NACI Sparks Confusion & Ontario Eases Some LTC Restrictions

Fight Back with Libby Znaimer

Libby Znaimer is joined by Dr. Colin Furness, an infection control epidemiologist and an assistant professor at the University of Torontos Faculty of Information and Dr. Timothy Sly, an epidemiologist and professor at the school of Occupational and Public Health at Ryerson University. In the news: The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) sparked a lot of confusion and criticism this past week with their recommendation that the mRNA vaccines (Pfizer and Moderna) are "preferred" to the viral-vector based AstraZeneca and Johnson and Johnson vaccines. Our epidemiologist guests weigh in on this and explain why Canadians should be getting the first shot they have access to. Also, today Health Canada approved the Pfizer vaccine for kids between the ages of 12 and 15. Meanwhile, Ontario is reporting COVID-19 cases and deaths today. ---- ZOOMER RADIO LISTENER'S MOTHER TRANSFERRED OUT OF HOSPITAL WITHOUT CONSENT Libby Znaimer is joined by Harry whose 98-year old mother was transferred out of an Ontario hospital and moved into a long-term care home without her or her family's consent. Last week on Fight Back, we learned that the province amended an emergency order in order to allow hospitals to move ALC patients out of hospital and into LTC homes without consent in order to alleviate pressures amid the third wave. Now we have a face to the story: Harry is a Zoomer Radio listener and he tells us that his mother's experience of being transferred unwillingly has been both stressful for her and the rest of the family. He also expresses criticism over the LTC waitlist process and how it appears to him that bureaucracy is holding them up. ---- PROVINCE MOVES TOWARDS EASING SOME RESTRICTIONS IN LONG-TERM CARE HOMES Libby Znaimer is joined by Donna Duncan, CEO of the Ontario Long-Term Care Association. In some positive news, for a change, the province is moving towards easing certain restrictions for long-term care residents in response to high vaccination rates among this population. The new measures will allow for residents to be able to resume activities like communal dining. Donna explains why this is the right move especially when it comes to residents' mental health and well being. Listen live, weekdays from noon to 1, on Zoomer Radio!