COVID 19 Vaccine Information Part 2: Vaccines and their role in stopping the pandemic
Aproval Process Pfizier:
The Pfizer vaccine was the first to be approved in Canada and initially show to have an efficacy of 95%. Age range for administration is 16 years and above. Participants in the clinical trial will be followed for 2 years after their 2nd vaccine dose.
In an attempt to expediate international delivery of the Pfizer vaccine, early batches were rolled out with US Emergency Use labels which were only offered in English. Given this fact, the labels were missing important Canadian specific requirements, specifically French instructions for use. The French monographs and additional information can be found through the below link. It is unclear if this has been rectified at this time.
https://healthycanadians.gc.ca/recall-alert-rappel-avis/hc-sc/2020/74541a-eng.php
In early December 2 people in the UK were reported to have anaphylactic reactions to the Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine. Health Canada has followed both cases closely. Additional information about the cases and recommendations for those with allergies can be found below.
https://healthycanadians.gc.ca/recall-alert-rappel-avis/hc-sc/2020/74543a-eng.php
Approval Process Moderna:
Recommended dosing schedule, dosing, and specialty considerations for vaccination can be found at the below link.
https://www.who.int/news-room/feature-stories/detail/the-moderna-covid-19-mrna-1273-
vaccine-what-you-need-to-know
The below guideline offering insight in the approval process for the Modera COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccine has a 94.1% efficacy rate, based on a median 2 month follow up and showed promising protection for all age groups 18 and older. The current recommendation is that a person receives the first and second vaccine dose using the same brand.
https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/interim-recommendations-for-use-of-the-moderna-
mrna-1273-vaccine-against-covid-19
Future Vaccines:
The following tale lists various COVID-19 related clinical trials taking place globally. Topics include:
-exercise rehabilitation post COVID infection
-prevention awareness
-the effect of COVID-19 on reproduction
-development of future vaccinations
-maternal and neonatal outcomes for women infected with COVID-19
https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/who_table
Role of the Vaccine in Ending the Pandemic:
The UBC Continuing Education Department is offering a course entitled “COVID-19 Update: Everything You Need to Know About Vaccines”. The free course is being offered February 10th, but registration is limited.
https://ubccpd.ca/course/covid-19-feb-10
Dr. Clare Wenham, an assistant professor at the London School of Economics believes that the global pandemic won’t be over until 2023/2024. Her assertions do not seemed to be backed with very compelling empirical data, but it is an interesting read from a non-healthcare perspective.
https://news.sky.com/story/covid-19-life-wont-return-to-normal-for-at-least-two-years-expert-
warns-saying-pandemic-isnt-over-until-its-over-globally-12203057
Many sources discuss the importance of maintaining various preventative measures, despite receiving the vaccine. It is important to remember that the vaccine is not an overnight solution, with long term intentions is to prevent transmission to vulnerable populations and bolster the immune system response of people in general.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/health/coronavirus-canada-covid-19-pandemic-fatigue-vaccines-1.5847352
https://www.gavi.org/vaccineswork/theres-more-one-way-covid-19-vaccine-end-pandemic