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
'There could have been an explosion,' 8 people, including 4 children injured in St. Constant, Que.
Eight people, including four children, have second- or third-degree burns as a result of an incident at a home in Saint-Constant, Que. south of Montreal, the Coopérative des techniciens ambulanciers de la Montérégie (CETAM) reported on Saturday.
Ontario gave parents more than $1B in cash over 2 years. Here's where the money went
During the pandemic, the Ontario government started to hand out cash to parents to help offset the cost of at-home learning while schools were shuttered.
Ryan Reynolds has declared 'War of the Popcorn Buckets.' He's honestly onto something
Ryan Reynolds this week unveiled arguably the most anticipated and sure-to-be coveted merchandise tied to his upcoming 'Deadpool' sequel: the movie’s novelty popcorn bucket.
Do this once a month and extend your life by up to 10 years. No gym required
Research shows that art experiences, whether as a maker or a beholder, transform our biology by rewiring our brains and triggering the release of neurochemicals, hormones and endorphins.
Bathroom break nearly derails $22 million project at city council meeting
A brief break during Wednesday's city council meeting in Saskatoon nearly cost the city dearly.
One dead, 26 wounded in overnight shooting in Ohio: reports
A shooting on a street in Akron, Ohio, killed one man and wounded 26 other people early Sunday morning, according to reports by local news outlets.
South Korea vows 'unbearable' retaliation against North Korea over its launch of trash balloons
South Korea said Sunday it’ll soon take retaliatory steps against North Korea over its launch of trash-carrying balloons across the border and other provocations.
Mass parachute jump over Normandy kicks off commemorations for the 80th anniversary of D-Day
Parachutists jumping from Second World War-era planes hurled themselves Sunday into now peaceful Normandy skies where war once raged, heralding a week of ceremonies for the fast-disappearing generation of Allied troops who fought from D-Day beaches 80 years ago.
Ambassador says interactions with Russia 'quite limited' but 'not unfriendly'
Canada's ambassador to Russia says while Ottawa has 'grave concerns' about the Kremlin's 'longer-term trends,' the war in Ukraine is 'a primary barrier to a change in the relationship.'