COVID VACCINES:

STATEMENT FROM BLOOM FAMILY PRACTICE

Updated as of Dec 2, 2021

Health Canada recently approved Pfizer vaccine for children ages 5-11!

We encourage all parents, guardians to consider vaccination if they have children in this age group.

Learn more about Covid-19 Vaccination for children

Dated: July 2, 2021

Dear Patient,

We know that there is a lot of information out there with regards to vaccines. We want to make very it clear what our opinions and recommendations are for the COVID vaccines.

We all strongly believe you should get the first vaccine available to you as your first or second shot. They are ALL proven to be effective at protecting against severe illness, hospitalizations and death.

As per the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) and Health Canada guidelines, ALL mRNA vaccines (Moderna or Pfizer) are considered safe to interchange. For those who received AstraZeneca as your first you can safely receive either Moderna, Pfizer or AstraZeneca as your second dose. This will offer you strong protection against Covid-19.

If you are waiting for a vaccine you think is better, you are declining a vaccine that could prevent you from becoming severely sick and requiring hospitalization.

PLEASE NOTE:

We have NO control over the eligibility criteria for vaccination or vaccine distribution.
We are unable to write letters that will allow you to get a specific brand of vaccine.

There are VERY few contraindications or conditions that would change our recommendation for you to receive the first available vaccine. These conditions are listed below and are the ONLY reason you should not receive the first available vaccine.

Contraindications/Conditions:
1. Allergy to any component of the vaccine or history of severe allergic reaction after previous COVID vaccine. **History of anaphylaxis to other things is NOT a contraindication.

2. If you have COVID or symptoms of COVID at the time of injection.

3. If you have had a vaccine (any vaccine) in the 14 days prior to planned injection of COVID vaccine.

4. If you are currently on active chemotherapy treatment, speak to your oncologist about the timing of your COVID vaccine.

5. For AstraZeneca: a history of Vaccine-Induced Prothrombotic Immune Thrombocytopenia (VIPIT), Heparin Induced Thrombocytopenia (HIT) or Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis (CVST). **As per Thrombosis Canada, it is recommended that you get vaccinated even if you have had a previous blood clot, have a family member who has had a blood clot, have a hereditary clotting disorder, or are receiving a blood thinning treatment.

For more information on how to book your Covid-19 vaccination, please visit: https://covid-19.ontario.ca/covid-19-vaccines-ontario