Nova Scotia’s top doctor wants to alleviate any concerns that might exist over certain COVID-19 vaccines.
There have been various reports of blood clotting among a handful of people in the European Union and United Kingdom that have received the AstraZeneca vaccine.
In total, about 25 cases and nine deaths out of 20 million people who were inoculated by the vaccine developed some sort of usual blood disorder.
Doctor Robert Strang says Health Canada completed its own investigation into the reports.
“The groups responsible for safety monitoring of vaccines in the EU and UK are advising the benefits of getting the AstraZeneca vaccine outweigh the risks associated with these rare adverse effects associated with the vaccine. Health Canada has reached the same conclusion.” said Strang in a briefing on Friday.
Health Canada has determined the vaccine is safe and continues to encourage people to get the vaccine.
Meantime, a number of pharmacies on the South Shore will soon be offering COVID-19 vaccines including locations in Bridgewater, Shelburne and Yarmouth.
Bookings for the Moderna vaccine at the new locations opens today (Monday) for those 80 and above.
The province says they plan to administer 2,600 doses of COVID-19 vaccines at the new pharmacy clinics during their first week of operation.
To book an appointment you must fall within the eligible age range and then you can book an appointment online or over the phone by calling 1-833-797-7772.
Appointments cannot be booked directly through a community clinic, pharmacy or physician. Walk-ins will be turned away.
Eligibility for the AstraZeneca vaccine has increased to those between the ages of 60 to 64 years old.
Pharmacies open for booking Monday, March 22, for Nova Scotians who are 80 and older:
— Drugstore Pharmacy Antigonish, 26 Market St., Antigonish
— Guardian Elmsdale Pharmacy, 269 NS-214, Elmsdale
— Kyte’s Pharmacy, 920 Cole Harbour Rd., Cole Harbour
— Lawtons Antigonish, 133 Church St., Antigonish
— Lawtons Sheet Harbour, 22624 Nova Scotia Trunk 7, Sheet Harbour
— Lawtons Shelburne, 115 King St., Shelburne
— Lawtons Yarmouth, 76 Starrs Rd., Yarmouth
— Medicine Shoppe Port Hawkesbury, 708 Reeves St., Unit B, Port Hawkesbury
— Pharmacy First, 266 Foord St., Stellarton
— Sentrex Pharmacy, 315 Herring Cove Rd., Halifax
— Shoppers Drug Mart Digby (Evangeline Mall), 95 Warwick St., Digby
— Shoppers Drug Mart Bridgewater, 421 Lahave St. #300, Bridgewater
— Stones Drug Store, 491 Chebucto St., Baddeck
— TLC Pharmasave Shelburne, 157 Water St., Shelburne
— Wilson’s Pharmasave Berwick, 213 Commercial St., Berwick
