First Nations Pandemic Response Team clarifies data on breakthrough cases that was 'taken out of context'
The Manitoba First Nations Pandemic Response Team is addressing misinformation that has arisen from data released at a provincial update on Monday.
The team’s public health lead Dr. Marcia Anderson said the data shows the number of people who are hospitalized is much lower in vaccinated people than those who are not.
However, she adds while the vaccine is highly effective, it is not perfect and breakthrough infections will occur.
Anderson said a slide presented at a news conference Monday that only showed breakthrough numbers and not unvaccinated numbers has been taken out of context to discourage vaccinations.
The news conference was called to announce public health officials’ recommendation of a third COVID-19 shot for First Nations people living on reserve.
“In Manitoba, about 83 per cent of people are fully vaccinated, but only 30 per cent of cases occur in that, which means 70 per cent of the cases that we have are occurring in people who are not vaccinated, even though it's a much smaller percentage,” Dr. Anderson explained.
According to the province, there have been just over 1,300 breakthrough infections, a little under 400 of which are in First Nations people.
Five have been admitted to the ICU, which Anderson calls a small number.
The First Nations team said it is now focused on encouraging first and second doses, along with a third dose for those living on reserves.
“Because we want to maintain those high levels of protection against severe outcomes and we want to protect local workforce capacity, we are recommending people get a third dose. That is to maintain the very high degree of effectiveness of the vaccine,” Dr. Anderson explained.
As of Thursday morning, there were 533 active cases in First Nations people in Manitoba, with most occurring in the Northern health region and in those aged 10 to 17.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.