Covid-19 Vaccine
Canadian officials to study alternative COVID-19 vaccines amid AstraZeneca's rare side effects
Ottawa/IBNS: Considering the rare side effects of AstraZeneca vaccines, Canadian health officials are now studying mixing various COVID-19 shots.
The risk of developing rare side effects and uncertainty of its future supply has prompted some provinces to consider pausing AstraZeneca vaccinations altogether.
Dr. Brent Roussin, Manitoba's chief provincial public health officer, said in a news conference Sunday that a temporary suspension "has been discussed at many levels, and certainly discussed at our provincial program right now."
While Health Canada regulators repeatedly had claimed that AstraZeneca product is safe and effective, some people who already have received that vaccine are now looking at their options.
According to the belief of some scientists, administering two doses of different products could boost a person's immune response beyond what can be achieved by giving the same shot twice.
The study is "looking for clues as to how to increase the breadth of protection against new virus strains."
The United Kingdom (U.K) is already studying the "mismatched" vaccine regimen.
Christine Elliott, Ontario's health minister, said Monday that recipients of the AstraZeneca vaccine may receive a different shot for their second dose.
(Reporting by Asha Bajaj)
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