Ford ready to pause AstraZeneca vaccine use in "half a heartbeat" if recommended

Mar 29 2021, 5:44 pm

Ontario Premier Doug Ford is ready to suspend use of AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine if the province’s top doctors advise him to do so.

This comes as CBC reports that Canada’s National Advisory Committee on Immunization will recommend provinces stop using it on people under 55 years old due to rare blood clots.

Daily Hive has reached out to NACI for confirmation.

“We get advice on what age area to use from the federal government,” Ford said at a press conference Monday afternoon. “And the feds are saying it’s still safe for 55+.”

But if Ford gets word the vaccine may not be safe, he’s ready to pause its use.

“I’ll tell you, I won’t hesitate to cancel that in half a heartbeat.”

He’s waiting for guidance from Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. David Williams and federal health officials.

“I’d rather wait one or two months for Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson and Johnson than roll the dice on AstraZeneca,” he said.

Ford spoke from Niagara Falls about new supports available for businesses in the tourism sector.

In the 2021 budget, the province said it would set aside $400 million over four years for the hard-hit tourism and hospitality sectors. Of that, $100 million in support will come from a new grant for small businesses in the sector.

“Whether it’s the tour boat operators on the river, the motels down the road, or the lodges up in Northern Ontario … we are here for you. We’ve got your back,” Ford said.

 

Megan DevlinMegan Devlin

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