The top public health official in Chatham-Kent is reporting that 2,400 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine have been put into arms across the region since pharmacies and primary care physicians were given the green light to administer them a couple of months ago.
Chatham-Kent Medical Officer of Health Dr. David Colby echoed what many leading health officials across the country have been telling Canadians lately -- the AstraZeneca vaccine is safe and if you already received one, you did the right thing. Colby also noted that there have been no reported blood clots locally caused by that particular vaccine.
Ontario, and several other provinces, have paused the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine for first doses because of concerns over blood clots. When they announced that decision, provincial health officials noted that they believe the risk of developing a blood clot caused by AstraZeneca is 1:60,000. Colby believes the AstraZeneca vaccine was also put on hold because there's more supply of Pfizer and Moderna shots. Colby said the United Kingdom is using AstraZeneca predominantly and said they have fared very well in their infection control.
The doctor added it remains to be seen if mixing doses is a good idea and he is waiting to see evidence before signing off on it.
"As soon as there is evidence that you can use the first dose with one vaccine and the second dose with another, I will heartily endorse that," said Colby. "I don't have any inherent bias towards that in general, I just want to see some evidence that it works well before we start recommending it."
He said the AstraZeneca allows 12 weeks between doses and he doesn't have to worry about those booster shots for now.
Dr. Colby said 42 per cent of those eligible to get the vaccine in Chatham-Kent have received at least one shot. He said local community immunity could be reached this summer if there is enough vaccine supply and added if we get to that point (80% of locals with a first dose and 20% with a 2nd dose), social activities could really start to open up.
Colby also said public health workers will have employees at 10 farms in Chatham-Kent vaccinated before the weekend, including 350 migrant workers. He noted that all local temporary foreign workers will be offered, and hopefully accept, their shot by the end of the month.