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Dr. Jeff Powis answers 5 questions about the COVID-19 vaccine
Sarah Downey, president and CEO of Michael Garron Hospital (MGH), asks Dr. Jeff Powis, Medical Director, Infection Prevention and Control, Michael Garron Hospital five questions about the COVID-19 vaccine.
You have questions and Michael Garron Hospital (MGH) has answers.
In this community edition of “5 Questions with President and CEO Sarah Downey” video series, Sarah interviews Dr. Jeff Powis, Medical Director, Infection Prevention and Control, Michael Garron Hospital, about the COVID-19 vaccine.
Watch the video to find out the answers to the following 5 questions:
- What do we need to know about the new Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine? How does it work? (0:46)
Key Points: The Pfizer vaccine is an mRNA vaccine which teaches our cells how to make a protein that will trigger an immune response without using the live virus that causes COVID-19. Once triggered, the body will then makes antibodies that will be long lasting and protect us.
- What is the difference between Pfizer and Moderna vaccine? (2:39)
Key Points: The Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines are mRNA vaccines - one is made in Germany the other is made in the USA.
Both vaccines require two doses: the Pfizer vaccine is administered 21 days apart, the Moderna vaccine is administered 28 days apart.
Pfizer was approved by Health Canada on December 15, 2020. At the time of recording (Dec, 16) the Moderna vaccine had not yet been approved.
The Pfizer vaccine needs to be stored in a very cold temperature (-71 Celsius) and as such will most likely be administered at facilities with specialized freezers like hospitals. Once the Moderna vaccine is approved, it will likely to be administered in the community as it can be stored at -20 Celsius.
- How were these COVID-19 vaccines developed so quickly? (4:00)
Key Points: The COVID-19 vaccine was developed rapidly because the genomic sequence of the virus was shared across the world early on in the pandemic. Because of the incredible power of molecular science, scientists were able to see the genomic sequence of the virus, and subsequently identify what mRNA vaccine would be required to teach our cells how to make a protein that would trigger an immune response. It’s amazing what you can do if everyone’s focus across the globe is on getting one thing done.
- Is the COVID-19 vaccine safe? (5:24)
Key Points: Trials with the Pfizer vaccine have been ongoing with 40, 000 patients since March. We have a lot of data from these trials including excellent safety assessments and we also have real world data from the UK where the vaccine is already being administered.
Dr. Powis noted he will be getting the COVID-19 vaccine once it becomes available to him.
- Who will get the COVID-19 vaccine first? Should I wait to get the vaccine to ensure its safe? (6:42)
Key Points: MGH’s distribution of the vaccine will be guided by the Ministry of Health and will include a prioritization strategy for which populations will receive access to the vaccine first.
Vaccine administration will initially be offered to priority populations identified by the Ministry of Health. The priority populations identified in Phase One are:
- Residents, employees and staff, and essential caregivers of congregate living settings that provide care for seniors
- Health care workers (including all those who work in health care settings and those in direct contact with patients)
- Adults in First Nations, Métis, and Inuit populations where infection can have disproportionate consequences, including those living in remote or isolated areas
- Adult recipients of chronic home health care
- Bonus question: Once someone gets vaccinated can they stop wearing their mask and social distancing? (7:56)
Key Points: You are not significantly protected from COVID-19 until seven days after your second dose of the Pfizer vaccine, which would be 28 days after receiving your first dose. Even if you are one for the first people to get vaccinated, you still need to wear a mask and follow public health measures until the vast majority of the population is vaccinated.
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