COVID-19 vaccine. (Canadian Press)

By David Opinko

Hinshaw: 0.019% of COVID vaccines have caused adverse events

Jan 20, 2021 | 3:24 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – According to Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, COVID-19 vaccines from Moderna and Pfizer have proven to be safe.

During Wednesday’s COVID press conference, Dr. Deena Hinshaw commented on the safety of COVID-19 vaccines in Canada and Alberta.

“Canada’s review process prior to licensing a vaccine for use in this country is among the best in the world. Both of the vaccines we are using went through a rigorous testing and Health Canada approval process.”

Out of 95,243 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Alberta so far, Dr. Hinshaw says there have been 18 incidents of adverse events. That puts the rate of adverse events at 0.019 per cent.

Six of these were the result of allergic reactions. Affected patients have been advised to consult an allergist before potentially getting a second dose.

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In the other cases, those getting the vaccine have experienced diarrhea, vomiting, and a rash.

Currently, only those in Phases 1 and 1A of Alberta’s COVID-19 priority list have been vaccinated. They include several classes of front-line healthcare workers, staff and residents of long-term care and designated supportive living facilities, and paramedics and EMS.

READ MORE: AHS reports two COVID deaths in South Zone, 33 new cases