Canada Ontario to expand use of AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine

The Canadian province of Ontario will the use of AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine on Tuesday to people turning 40 or older this year as epidemic rages.

According to a government source, the change will be announced on Monday and go into effect across the province on Tuesday.

The vaccine has already been distributed to pharmacies but currently can only be given to people turning 55 or older this year.

Health Canada earlier said it would review reports of serious blood clots and bleeding in a small number of people who had received the AstraZeneca vaccine in other countries, and an independent panel called the National Advisory Council on Immunization (NACI) recommended that it only be given to people 55 and older.

it had reviewed all available evidence and would not restricts the use of vaccine because its benefits outweigh its potential risks.

“The estimated the risk of clots is small, roughly four in a million people who receive the vaccine. It the complication was treatable, two people have developed it in Canada, and both are recovering,” Health Canada.

Ontario reported 4,250 new cases of COVID-19 on Sunday. The Ontario Hospital Association said 59 patients were admitted to intensive care, bringing the number of COVID-19 patients in ICUs to 737.

Health Canada said those who receive the vaccine should seek medical attention immediately if they experience shortness of breath, chest pain, leg swelling, persistent belly pain, neurological symptoms like severe headaches or blurred vision, or skin bruising or tiny blood spots under the skin beyond the site of the injection.

Kamila/Tribune