been using routinely for years. We recommend talking to your doctor for any special considerations especially those rare patients who had anaphylactic reactions before.
mRNA is a guide (template) that tells a cell how to produce a particular protein. In the case of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine it tells the cell how to produce the spike protein which is found on the surface of the COVID-19 virus. It is delivered in tiny fatty droplets taken up by cells called macrophages. They then make the spike proteins that are released into our blood, that causes the person to produce antibodies against the spike protein which in turn protects the person against the COVID-19 virus. The mRNA lasts only a short time before it is destroyed and does not cause any changes in the cell DNA. There is no Covid-19 virus in the vaccine and the cell cannot produce the virus using the mRNA. Yes, these vaccines have been shown to be safe and effective.
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No. There are some differences in the way the trials for different vaccines were done. This makes it more difficult to compare the vaccines exactly. Most importantly, all the vaccines approved in Canada show excellent data to show a dramatic reduction in the incidence of severe disease (hospitalization and death from Covid-19). More data is needed to understand the possible differences in the effectiveness of the vaccines in preventing less severe disease and transmission. The bottom line – Take whichever vaccine is offered to you first unless you have a specific contraindication to a particular vaccine. The priority now is to prevent severe disease.
This is a safe and effective vaccine. It was initially approved for use only in patients under age 65 years as there were only a small number of older patients included in the initial studies (so they couldn’t prove safety or effectiveness in this age group). Further studies have shown that this vaccine is both safe and effective for all adults including those > 65 years old. There have been recent concerns raised in Europe regarding the possibility of increased blood clots in patients who have received Astra-Zeneca vaccine. NACI (Canada’s National Advisory Committee on Immunization) and Thrombosis Canada have carefully reviewed the evidence and have concluded that there is NOT an association between the vaccine and blood clots. They noted that the numbers of patients with blood clots after receiving the vaccine was no greater than the numbers of patients who would be expected to have a blood clot without the vaccine. Lastly, all countries that initially stopped this vaccine have resumed using it.
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Probably not. These vaccines haven’t been around long enough to give a 100% answer. However, we know that it is very rare for other vaccines to cause long term side effects and so it is anticipated that the COVID-19 vaccines will behave similarly. The bottom line remains that the benefits of these vaccines are very high compared to the risks of getting a COVID-19 infection.
We don’t know yet. Pregnant women were not included in the original studies however studies are now underway. The current advice is to have a discussion with your doctor regarding potential benefits of immunization vs potential risks. In the absence of other contraindications the decision will be made by the patient.
Probably yes, to a certain degree. Again these patients were not specifically included in the original studies. The current advice is to have a discussion with your doctor regarding potential benefits of immunization vs potential risks. There is some concern that they may not have as effective an immune response (antibody production) as other patients but some immunity is better than none!
No, not yet. Children were not included in the original studies and so have been excluded in the initial roll-out of the vaccines. Studies are already underway and this will likely change in the future as more scientific data becomes available.
So, weigh the benefits and risks of vaccination. On the one hand there is a very, very small risk from a vaccine (in particular anaphylaxis) but on the other hand there is a significant risk of severe illness or death from Covid-19. Also, we are continuing to learn more about the long term effects of Covid-19 infection. It seems that there are possible long term effects of Covid-19 among people who have survived severe or even milder illness (“the Covid-19 long-haulers” whose symptoms include significant fatigue and shortness of breath). It is preferable to prevent as much illness as possible.
Remember, getting the vaccine not only protects you, but it also helps to protect your family, friends, colleagues, clients, community and beyond. Afterwards, we should be able to get back to travel, sports, restaurants …. sooner rather than later!!!
Also, talk to our docs and staff who can all share their experiences receiving the vaccine.
“I received the Covid-19 vaccine to protect my elderly family members and my patients. I don’t want to see more patients and their families go through the very difficult times that so many have had so far.”
~ Dr Susan Taylor
“Vaccines have eliminated smallpox and made polio almost unheard of. The benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks. Protect yourself and those you love by getting vaccinated against Covid-19.
~ Dr Salwa Azer
“I took the vaccine to protect myself and all of those I care for.”
~ Dr Miriam Moss
“Getting the vaccine and continuing careful behaviour are our fastest ways of getting our family life, social lives, schools and businesses back on track."
~ Dr Sue Oliver
“The molecular biology science behind these new vaccines is incredible. It’s helped treat many diseases as well. I’m excited to see what the future holds for this modern technology.”
~ Dr Douglas Mark
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