By Chris Brown

addressing "misinformation"

Shandro, Hinshaw say vaccine wastage “extremely limited”

Jan 5, 2021 | 11:49 AM

Health Minister Tyler Shandro and chief medical officer of health Dr. Deena Hinshaw say that while some vaccine wastage is unavoidable in large-scale vaccination programs, in the case of COVID-19 is “extremely limited” due to the processes in place.

Shandro and Hinshaw released a statement today to address misinformation circulating online.

In the statement, they explain that “doses are thawed and prepared according to pre-scheduled appointments, and appointments are overbooked to ensure that enough health-care workers are always in line.

“If a scenario arises where staff have no booked appointments left but there are thawed doses available, those administering the vaccines are able to vaccinate each other. The vaccine cannot be re-frozen or put in a fridge.”

The statement says a minimal amount of vaccine will be lost when drawing doses or if a vial is dropped or spilled.

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“While this is upsetting, it is unavoidable. It is also extremely limited thanks to the processes in place. In fact, COVID-19 immunization program to date has had significantly less wastage per administered dose than what occurs in a typical influenza immunization program. In fact, wastage in the COVID-19 vaccine program is at 0.3 per cent, and typical immunization programs can see wastage around 6 per cent.”

Officials are also working to further reduce wastage.

The NDP Opposition is calling on the government to provide daily online reporting of vaccinations administered on a regional basis, inventory levels in Alberta, and anticipated incoming shipments.

“Albertans are holding onto the hope that comes with COVID vaccination, but their confidence has been shaken by Jason Kenney’s lack of leadership. Cabinet members and MLAs abandoned their posts and took tropical vacations while the vaccination program stalled,” said David Shepherd, NDP Health Critic. “Clear detailed daily reporting of the progress of the vaccine rollout would be a good first step in rebuilding public confidence.”

(CHAT News Today)