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A P R I L 2021 ME S S E NG E R
Could the antibodies from the COVID-19 vaccine result in a false positive test result? There are two kinds of tests currently available for COVID-19: • A test for active infection (diagnostic) that tells you if you have a current COVID-19 infection. This is done using a swab from your nose or throat, or a saliva sample. These tests are expected to continue to perform accurately in immunized individuals. • An antibody (serology) test tells you if, at some point, you were exposed to the virus and had a COVID-19 infection. These tests can also identify if a person was immunized. They are done on a blood sample and not used to diagnose a current COVID-19 infecti on. When will I receive the second dose of mRNA vaccine? The second dose of mRNA vaccines that are currently approved for use in Alberta can be administered between 21-28 days after the first dose. The time between doses can be extended up to 42 days for all populations except residents of long term care (LTC) and designated supportive living (DSL) sites. As part of ongoing efforts to reduce community transmission of COVID-19, Alberta will be offering second doses of the COVID-19 vaccine within 42 days after the first dose. This aligns with the approach recommended by the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) and the World Health Organization statements on vaccines for COVID-19. This will allow as many Albertans as possible to receive the vaccine in the coming weeks. If the second dose is not administered within Health Canada’s authorized dosing regimen, should I still receive that second dose? Yes. If the second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine is delayed, the second dose should still be administered as soon as possible. A COVID-19 vaccine series does not need to be restarted. How long after getting a vaccine will I be protected against COVID-19? How long does the protection last? The first two vaccines available show protection starting 12-14 days after the first dose. High efficacy against symptomatic COVID-19 disease is achieved 1-2 weeks after the second dose. At this time, based on the evidence submitted to Health Canada, it remains unknown how long the protection will last. Health Canada and Alberta Health will evaluate the data and promptly update the product information about how long the protection lasts and whether there may be a need for additional doses of the vaccine. With everything we do not know about the COVID-19 vaccines, why should I be immunized? To stop the spread of COVID-19, we all need to be immunized as soon as we are eligible to receive COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccines currently available in Canada protect against hospitalizations and deaths. Delaying or refusing immunization carries serious risks, including hospitalization, ICU admission, and death and may extend the need for public health measures to continue. Health Canada has completed thorough reviews of the data from the clinical trials and of the manufacturing processes. This review process allowed Health Canada to confirm that there are no significant safety concerns and that the vaccines protect against disease. The review also determined that the benefits of the vaccines outweigh the risks, and that the vaccines are manufactured to high quality standards.
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