Quebec offering 'additional' doses of COVID-19 vaccines with 'no existing studies' on side effects
The Quebec government is offering those inoculated with AstraZeneca, but looking to travel to a country where that vaccine isn't recognized, an additional dose of a COVID-19 injection.
"This is an additional dose, not a third dose," explains Robert Maranda, director of communications with Quebec's health ministry (MSSS). "This additional dose may be given to anyone whose vaccination is not recognized in the country they are travelling to."
However, the government admits it is doing so without any scientific backing on potential side effects.
"There is no vaccine safety data for these situations," Maranda notes, adding those considering getting the additional dose would receive further information ahead of making the decision.
A record would indicate that "counselling" was done and that the person maintained their decision to want an additional dose, though he did not elaborate on what kind of "counselling" would be offered.
"We are using people's good judgment," Maranda said. "The person will need to be counselled appropriately to be aware of the potential risks associated with this additional dose compared to the benefits of the planned trip. There are no studies to evaluate the impact of this additional dose."
Booster shots have not been advised for additional protection against COVID-19 and the ministry admits recipients could have "adverse vaccine reactions [that] may be more frequent and severe."
People who decide they do want an additional dose will not have to show proof of travel in order to get it.
Maranda adds vaccine clinics in the province have been advised that travelling Quebecers may come seeking this additional inoculation.
"It is up to each individual to weigh the risks and benefits," he concluded.
SUPERFLUOUS SURPLUS
Dr. Christopher Labos points out for some immuno-compromised individuals, a third dose of vaccine could help boost their immune systems.
"This isn't the case here," he tells CTV News. "This is about giving people a dose to go around a bureaucratic requirement."
Currently, the AstraZeneca vaccine is not recognized in some countries, including the United States.
"I have qualms about giving people a vaccine, not for medical reasons, but for administrative ones," Labos stated.
He insists governments ought instead to work together to change the rules rather than gratuitously inoculate people who want to cross the border.
"So many people have no access and we're giving extra doses here to people," he said.
Labos acknowledges there probably won't be any major consequences for individuals opting to get an additional dose of vaccine, but notes a more efficient use of these doses would be to distribute them to countries that are struggling to secure supply.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Several flight attendants from Pakistan have gone missing after landing in Canada
Multiple flight attendants from Pakistan International Airlines have abandoned their jobs and are believed to have sought asylum in Canada in the past year and a half, a spokesperson for the government-owned airline says.
BREAKING Ottawa public school board, 3 Toronto-area school boards launch lawsuit against social media giants
The Ottawa-Carleton District School Board and three school boards in the Toronto-area have launched legal action against social media giants, accusing them of "disrupting students' fundamental right to education."
Doctors visiting a Gaza hospital are stunned by the war's toll on Palestinian children
An international team of doctors visiting a hospital in central Gaza was prepared for the worst. But the gruesome impact Israel’s war against Hamas is having on Palestinian children still left them stunned.
Crypt near Marilyn Monroe and Hugh Hefner could fetch US$400,000 at auction
A one-space mausoleum crypt in the vicinity of Marilyn Monroe and Hugh Hefner will go on auction Saturday, when it is expected to reach between US$200,000 and $400,000.
This Toronto restaurant is no longer accepting tips. Here's how it's going
A Toronto restaurant introduced a surprising new rule that reduced the cost of a meal and raised the salaries of staff – tipping is no longer accepted.
A fight to protect the dignity of Michelangelo's David raises questions about freedom of expression
Michelangelo's David has been a towering figure in Italian culture since its completion in 1504. But in the current era of the quick buck, curators worry the marble statue's religious and political significance is being diminished.
A Nigerian woman reviewed some tomato puree online. Now she faces jail
A Nigerian woman who wrote an online review of a can of tomato puree is facing imprisonment after its manufacturer accused her of making a “malicious allegation” that damaged its business.
Premiers not being truthful about carbon tax, Trudeau says while sparks fly in Ottawa
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says Conservative premiers across the country are 'not telling the truth' when it comes to the carbon tax. Trudeau's comments came as fresh sparks were flying in Ottawa at a recalled House of Commons committee.
Far North police 'dispatch' polar bear stalking schoolyard
Police and local hunters in an Ontario Far North First Nation community have “dispatched” a polar that was showing abnormal behaviour and treating the area as a hunting ground.