April 16, 2021 Health Headlines Pfizer CEO states that a booster of present vaccine “likely” needed with six to 12 months after second dose. And just as we have yearly flu vaccine boosters, we may have similar protocols for Covid vaccine to deal with the variants.
April 15, 2021 Epidemiology Ottawa’s Associate Medical Office of Health reports that the COVID situation in the city is dire. Health care system at “significant risk” of breaking down as hospital admissions are doubling every 12 days.
April 14, 2021 Health Headlines The war between Gut and Head. Latest news about rare blood clots associated with J & J vaccine illustrates how we calculate, process and respond to risk. Gut wants to win but taking a step back and pondering the big picture can help provide perspective.
April 13, 2021 Epidemiology Alberta may be overselling its best-before date for easing of Covid restrictions. Does the math/evidence support the prediction that “back to normal” will return mid-September?
April 12, 2021 Health Statistics Observational study suggests that 1 in 3 COVID-19 may have long-term psychiatric and neurological consequences six months after infection
April 11, 2021 Sunday House Call Shows Have cancer? Immunosuppressed? “You can have your second dose in four months.” Preliminary study reports cancer patients’ immune response is less protective after first dose vs. healthy people. Dosing delay needs to be reviewed for vulnerable groups.
April 9, 2021 Allergy/Immunology Will Covid vaccine mixing be adopted as health policy? They use different delivery systems carrying the genetic instruction set to produce the same spike protein, ergo ongoing studies are evaluating clinical outcomes to determine if assumption is true.
April 8, 2021 Health Policy NACI stands by its four month dosing interval but does not provide further evidence that this will work well for all age groups and for those with complicating medical conditions. Hope the gamble works (truly, no sarcasm).
April 7, 2021 General information There are many reasons for vaccine appointment no-shows. Life, forgetfulness, miscommunication, fear, vaccine hesitancy, and unforeseen events are likely some of the contributing factors.
April 6, 2021 Epidemiology Ottawa’s Medical Officer of Health co-signs letter urging Ontario Government to issue-stay-at-home order because of rising Covid-19 infection rates and ICU admissions.
