Vaccine: 7.1% rejection in CHSLD staff in Monteroze

Article by Ugo Gigure, The Canadian Press, Local Journalism Initiative

While some health workers are concerned about the high rejection rate, data on workers in CHSLDs in Monteroge show a much higher vaccination rate.

Only 7.1% of nursing staff in CHSLDs have so far refused to receive the first dose of the vaccine, according to data from the Department of Public Health of Montero. This will further collapse the already low rate, as workers who prefer to wait will have another chance to be vaccinated in the coming weeks.

New round of appointments should be opened to vaccinate health workers who were not available during the first wave of vaccination or who initially refused the vaccine and have since changed their minds.

For Benoit Barbeau, a professor of biology at the University of Quebec (UQM) in Montreal and an expert in virology, it has a “very low” rejection percentage and therefore “very encouraging” large-scale vaccine campaign.

Mr Barbeau explains that “the magic number we often talk about is 70%, so more than two – thirds of the population vaccinated to gain mass immunity”. He said some polls conducted by the government indicate the rate of attraction for the vaccine in a single water in the population. The initial result of the vaccine operation in Monteroze was a pleasant surprise.

Let me know above all

Benoit Barbeau found that some people with severe allergic reactions may have a valid reason for not getting the vaccine. Manufacturer Pfizer warns that some reactions are observed in rare cases during clinical trials. However, this is only a very narrow category.

In addition, the virologist believes it is important not to point fingers or interfere with people who express fears about the vaccine. The expert noted that misinformation can spread quickly on social networks and perpetuate misconceptions among many people.

For Benoit Barbeau, it is important to take the time to discuss and answer questions from fearful people.

“The technology of Pfizer and Moderna is a very inert molecule, RNA. The general purpose of this molecule is to make sure that you are going to produce a protein that looks like a virus, so you are not likely to produce a virus,” the expert explained ‘UQAM.

“It comforts us because when we get vaccinated there are no viral agents or any agents in our body that can reproduce. It’s something that is supposed to disappear,” he said.

Vaccinated

Vaccination operation is well underway in the Monterogy area. By next week, we will start vaccinating Retirement Homes (RPA) staff. Health Minister Christian Dubey has already announced at a press conference that residents of these institutions will be vaccinated by January 25.

Residents and staff of CHSLDs in Monterogy have already received the first dose. The first phase ended last Thursday. According to the Regional Directorate of Public Health, residents and staff of Intermediate and Family-Type Resources (RI-RTF) should receive their first dose this week.

At the same time, the rest of the health and social services staff were invited to go by appointment to one of the four permanent vaccination centers in Saint-Hyacinth, Condeac, Longjouil and Brosard‌. We hope to administer the first dose to all CHSLDs, hospitals, front line and home care staff during the week of February 1st.