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BLACK SCIENTISTS' TASK FORCE ON VACCINE EQUITY

UPDATES FROM TRUSTED BLACK HEALTH/MEDICAL EXPERTS

We provide the latest updates and responses from trusted black health/medical experts. We aim to amplify the voices of black doctors, researchers, medical experts and other black professionals as much as possible. Toronto Black Covid-19 Task Force (TBCTF) is here to help reduce the number of COIVD-19 cases and effectively address the issues around vaccine trust and confidence within the Black communities.

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VACCINE PAUSE

VACCINE ELIGIBILITY

(BY AGE GROUP)

Astra Zeneca vaccine for prevention of COVID-19 was paused as a first dose in Ontario on 11 May 2021. This resulted from the association of this vaccine with the occurrence of rare blood clots post vaccination (within a 4 – 28 day window). The cause was identified as Vaccine-induced Immune Thrombotic Thrombocytopenia or VITT.

These blood clots were not seen during clinical trials of the Astra Zeneca vaccine. In Canada, there were 18 confirmed occurrences as of 14 May 2021, with at least another 10 under investigation and the estimated frequency is 1 in 55,000, which is considered to be a significant safety signal. This is a much higher frequency than it was initially thought to be. VITT had already been identified in a number of European countries and some had already stopped the use of the Astra Zeneca vaccine.

The Astra Zeneca vaccine was the primary vaccine used to successfully vaccinate against COVID-19 in the UK and is also the primary vaccine in the 59 million doses shipped worldwide to 122 countries under COVAX. This number includes the version of the vaccine made in India. The number distributed worldwide is obviously quite large; but not clear what the incidences of VITT looks like worldwide and what the frequency is overall. The question has been raised whether some clot formation may occur in a milder form that is not as significant or pose a serious risk to health. This has not been confirmed by small studies that were completed and it may be an all or nothing effect in the small number of cases that have resulted in serious injury and/or death. Symptoms of VITT include, severe headaches, chest and stomach pain and blurry vision, as well as a number of other identified symptoms. These symptoms are not overly specific and could also result from many other causes. VITT can be identified by a CT scan and a blood test to look at platelet levels (other tools may be available).

Investigations into the cause of the clots are underway. This includes work being done in the Platelet Immunology Laboratory at McMaster University in Hamilton.

Ironically, the Astra Zeneca vaccine is otherwise safe and shown to be effective against some of the more recent strains of the virus. The future of the Astra Zeneca vaccine is not yet clear; however it may have to be an option for individuals who are allergic to the PEG in the Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna vaccines. Will it also be used as the second dose where it was initially used as the first dose is still a question, as is the final recommendation for use of the AZ vaccine (who should still get it and under what conditions), should it go forward.

The Johnson and Johnson (J&J) vaccine which is also an Adenovirus vaccine has been paused in the US because of a link to blood clots in 28 patients, three of whom died. The data so far for J&J indicates a much lower frequency of clot formation than in the case of Astra Zeneca. The investigation continues in the US and includes the manufacturing of the vaccine. The J&J vaccine is not yet approved in Canada.

Vaccine eligibility is predicated on data from the clinical studies used by the sponsors to evaluate safety and efficacy. These studies identify the populations that were the subjects of the studies, by a number of characteristics such, as age, gender and several others deemed relevant. These characteristics and the analysis of the study results, are then used to set a scope within which the sponsor can make claims and is also used by Regulatory Authorities relevant to licensure. This data is also used by Public Health Authorities to establish immunization programs, recognizing at the same time constraining forces such as vaccine availability, populations at higher risk as well as a host of other factors, in setting immunization priorities.

In the case of the Pfizer/BioNTech mRNA vaccine, this was based on a Phase 2/3 clinical study. A small number of adolescents 12-15 years old were included in the study initially; but efficacy was not analysed for this group. Safety and efficacy for the vaccine was ultimately based on the population of participants 16 years and older.

In the case of the Moderna mRNA vaccine, eligibility was based on a Phase 3 clinical study to evaluate safety and efficacy and participants were all 18 years or older, with other group characteristics as per the study design.

Based on the clinical data, the Moderna vaccine should not be given to adolescents or children younger than 18 years. Similarly the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine should not be given to adolescents or children younger than 16 years.

Both Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna have been conducting additional clinical studies in order to expand the age eligibility of their vaccines. This is of huge importance as the direct risk to children of serious effects from COVID-19 is increasing (probably strain related) and the risk of unvaccinated children to the older populations is already a risk factor.

Pfizer/BioNTech - Current Status

A Phase 3 study was completed for adolescents 12-15 years old in the US by end of March 2021 and the company was in the process of submitting to the FDA, EU and Canada at that time. As of 06 May 2021, The vaccine has been approved in Canada for this age group. In some provinces, immunization of this age group has started (as of 06 May 2021 in Alberta, with Manitoba expected to follow soon after) and is expected to start in Ontario as soon as the province completes it’s plan for implementation (some sites in Toronto have been vaccinating 12-17 years old and 16 years old and over as of 18 May 2021).

