May 13 2021 Edit: Given the reduced number of cases and hotspot zones in Canada, the country has opted to no longer provide AZ as first shot. And that is because so many of you took AZ when available: thank you! It’s because of you and everyone else who got vaccinated, that we are where we are, where we can vaccine shop (a huge privilege that not many around the world have). The AZ remains an effective vaccine, though there is a rare but serious side effect with signs that you should look out for 4 to 28 days after you get the shot (severe headache, blurry vision, any new symptoms that are popping up). Please speak to your health care provider if you have any concerns!
April 10 2021 Edit: As new data emerges for AZ, we will do an updated episode as necessary. With the data available now, regulators have said that AZ's benefits vastly outweigh risks - especially if you're higher at risk of severe COVID and are in a hotspot zone - and should be taken when made available to you. Please contact your health provider if you have any questions or concerns specific to your medical needs.
Just when we thought we had started understanding the initial COVID-19 virus, variants of the virus have started emerging. What does that mean in the current context, will the vaccines that we currently have be efficacious against them? What is all the headlines with AstraZeneca vaccine? Tune in to this fast-facts episode with Dr. Taylor Holroyd to quickly get the current state of affairs regarding vaccines and variants.
