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
Trend Line Anger, pessimism towards federal government reach six-year high: Nanos survey
Most Canadians in March reported feeling angry or pessimistic towards the federal government than at any point in the last six years, according to a survey by Nanos Research.
BREAKING 14 suspects arrested in grandparent scam targeting seniors across Canada: Ontario police
An interprovincial investigation into an 'emergency grandparents scam' that targeted seniors across Canada has led to the arrest of 14 suspects, Ontario Provincial Police say.
Motion to allow keffiyehs at Ontario legislature fails
A motion to reverse a ban on the keffiyeh within Queen’s Park failed to receive unanimous consent Thursday just moments after Ontario Premier Doug Ford reiterated his view that prohibiting the garment in the House is divisive.
B.C. child killer's lawyer walks out of review hearing
The lawyer representing child-killer Allan Schoenborn walked out of his client's annual review hearing Wednesday – abruptly ending proceedings marked by tense exchanges and several outbursts.
How to avoid the trap of becoming 'house poor'
The journey to home ownership can be exciting, but personal finance columnist Christopher Liew warns about the trappings of becoming 'house poor' -- where an overwhelming portion of your income is devoured by housing costs. Liew offers some practical strategies to maintain better financial health while owning a home.
'A living nightmare': Winnipeg woman sentenced following campaign of harassment against man after online date
A Winnipeg woman was sentenced to house arrest after a single date with a man she met online culminated in her harassing him for years, and spurred false allegations which resulted in the innocent man being arrested three times.
Juror dismissed in Trump hush money trial as prosecutors ask for former president to face contempt
Prosecutors in the hush money trial of Donald Trump asked Thursday for the former president to be held in contempt and fined because of seven social media posts that they said violated a judge's gag order barring him from attacking witnesses.
Why drivers in Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic Canada will see a gas price spike, and other Canadians won't
Drivers in Eastern Canada face a big increase in gas prices because of various factors, especially the higher cost of the summer blend, industry analysts say.
It's the biggest election in history. Here's why few Indians in Canada will take part
In the Indian general election that gets underway on Friday, almost a billion people are eligible to vote, but a vast majority of the overseas Indian community in Canada won't be casting a ballot.