Close X
Saturday, December 28, 2024
ADVT 
National

Officials face battle of confidence in AstraZeneca

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 16 Mar, 2021 05:53 PM
  • Officials face battle of confidence in AstraZeneca

Federal officials are mounting a renewed push to instill Canadian confidence in Oxford-AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine, but observers predict they're in for a tough battle.

Members of the federal body tasked with advising the country on vaccine use took the unusual step of addressing public fears in a televised press conference Tuesday that stressed the vaccine’s safety for those over the age of 65.

The assurances come as new information leads to an update on previous advice, which initially suggested that seniors avoid the AstraZeneca vaccine because of insufficient trial data. NACI chair Dr. Caroline Quach-Thanh says there is now enough "real-world evidence" to show it is both safe and effective for seniors.

Infectious disease doctor Zain Chagla says it's an important message, but confusing for Canadians as Germany and other European countries move to limit the vaccine's use while they investigate reports of blood clots emerging after some inoculations.

The European Medicines Agency says there is no evidence of a safety concern and is "firmly convinced" that the benefits of the AstraZeneca shot outweigh the risks.

But Chagla says unfounded doubts about efficacy and safety have been deeply sown and some people will have a hard time accepting updated advice.

Reached earlier this week as he anticipated NACI's revised guidelines, he noted the AstraZeneca product has been hit especially hard in recent weeks, on multiple fronts.

“Even if all of the dust settles on all of this stuff and it's (proven) effective in 65-year-olds and it's actually 80 per cent effective and there's no clot risk, you've already introduced three strikes that are hard to wash away from people who are already hesitant to take this vaccine over Moderna and Pfizer," Chagla, a specialist at St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton.

Chagla said it’s up to NACI, Health Canada, and the various provincial health ministries to be transparent and clear on the evidence.

"This needs to be aggressively put out and people need to be really, really, really transparent, open and honest about this."

MORE National ARTICLES

Man who rammed Rideau Hall gate gets six years

Man who rammed Rideau Hall gate gets six years
He will also be prohibited from possessing any firearms, ammunition or explosive substances for life. Hurren had initially faced 21 weapons charges and one of threatening the prime minister.

Man who rammed Rideau Hall gate gets six years

Cabinet minister grilled over quarantine hotels

Cabinet minister grilled over quarantine hotels
Blair told the committee that quarantine measures have been effective and that any allegations should be thoroughly investigated.

Cabinet minister grilled over quarantine hotels

Panorama Ridge Secondary School in Surrey put on “Hold and Secure” yesterday

Panorama Ridge Secondary School in Surrey put on “Hold and Secure” yesterday
Two teenagers had an alleged dispute in a nearby alleyway. No weapon was found but police are still investigating.

Panorama Ridge Secondary School in Surrey put on “Hold and Secure” yesterday

PMO knew of Vance allegations in 2018: Trudeau

PMO knew of Vance allegations in 2018: Trudeau
The prime minister made the comments this afternoon in the House of Commons, confirming that then-military ombudsman Gary Walbourne spoke to Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan about an allegation against Vance in March 2018.

PMO knew of Vance allegations in 2018: Trudeau

Care home outbreaks reminder of vaccination limits

Care home outbreaks reminder of vaccination limits
Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry has said vaccines are effective at preventing severe illness and death, but they don't necessarily stop all transmission, so masks and physical distancing remain important.

Care home outbreaks reminder of vaccination limits

Police issue $6,900.00 in fines after alleged quarantine breach

Police issue $6,900.00 in fines after alleged quarantine breach
The woman was issued two separate violation tickets; one for the allegations made by PHAC, and one for the breach of quarantine requirements as observed by the officer. Both fines totalled $6,900.00.

Police issue $6,900.00 in fines after alleged quarantine breach