COVID-19 Information
Covid Vaccine
Those over 80 within the HRH catchment area are able to book their COVID VACCINATIONS by phoning this number: 1-888-385-1910 or visiting: www.hrh.ca/covax-clinic-booking/
COVID Vaccine Information
https://www.ontariofamilyphysicians.ca/tools-resources/covid-19-resources/covid-19-vaccines
COVID-19 Vaccine FAQs and Myths
We have come to a turning point in our fight against COVID-19 with the development of effective COVID-19 vaccines. After independent and thorough scientific reviews for safety, quality and effectiveness, Health Canada has approved three vaccines for use in Canada. CATC is supportive of the Government’s efforts to deploy these vaccines, but understand there are hesitations about the vaccine for some. We have compiled a list of FAQ’s and encourage you to speak with your health care provider if you have any further questions or concerns.
Vaccine Distribution
The government has developed a provincial ethical framework for COVID-19 vaccine distribution that we are following. At this point, we do not know when the vaccine will be available to our staff and patients, but believe we will start to see vaccinations showing up in our network in the spring (best guess). We are in close communication with key decision makers and will share any new information with you as we learn more.
COVID-19 Vaccine FAQ’s
(Ref 1,2,3 below ; adapted guidance from UHN, Ontario Guidance)
1. How does the COVID-19 vaccine work?
All vaccines work by presenting your body with something that looks like an infection so your immune system can learn how to produce natural protection. The two COVID-19 vaccines (Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna) use a method called messenger mRNA (mRNA). The mRNA is like a code that tells cells in your body how to make a piece of the outer lining of the virus, for a short time. This piece of virus, or protein, cannot hurt you, but it is enough for your immune system to learn how to fight off COVID-19.
2. Is the vaccine safe?
Yes, the three vaccines are considered very safe and have been approved for use in Canada based on rigorous research and testing. Research into mRNA vaccine technology began in the early 1990s, so the science is not new. More than 70,000 people were involved in these vaccine trials, and, as of January, 15 million people have been vaccinated worldwide. Serious safety concerns may occur extremely rarely (e.g. anaphylactic reactions).
3. Is the vaccine effective?
Yes. The Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines have a 94-95% effectiveness rate.
4. What are the side effects?
As with other vaccines, some people can develop mild-moderate side effects that typically resolve in a few days. Common side effects include pain at the injection site, headache, muscle pain, fever, swelling-these are more likely to occur after your second dose. In very rare cases, serious allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) can occur.
5. When will I get the vaccine?
The Canadian government’s goal is to vaccinate every eligible person by the end of 2021. You can visit the Government of Ontario’s COVID-19 Vaccine page for updates.
6. Should I get the vaccine if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
Pregnant and breastfeeding women were not included in COVID-19 vaccination trials. However, the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada have stated that the risk COVID-19 health complications during pregnancy outweighs any possible un-described risks of being vaccinated during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, and that vaccination should be offered (ref 4). Pregnant women should discuss risks and benefits with their family physician or primary healthcare provider before making a decision.
7. Should I get the vaccine if I have a history of allergies or am immunosuppressed?
People who have ever had a severe allergic reaction to a previous dose of a vaccine should NOT receive it.
If you are immunosuppressed due to a condition or treatment, discuss the benefits and risks of vaccination with your physician. Although people with a decrease in their immune system were not included in the available vaccine trials, it is considered to be safe and recommended. Only vaccines with any live virus are NOT safe for immunosuppressed people. The COVID vaccine does not contain any live virus and there is no risk of getting an infection with the vaccine.
1 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2021, January 21)
COVID-19 Vaccine: Helps protect you from getting COVID-19.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/index.html
2 Ontario Ministry of Health (2021, January 7)
Information Sheet Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 Vaccines
3 Tanula, M. (2020, December 9). COVID-19 Vaccine Myths Debunked. Mayo Clinic News
Network. https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/covid-19-vaccine-myths-debunked/
4 Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada (2021, January 11) SOGC Statement on COVID-19
Vaccination in Pregnancy.
https://www.sogc.org/common/Uploaded%20files/Latest%20News/SOGC_Statement_COVID-19_Vaccination_in_Pregnancy.pdf
Common myths and misconceptions:
Myth: The vaccine is not safe because it was rapidly developed and tested
Fact: Many pharmaceutical companies invested significant resources in developing a vaccine for COVID. The emergency situation required an emergency response, however, that does not mean the companies bypassed any safety protocols or didn’t perform adequate testing. To receive emergency use authorization, the biopharmaceutical manufacturer must have followed at least half of the study participants for at least two months after completing the vaccination series, and the vaccine must be proven safe and effective in that population.
Myth: I already had COVID-19 and recovered, so I don’t need a vaccination
Fact: It is widely recommended to get the vaccine even if you have contracted and recovered from COVID-19. This is still being studied, but early evidence suggests immunity from COVID-19 may not last very long.
Myth: The vaccine can cause COVID-19
Fact: You cannot get COVID-19 from the vaccine. The COVID-19 vaccines we have now and the ones in development contain only bits of virus mRNA or protein to trick the body into mounting a defense that prevents real infection.
Myth: The COVID-19 vaccine will alter my DNA
Fact: Injecting mRNA into your body will not interact or do anything to the DNA of your cells. mRNA vaccines work by instructing cells in the body how to make a protein that triggers an immune response.
Myth: Vaccines case infertility or miscarriage
Fact: No, COVID-19 vaccines have not been linked to infertility or miscarriage.
While there are no formal studies, the best studies come from women who got sick with COVID-19 while pregnant. There is no evidence of the COVID-19 infection causing increased miscarriage rates. During natural infection, the immune system generates the same antibodies to the spike protein that COVID-19 vaccines would.
Myth: Once I have the vaccine, I no longer need to follow public health precautions
Fact: Until enough people are vaccinated and the pandemic is under control, it is essential that everyone continue to mask, physically distance and wash their hands. Two vaccines a few weeks apart are required and it takes time to make antibodies. Also, we don’t know if it’s possible for vaccinated individuals to asymptomatically transmit virus to others.
Myth: mRNA vaccines have dangerous ingredients
Fact: The Pfizer and mRNA vaccines have gone through rigorous studies to ensure they are as safe as possible. They do NOT contain preservatives, formaldehyde, mercury, egg, fetal cells or microchips.