Some doctors are asking Ontario to allow all adults to receive a second booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine this summer. This means that the state is currently limited to a portion of its population.
Approximately 7.4 million Ontario citizens received one booster,According to Ontario Public Health data, nearly 90% of these shots are at least 90% Administered 5 months ago.
Studies show that COVID-19 boosters begin to lose some effectiveness four months after administration, calling on Ontario to expand their eligibility for the second booster. Is increasing. Fourth dose of vaccine.
"We know that the protection provided by these vaccines is effective in reducing serious illness and death, but it is declining," said Ottawa's GP. One Dr. Niri Kaplan Mars said.
Ontario is currently limiting a fourth dose to people over the age of 60 and to indigenous peoples, caregivers, or adults of all ages with immunodeficiency. About 1.4 million people are qualified and About 6 million people who had boosters last winter are not eligible to get another shot this time.
CBC News last week asked the Ministry of Health about the dosage of vaccines currently in stock in Ontario, but authorities did not provide an answer.
Next to Quebec, all adultswere eligible for a fourth dose in May.
National Advisory Board on Immunization (NACI)last weekState should provide booster shots This applies to all people at high risk of serious illness from COVID-19 infection, regardless of the number of boosters they have received before.
This recommendation applies to anyone over the age of 65. According to NACI, people between the ages of 12 and 64 "may be offered" additional doses in the fall.
There are no signs that Ontario plans to change its policy regarding eligibility for a fourth dose this summer.
"We are considering NACI's latest guidance and will provide more details on the fall booster shots in the coming weeks," a Health Department spokesman told CBC News. Said in the email.
It doesn't satisfy Kaplan-Myrth.
"Ontario says," Wait a minute. I'll give you something in the fall. " But that's not enough when people now have boosters already in the past, "she said in an interview with CBC News.
Dr. Steve Flynnard, a doctor in the emergency room of the Greater Toronto Area , also opens additional boosters to everyone in the state. I advocate that. adult.
"It's time to offer a fourth dose to prevent further problems in the future," Flindall told CBC News.
He said he was concerned that longer gaps between boosters might mean that people would reduce the robustness of their immune response.
"This exposes many vulnerable individuals to severe illness, not to mention diluting healthcare staffing," Flindall said. I am.
He and Kaplan-Myrth are not eligible for a fourth dose People under the age of 60 are now more susceptible to COVID-19 than older people Is pointed out. People in the most important frontline jobs in the workforce are at greatest risk.
"It's actually rude to expect doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals to be in a situation where they are no longer protected. "Kaplan-Myrth said. ..
She believes that many of the current vaccine supplies will expire by the fall.
"We're probably talking about tens of thousands, if not hundreds of thousands, of doses in the garbage," she said.
"There is no medical basis for refraining from vaccines. It is useless to say no."
