Canadian Public Health Has Spoken

Apparently we're all in with Pfizer and Moderna despite Novavax providing significantly better protection and fewer risks.

Trudeau claimed to want Canada to be a producer of Novavax back in 2020, and bought a plant in Montréal, but no vaccines have been produced there for public use. Last May, the firm said it would push ahead with vaccines. According to that article, as of February over 37,000 Novavax shots were administered in Canada, 70 million Pfizer, adn 33. million Moderna. The low demand for Novavax negatively affects the likelihood that the plant will get off the ground.

Novavax is preferred for people who can't tolerate mRNA vaccines as Novavax uses protein-based fomula instead. It's targeting the JN.1 variant, as well as KP.2 and KP.3, which originate from JN.1 and most widespread (the "FliRT variants"). 

Last Wednesday, Health Canada said it was reviewing submission from Pfizer, Moderna and Novavax specifically for safety and effectiveness. If those were the real criteria, then Novavax would come in first place. But then on Friday, PHAC (Public Health Agency of Canada) put out this notice that makes clear:

"Canada will be receiving up to 19M doses of mRNA vaccine. . . . There will be no federally procured supply of Novavax. . . . Demand for Novavax's Covid'19 vaccine has been very low. . . . Individuals who . . . are unable to receive an mRNA vaccine should consider layering other personal preventative practices, such as practicing hand hygiene, wearing a well-fitting mask, and improving indoor ventilation, to reduce the risk of infection."

So, first, Novavax had low uptake because it was so hard to find that people WENT TO THE STATES to get it!!!  People drove across the province or country for it. In some places, you could only get it by filling out a form and getting to a public health unit to agree to a non-recommended shot. Secondly, flippin' HAND HYGIENE??? For a AIRBORNE VIRUS??? And indoor ventilation in school where HEPAs have been removed and CR Boxes STILL NOT ALLOWED???

In other words, if you can't tolerate an mRNA vaccine, then it's your funeral.

The states approved the mRNA vaccines on Thursday, but indicate they are still reviewing additional vaccine applications, so that's more hopeful.

For anyone who's already gearing up to cross the border for a superior shot once it's available (IF it's available), it's pretty easy to do as long as you're willing to pay for it. Last year, shots were about $250 each, Canadian. Contact the Rite-Aid or US Costco closest to you to book an appointment, and use the address of any hotel nearby. 

But before you track down your passports, consider contacting your MP and MPP and Minister of Health, and Chief Public Health Officer, all at once, with this handy tool!! 

The Canadian Covid Society are also advocating for access to Novavax, as did the Canadian Immunocompromised Advocacy Network: