Thread by @CMOH_Alberta

Here is a summary of today’s #COVID19AB update: We have admin 1M+ doses of vaccine. Over the last 24hrs, we have ID’d 1,646 new cases & completed about 17.2K tests. Our + rate is 9.5%. We have ID’d 1,020 new VoC cases. Variants now represent 53.5% of our active cases. (1/11)

There are active alerts/outbreaks in 478 schools. Alberta Education has moved grades 7-12 to online learning for #YYC Board of Education & #YYC Catholic School District for 2 wks. (2/11)

Extra-curricular, youth sport, rec & performance activities for these groups will also be paused or moved outdoors for this time period. (3/11)

There are 416 ppl in hosp incl 86 in ICU. Sadly, 5 new deaths were reported in the last 24hrs. My condolences go to their family & friends. (4/11)

AstraZeneca vaccine is avail to ABs 55-64 by appt through participating pharmacies & AHS. 26 participating pharmacies in #YYC & #YEG are offering AZ on a walk-in basis & 2 AHS walk-in clinics open Sat. Ppl 55-64 can visit walk-in locations, regardless of where they live. (5/11)

AZ 1st dose reduces infection by 60-70% and hospitalizations by 80%, incl against the B.1.1.7 variant. In very rare cases, AZ can trigger VITT, which is treatable. It’s important everyone is aware of symptoms & seeks medical attention if needed (6/11)

So far, there has been 1 confirmed case in Canada & 0 in AB. We are investigating a small # of reports of blood clots & will let ABs know if VITT is ID’d. These reports & associated follow-up, are signs our safety system is working. We are closely monitoring all vaccines. (7/11)

I know any report of a side effect can be scary, esp. when it comes to new treatments/vaccines. But let’s look at the numbers. The global frequency has been estimated at approx 1 case/100,000-250,000 doses. In AB someone w/COVID has 1/200 chance of dying from infection. (8/11)

Anyone infected with COVID-19 is much more likely to experience a blood clot from COVID than from this vaccine. Blood clots can also occur after meds such as ibuprofen. We accept that risk because it is very small & the benefits are far greater. (9/11)

Though a preventative measure, AZ remains the smart choice for protecting your health. W/cases rising, it is more important than ever you get protection now, instead of waiting. If you are 55-64 & not part of phase 2B/C, it will be many weeks before you can get a vaccine. (10/11)

It is my professional opinion that the benefits of these vaccines far outweigh any of the rare risks that may be associated. As soon as you are offered vaccine, whichever it may be, take it to protect your health & the health of those around you. (11/11)