Update: ImmUnity Canada Statement on COVID-19
ImmUnity Canada has received many inquiries related to COVID-19, most of which are related to patient medical care, provincial guidelines, or vaccine access. For specific medical inquiries, please contact your healthcare provider, or treating specialist.
ImmUnity Canada COVID-19 Webinars:
ImmUnity Canada has hosted three webinars about PI & COVID-19 our “Ask the Experts” sessions and “COVID Vaccines and PI”. You can watch them all on our YouTube channel.
COVID-19 Vaccine:
There are many companies that are producing vaccines for COVID-19. At the moment, there are four different vaccines available in Canada. To learn more about the different vaccines, please watch our COVID-19 Vaccine Webinar
*Important* 4th, 3rd Doses & Booster
Based on emerging data and the recent statement from the NACI, ImmUnity Canada recommends that all immunodeficient patients receive not only a 3rd dose of COVID-19 vaccine, but a 4th dose after 6 months. At this point in time, 4th doses will not likely begin until March 2022. However, the situation is evolving rapidly, and can change. Read the recommendation from NACI regarding 4th doses here: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/immunization/national-advisory-committee-on-immunization-naci/guidance-booster-covid-19-vaccine-doses.html#a4 –
Travel:
There is a current advisory to avoid non-essential international travel. If you MUST travel, take the following precautions.
- Have your travel letter
- Take extra medication and treatment, in case you are delayed or stranded
- Take extra sanitation kits (masks, wipes, sanitizer)
- Ensure your masks fit well. ImmUnity Canada recommends an N95 or medical mask. If you cannot find one or wear one, a paper medical mask under a double layer cloth mask)
COVID-19 in Canada:
Cases of COVID-19 in provinces and across Canada vary by province, with some provinces beginning re-opening phases and other provinces re-opening in certain areas only. Please continue to check your regional public health for area specific information.
For now, ImmUnity Canada’s medical advisors recommend:
- Continuing to stay home, if possible
- Avoid large gatherings and crowded public spaces, if possible
- Encourage social distancing and raise awareness of PI – explain to others why you are self-isolating
- Encourage your family, friends and networks to donate blood and plasma if they can
- Help minimize workload at the hospital by arriving for your appointments on time
- Wash your hands and avoid touching your face
Testing:
If you feel ill, or think you may have the virus:
- Do NOT go to the hopsital or walk-in clinic (unless instructed to by your doctor OR you cannot manage your symptoms at home)
- Self-isolate and call your doctor
- Use inhalers (if prescribed) and medications to managed symptoms
Plasma Supply:
Currently, there are no plasma or plasma product shortages in Canada. However, some plasma collection companies have notified ImmUnity Canada of a drop in plasma collections due to COVID-19. We do not know at this point if this will have an impact on plasma products in 10-18 months.
Antibodies:
Recent data shows that SARS-COV2 antibodies are now appearing in plasma protein products, like immunoglobulin replacement therapy (IG). People using IG products can expect some passive immunity through the use of their products.
To learn more about antibodies and PI patients, listen to our “Ask the Experts 2” podcast (insert link)
Updates:
ImmUnity Canada will continue to update on this virus as necessary.
For more information, please see the following:
COVID-19 map – https://www.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/bda7594740fd40299423467b48e9ecf6
Canadian Blood Services
WHO https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
Public Health Agency of Canada https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection.html
Government of Canada: www.canada.ca/coronavirus