LOCAL NEWS - JANUARY 27, 2021: NORTH SHORE – COVID-19 Vaccine Information
CFBS has been receiving questions from our listening audience regarding the COVID-19 vaccine that has begun to be administered to the North Shore and Lower North Shore population in the last couple of weeks. So far, the vaccination campaign has targeted primarily the health care workers, seniors living in CHSLD's, those working in CHSLD's, and the elderly population over the age of 80 years old in accordance with the vaccination priority groups.
The CISSS de la Côte-Nord stated in their press brief held last week that the vaccination campaign is going well in the region. Other vaccination clinics intended for the population will soon be organized elsewhere in the territory, depending on the availability of vaccines. In each setting, the vaccination will be carried out while respecting the prioritization of the groups to be vaccinated as established by the Ministry of Health and Social Services.
Speaking by email this week with Pascal Paradis, Communications Advisor of the CISSS de la Côte-Nord, about vaccine questions that CFBS was receiving, the following is the info that he had shared with us:
How effective is the vaccines?
The COVID‑19 vaccines (Pfizer and Moderna) approved by Health Canada are safe. The vaccines were tested on a large number of people. They have met all the requirements for approval. Vaccine efficacy 14 days after the first dose, and before the second dose, is 92%. These are thought to be 95% effective after two doses. Experts closely monitor any adverse reactions that may occur after vaccination and take the appropriate measures to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine.
Are there any possible side effects?
Adverse reactions are not uncommon after vaccination. These reactions are usually mild or moderate, and can last a few days. Symptoms may include pain at the injection site, fatigue, fever and chills. To date, no serious adverse effects have been identified with RNA-based vaccines.
Will all age groups be receiving the vaccine, such as babies, children, and pregnant women?
Vaccines will become available gradually. Some people will be vaccinated before others. There is an order of priority of groups for vaccination that can be found here.Vaccination of children and pregnant women will be determined based on future studies on vaccine safety and efficacy in these people.
For more information about the COVID-19 Vaccinations, you can visit here.
Abbygail Wellman
CFBS Journalist
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