The co-chair of the Federal Task Force on the Study of COVID-19 Immunization The arrival of vaccines in Canada does not guarantee protection from the virus, nor do they give signs that people’s lives will soon return to normal.
Dr Catherine Hankins told the CBC House There is still little known about COVID-19 immunity and the impact of vaccines to go quickly beyond pandemic measures such as mask directives and restrictions on social and business activities.
“We still have a lot of questions about immunity from even the natural infection of the wild virus. How long will the protection last? Will it increase when you are exposed again? What is the effect if you get the vaccine and you have it? A previous COVID-19 infection?” Said.
“But we are now working very hard to see how natural immunity can be distinguished from vaccine-induced immunity.”
Many medical professionals will see a light coming next week at the end of the first dose tunnel of the vaccine made by Pfizer-Bioentech – the beginning of the end of the epidemic.
Canada will receive 249,000 doses by the end of this year.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Thursday that “the first 30,000 doses will arrive on Canadian soil in a few days” and that the vaccine will be “free for Canadians” as the federal government bears the costs.
Each province decides who will be vaccinated.
Millions of additional doses will come in the months that Health Canada approves the Pfizer-BioMTech vaccine. The Trudeau government has entered into agreements with other vaccine manufacturers that are now under consideration by regulators – including Moderna. Canada has an agreement to purchase up to 56 million doses of Modarana product.
Both the Pfizer-Bioentech and Modern vaccines have been reported to be 95 percent effective.
CBC News: The House9:53Dr. Catherine Hankins on Immunization Immunization
Co-chair of the COVID-19 Immunity Task Force of Canada, discusses the recent approval of the Pfizer vaccine and what the upcoming vaccine means to return to normal life. 9:53
How long does immunity last?
Hankins agreed that the news before the vaccination was exciting. The task of her Immunization Task Force is to understand if there are any differences in immunity levels between those who have recovered from COVID-19 and those who have been vaccinated.
“We’ll see [at], For those who are infected and those who are vaccinated, what is the durability of the protection they are getting? She said.
“How long will it last? How will it react if they are re-exposed in society? Will they get ost when they are re-exposed? Will they get worse symptoms? These are things we need to recognize.”
Health professionals are not the only ones asking these questions. Governments and businesses are already waiting for the vaccine as a kind of passport to any activity.
‘Immunity Passport’ and Civil Rights
Ontario Health Minister Christine Elliott confirmed this week that the province hopes to issue some sort of ‘vaccine proof’ to those who received the shot. She called it a necessary tool.
“It’s important that people go to theaters, cinemas or any other place for travel purposes, perhaps for work purposes. People have physical contact when we get out of the trash of the pandemic,” she said.
The Canadian Civil Liberties Association emphasizes that the idea of a vaccination certificate or immunization passport is a violation of Canadian rights.
“It discriminates, it infringes on privacy and dignity, it enforces and it violates the mobility rights of Canadians,” said Michael Bryant, executive director of the association. House This week.
“Just because we want herd immunity from the virus, does not mean that herd mentality is necessary to identify people with the scarlet character of COVID. The basis. “
‘This is not absolute proof of defense’
Hankins said those concerns are legitimate.
“I think there needs to be a discussion in the community about how we’re going to do this, because this is not just proof of the vaccine. I mean, if you have COVID-19, you have immunity as well,” she said. House.
“So we’m going to think about how we can do it so that people can understand that it’s not just absolute proof of defense.”
At a news conference on Friday, Prime Minister Trudeau called on Canadians to remain vigilant and respect public health guidelines.
“We have reserved enough doses so that every Canadian who wants the vaccine will be able to get it before the end of 2021. Vaccines can help end the epidemic, but right now, our fight against COVID-19 is far from over. These numbers must be reduced. “
Hankins said it was time for Canadians to get their lives back on pace.
“And we all know, we’re heading for the shortest day of the year. It’s the coldest, darkest winter before us … We really have to commit and do everything we are told to do,” she said.
In the meantime, as the holiday season approaches, Hankins suggests that Canadians make an effort to stay socially connected.
When it comes to gifts, it may not seem like much. But in the midst of the second pandemic wave, this may be the best gift we can get.
About The Author
More Stories
Activists still stick their hands to the ground at Montreal-Trudeau airport
Scotiabank customers can't get their pay: “We've fixed the problem”
His wife was badly beaten at CHSLD