June 4, 2021 Allergy/Immunology Pfizer vaccine recipients have lower neutralizing antibodies targeting delta variant up to three months after first dose. Outcome data needed to determine if this translates into less efficacy. Study concludes second dose interval needs to be shortened.
June 1, 2021 Health Policy B.1.617 variant adds new wrinkle into decision about whether to reopen schools in Ontario.
May 31, 2021 Health Policy With all that has happened with miscommunication and damage to confidence, if you want to make people suspicious of your decision Health Canada, this is the way to do it.
May 26, 2021 Health Policy Concerns in the UK that the spread of the new variant from India within certain regions in the country poses a threat to those who have had only the first vaccine dose.
May 25, 2021 Health Policy Second dose of Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccine needed to reach maximum efficacy against variant from India.
May 20, 2021 Cardiology Research presented at American College of Cardiology meeting states that 19 per cent of people with hypertension are taking other OTC or prescription meds that elevate their blood pressure. Awaiting published study.
May 17, 2021 Dementia Take note of correlation/causation issue with headlines citing dementia & Alzheimer disease being most commonly associated with Covid-related deaths. Message is that it is usually a combination of comorbidities and age that increase death risk from Covid.
May 13, 2021 Clinical Research Short-lived common side effects including fever, chills, pain, and headache after mixing AZ with Pfizer vaccine reported in @TheLancet. Immunogenicity results to be reported in June and if mixing is a viable option (likely but assumption needs evidence).
May 12, 2021 Epidemiology Risk calculus and interpretation changing in Ontario. Public Health recommends suspending first dose of AZ vaccine pending further data analysis. Outcome even if in favour of resumption will not change the erosion of public confidence.
April 30, 2021 Clinical Research Preprint study evaluated entire Scottish population and calls into question delaying second Covid vaccine dose up to 12 weeks. After first dose it noted a drop in preventing hospitalization from 84% at 5 weeks to 58% after the 7th. And after 16 weeks?