Canada's Vaccine Advisers Suggest mRNA Vaccines Over Others Amid Controversy

Strategic Insights -

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Canadian health officials have consistently advised Canadians to get vaccinated as soon as possible, with the most important thing being to get vaccinated with the first vaccine offered. However, the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) has suggested that mRNA vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna are "preferred" due to their lower risk of a new blood-clotting syndrome, contrary to previous advice. The debate has sparked a heated discussion among politicians, medical professionals, and the public, with some expressing concerns about vaccine hesitancy and others questioning the advice.

Key Takeaways:

  • The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) has suggested that mRNA vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna are "preferred" due to their lower risk of a new blood-clotting syndrome.
  • The NACI has recommended that Canadians under 30 should not be offered AstraZeneca or Johnson & Johnson, as their potential risk of contracting VITT outweighs their risk of severe illness or death from COVID-19.
  • Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has maintained that Canadians should still get vaccinated with the first vaccine offered, emphasizing the importance of getting the first shot as soon as possible.
  • The Canadian Pharmacists Association has expressed disappointment with NACI's advice, worrying that it could fuel vaccine hesitancy.
  • Nova Scotia chief medical officer Dr. Robert Strang has sided with NACI, stating that mRNA vaccines are better vaccines.
  • Some medical professionals, including Dr. Brian Goldman and Dr. Robert Strang, have expressed differing opinions on the matter.

Statistics:

  • 1.7 million people have received AstraZeneca in Canada, with 7 cases of VITT confirmed, of which one was fatal.
  • The risk of COVID-19 among different age groups and differing levels of the virus varies, but the risk-benefit analysis conducted by NACI suggests that mRNA vaccines are the preferred choice.
  • Pfizer is sending 20 million doses by the end of June, including two million this week, while Moderna is expected to ship another 8.5 million to 10.5 million doses.
  • AstraZeneca shipments are expected to be around 1.6 million doses, with negotiations ongoing to secure additional doses from the US supply.

Sources:

  • Health officials have been advising Canadians to get vaccinated as soon as possible since the first vaccines were approved in December.
  • The NACI suggested that mRNA vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna are "preferred" on May 3, 2021.
  • Procurement Minister Anita Anand stated that there are only deliveries of about 1.6 million doses of AstraZeneca expected on May 4, 2021.
  • Health Canada is trying to verify the doses of J&J made at a Maryland facility with numerous safety violations.
  • The Canadian Press reported on May 4, 2021, that 44 million Moderna, 48 million Pfizer, approximately 24 million AstraZeneca, and 10 million J&J are expected by the end of September.