COVID-19: Better Nova Scotia doctor begs people to increase appointments for second vaccine – Halifax

Nova Scotia announced on Friday that nearly 56 percent of the people in the province are now fully vaccinated.

Dr Robert Strang, the province’s chief medical officer, told reporters on Friday that if everyone eligible for their second dose moved forward with their appointment, the province could meet its minimum target of 75% of the fully vaccinated population. earlier, and move on to the next phase of reopening by the end of August.

Strang said there were around 69,000 people who had received their first dose, but had not brought forward appointments for the second doses.

“We need these people to get vaccinated as soon as they can,” Strang said during a virtual media availability Friday.

READ MORE: Nova Scotia reports 1 death, no new COVID-19 cases

As the number of people needing immunizations declines, Strang said the province will start closing community clinics.

According to the province, the last day Nova Scotians can receive a COVID-19 vaccine at a community clinic is August 15. After that, COVID-19 vaccines will only be available at participating pharmacies and primary care clinics.

Anyone who currently has an appointment for a second dose at a community clinic after August 15 must reschedule their appointment or it will be canceled.

Possible side effect of mRNA vaccine

In a statement, the province said a “rare event after vaccination with an mRNA vaccine called myocarditis and pericarditis” has been reported in Canada, including Nova Scotia.

Myocarditis is the inflammation of the heart muscle and pericarditis is the inflammation of the lining around the heart.

There have been 22 reported cases in Nova Scotia.

“Although most of the cases required hospitalization, they were relatively mild and individuals tended to recover quickly with conservative treatment and rest,” the province said.

1:51Nova Scotia to Add Beds and Upgrade Long-Term Care Homes Following COVID-19 Deaths

Strang said that when it comes to the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, the benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risk of myocarditis and pericarditis.

These reactions mainly occur in people under 30 years of age within a week of receiving the vaccine. It also appears to be more common in men after the second dose.

Anyone who experiences shortness of breath, chest pain, or a feeling of fast or abnormal heartbeat after mRNA vaccination should seek medical attention.

Two new cases

Nova Scotia reported two new cases of COVID-19 and one recovery on Friday.

The cases are in the central zone. One relates to close contact with a previously reported case, which Strang says is linked to a family group.

The other is related to travel and is linked to the Royal Canadian Navy frigate HMCS Halifax.

“We don’t see any communities expanding in the province during this time,” Strang said.

So far, Nova Scotia has 12 active cases of COVID-19. There is currently no hospitalization.

Between July 16 and 22, 3,517 tests were administered at rapid test sites in Halifax, Dartmouth, Cole Harbor, Bedford and Sydney.

1:50Halifax has first walk-in clinic for second-dose COVID-19 vaccinations

The Nova Scotia Health Authority labs performed 2,821 tests the day before.

As of Thursday, 1,271,948 doses of COVID-19 vaccine were administered. Of these, 541,389 Nova Scotians received their second dose.

As of April 1, there have been 4,140 positive cases of COVID-19 and 27 deaths. There are 4,101 resolved cases.

The province also announced that it is renewing the state of emergency and will go into effect at noon on Sunday July 25, and extend until noon on Sunday August 8, unless the government ends or ends it. extends it.