OTTAWA (CU)_Many countries across the globe are currently grappling with a spike in COVID-19 infections. Beijing recently announced its biggest city-wide lockdown in Shanghai, while in England, Coronavirus infections have reached reaching its highest level since the pandemic began two years ago. Health experts say the new infections were triggered by omicron subvariant BA.2, which has given rise to a sixth wave of COVID-19 in Canada.
Accordingly, the need for a fourth vaccine dose appears to be back on the table, with the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommending second boosters for Canadians over the age of 70. However, with most pandemic-induced restrictions lifted across the country, and less than half of the population having received a third shot, the public health officials are being accused of sending “mixed messages” to the public.
Several provinces in Canada, including Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia, Manitoba and Alberta, have announced plans to roll out a fourth COVID vaccine dose for older citizens. Meanwhile, experts point out that public health officials need to provide Canadians with more information and communicate better on how this fourth dose could be helpful in fighting the recent surge in infections.
According to Dr. Samir Sinha, director of geriatrics at Sinai Health and University Health Network hospitals, it is difficult to convince the public to get a second booster dose at a time when health authorities tell them masks are not mandatory and that it is up to them to decide if they should wear one or not. “I think a lot of the messaging right now is very mixed,” he said.
At the moment, mask mandates are in place only in Quebec, Nunavut and Prince Edward Island. And despite a recent surge in infections, most provinces say they have no plans to reintroduce COVID-19 restrictions. “I think all this mixed messaging is challenging because now people hear fourth doses. ‘Well, what does it matter? Why would I get a fourth dose when I don’t even need to wear a mask?’” Dr. Sinha said.
