Ontarians 40 years of age and older can book a pharmacy appointment to receive the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine starting on Tuesday (April 20). The vaccine will also be available at primary care settings.
“As we continue to fight COVID-19, we are doing everything possible to get as many vaccines into arms as quickly and safely as possible,” Dr. David Williams, Ontario’s chief medical officer of health, said in a statement issued on Monday.
“We continue to be actively engaged with Health Canada on updated AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine safety,” he added. “Last week, based on the review of available data from Europe and United Kingdom, Health Canada announced that it was not restricting the use of AstraZeneca vaccine in any specific populations at this time.”
Previously the AstraZeneca vaccine was only available to those aged 55 and older, based on a recommendation from Canada’s National Advisory Committee on Immunization. The recommendation followed reports from Europe of rare cases of blood clots, associated with low levels of blood platelets, developing mainly in women under the age of 55 within two weeks of receiving the vaccine.
However, last week Health Canada issued an advisory approving the use of the vaccine without restrictions.
“Based on Health Canada’s review of available data from Europe and from the United Kingdom and AstraZeneca, no specific risk factors have been identified,” the advisory reads. “Therefore, Health Canada is not restricting the use of the vaccine at this time.”
“The results of the ongoing safety assessments have been consistent,” the advisory reads, referring to the low incidence of blot clots. “The potential risk of these events is very rare, and the benefits of the vaccine in protecting against COVID-19 outweigh its potential risks. Health Canada’s findings are based on a sound and thorough review of all evidence available. In the very rare event that someone experiences unusual blood clots with low platelets, there are treatments available.”
“All COVID-19 vaccines available in Ontario have been shown to prevent serious illness, hospitalization, and death,” Dr. Williams said. “Adverse reactions are extremely rare. We strongly recommend that everyone book their appointment as soon as they are eligible.”
For a list of pharmacies offering the vaccine in the greater Kawarthas region, visit the Ontario government website at https://covid-19.ontario.ca/vaccine-locations and enter the first three characters of your postal code.
The vaccine is available by appointment only. Contact the pharmacy using the information available on the Ontario government website.
