|
Dear friends,
Since I last provided a COVID-19 Vaccine Update in April, 2021, the horizon appears a bit brighter.
As of June 4, 2021 25.2 million vaccine doses have been administered to Canadians. In fact, we will receive over 2 million Pfizer vaccine doses each week until the end of August. With weekly arrivals of vaccines in the millions, there is an atmosphere of cautious optimism.
Over the past two weeks, we have also seen a downward trend in new COVID-19 cases. These two weeks saw a decrease of 33% in new cases across Canada. To date, there have been over 35 million COVID-19 tests performed in Canada.
Though the daily numbers and the trends are starting to show promise, we know from the past year that until the curve is truly flattened, we must continue to follow public health protocols even if we have been vaccinated.
Stay safe,
Rob
|
|
|
Over 29 Million Vaccine Doses
|
|
As of June 4, 2021, the federal government has delivered over
29 million doses to the Provinces and Territories.
The province of Ontario has received over 11 million vaccine doses.
From May 31 to August 1, Ontario is projected to receive over 8.2 million Pfizer vaccine doses.
As of June 3, 2021 66% of eligible Canadians have received at least one dose.
|
|
|
On June 1, 2021, the Public Health Agency of Canada released the National Advisory Committee on Immunization's recommendations regarding "mixed vaccine schedules". These recommendations are based on the most current scientific evidence. The recommendations are:
- people who received a first vaccine of AstraZeneca may receive AstraZeneca, or Pfizer or Moderna for the second vaccine.
- people who received a first vaccine of Pfizer or Moderna may receive the same vaccine for their second dose.
The recommendations for people whose first vaccine was AstraZeneca considered factors, including the scientific data on people who received a Pfizer dose following an initial dose of AstraZeneca, the risk of blood clots with low platelets reported with AstraZeneca, but not with Pfizer or Moderna and the possibility of short-term side effects of having mixing vaccine schedules.
The concept of mixing vaccines is not new and has been used in treating illnesses such as influenza.
According to the current scientific data, a first dose of AstraZeneca followed by a second dose of a mRNA vaccine (the study used the Pfizer vaccine) has a good safety profile at shorter and longer (8 to 12 weeks) intervals.
|
|
|
The vaccines approved for use* in Canada are:
- Pfizer for ages 12 and over
- Moderna for ages 18 and over
- AstraZeneca for ages 18 and over (the National Advisory Committee on Immunization's recommendation is for ages 30 and over)
- Johnson & Johnson for ages 18 and over (the National Advisory Committee on Immunization's recommendation is for ages 30 and over)
*Source: Public Health Agency of Canada
|
|
|
The Province of Ontario's vaccine booking portal is open for people booking a first or second dose. Bookings for the second dose are scheduled according to the interval determined by the Province of Ontario. The site is: https://covid-19.ontario.ca/book-vaccine/. You can also call the Provincial Vaccine Booking Line at 1-833-943-3900.
You will be able to book your first dose even if your provincial health card has expired or if you do not have a provincial health card. On June 4, 2021, the province announced that starting on June 7, 2021, people over the age of 70 as well as people who received their first dose of Pfizer or Moderna on or before April 18, 2021 will be able to book their second dose.
Because of the accelerated vaccine delivery schedule, the federal government has provided the province with enough vaccine doses to vaccinate people ahead of schedule.
|
|
|
Sunnybrook Hospital COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic
|
|
|
Toronto East Health Network Vaccine Doses
|
|
|
Michael Garron Hospital is also conducting mobile or pop-up vaccine clinics and various sites in or near to Don Valley West. These sites include:
- TNO, 45 Overlea Blvd.
- Dennis R. Timbrell Resource Centre, 29 St. Dennis Drive and
- Angela James Arena, 165 Grenoble Drive
|
|
|
|
|
COVID-19 vaccination is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself and your loved ones against this deadly virus.
Although we will still need to follow public health protocols even after receiving the vaccine, you can do your part by getting vaccinated and encouraging your family and friends to get their vaccines.
We have come very far in the fight against COVID-19. Now is not the time to stop the fight.
Please remember that no one is safe until all of us are safe.
|
|
|
Thank you for your continued goodwill and community spirit through this difficult time. Although we are working from home, my staff and I are making every effort to ensure Don Valley West remains a strong, vibrant community through this pandemic.
If you have any concerns, questions, or suggestions, please do not hesitate to contact me at rob.oliphant@parl.gc.ca or call 416-467-7275.
All the best,
|
|
|
Connect with me on social media
|
|
|
|
|