Pfizer/BioNTech is currently performing a global Phase 1/2/3 study for children in the age group 6 months to 11 years old. Data is expected by July 2021 for the 5 -11 year old group and in September for the 6 month to 4 year old group. Pfizer is expected to apply for authorization for the 5-11 year old group in September.

Moderna - Current Status

Moderna had also launched a study for adolescents in the 12-18 year old group and as of the beginning of May 2021, anticipated submitting the clinical trial data to the health authorities within a few months for approval.

Moderna also initiated the Phase 2/3 KidCOVE study in mid March for age group 6 months to less than 12 years. This study will evaluate; safety, tolerability, reactogenicity and effectiveness and includes a number of dose levels.

The current information confirms the available of a vaccine at the present time from Pfizer/BioNTech for those 12 years and older and the expectation is that Moderna will also have a vaccine available for the same group within months. This change will be significant for the expansion of immunization against COVID-19.

We can anticipate updates from both companies by the end of summer regarding the younger age group and our ability to protect them directly.

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SEPTEMBER

2022

BLACK TASK FORCE

COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS

Join the TBCTF and TAIBU Community Health Centre for Zoom Town Hall meetings for evidence-based exchanges that will contribute to an ongoing collective conversation on the convergence of multiple crises, including COVID-19.

This is an important moment of transformation, please register before spaces fill up!

AUGUST

2021

Thurs. Aug. 26 | 6:30pm to 9:30pm

Workshop for Educators: Having difficult conversations about the vaccine with parents and guardians of Black children and youth

Register Here:

https://blackcovidworkshop.eventbrite.ca

JULY

2021

Sat. July 24 | 2:00pm to 3:30pm

Vaccine Townhall with Braids for Aids

Watch it again here!

https://youtu.be/3Zk9mwotcMk

FEBRUARY

2021

MARCH

2021

MAY

2021

Sat. Feb 13 | 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm

The Historical and Contemporary Issues of Trustworthiness vis a vis Vaccines and Medical Science that give Black People Cause for Concern

Watch the Livestream Here!

https://fb.watch/3E45LvxcJS/

Sat. Feb 20 | 1:00pm to 3:00pm

COVID Vaccine and Me: A Black Perspective

(STEM-themed event – the Canadian Multicultural Inventors Museum in collaboration with the Harriet Tubman Institute)

Watch it again here!

https://youtu.be/xrTEFiSY59c

Sat. Feb 27 | 2:00pm to 5:00pm

Misinformation and Conspiracy Theories

Watch it again here!

https://youtu.be/fORDwOyr3-o

Mon. Mar 6 | 2:00pm to 5:00pm

Black Health Professionals'

Risks and Resiliencies

Watch it again here!

https://zoom.us/rec/share/R_vmXcZiWEyaRcEliJ5NQOM3thBTc2ThzX9WgFgT086MdARowyPSFFFH73G6BNCm.fyrLDzjKQKAZ6gCv

Passcode: 7b#pB7r1

Mon. Mar 1 | 5:00pm to 8:00pm

Mental Health Problems and

Consequences of COVID 19

Watch it again here!

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLPYdcLQNW8Jz8xFafkVKS6itV8IZTAayR

Sat. May 1 | 2:00pm to 4:00pm

Fundamental knowledge and actions for protecting Black health and lives during wave 3 of COVID 19

Registration closed:

This event has passed.

Tues. May 18 | 7:00pm to 8:00pm

A Special Conversation with Our Experts:

Ask Dr. Khenti and Dr. Tenenbaum about the Covid-19 Vaccine

Presented by the Dufferin County Canadian Black Association

Watch it again here!

https://youtu.be/ZrPQzX69J_c

Join the Toronto Black Covid Taskforce for a Zoom Town Hall “The Historical and Contemporary Issues of Trustworthiness vis a vis Vaccines and Medical Science that gives Black People Cause for Concern” on Saturday, February 13, 2021, for a discussion that will contribute to an ongoing collective conversation on the convergence of multiple crises, including COVID-19.

Historic association of eugenicists with Polio vaccines, the infamous Tuskegee study where Black men in Alabama with syphilis were left untreated, forced or coerced sterilizations known as “Mississippi appendectomies “and ongoing experiences of medical racism give people cause for concern and hesitancy.

The Town Hall will begin at 2:00 p.m. Eastern. This is an important moment of transformation, please register to join these crucial collective conversations before spaces fill-up!

The Toronto Black COVID Taskforce is proud to introduce a renowned group of speakers and moderator:

Speakers:

Dr. Isaac Odame | Haematology Section Head in the Division, The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids)

Celina Caesar-Chavannes | Research Consultant & MPP

Dr. Zainab Abdurrahman | Allergy Lead in the Special Immunization Clinic, Mc Master Children's Hospital

Moderator:

Henry Gomes

Join the Toronto Black Covid-19 Taskforce and TAIBU Community Health Centre for a Zoom Town Hall "COVID Vaccine and Me: A Black Perspective" on Saturday, February 20, 2021, for a discussion that will contribute to an ongoing collective conversation on the convergence of multiple crises, including COVID-19.

Vaccines work with our immune system so that our body will be ready to fight off the virus if one is exposed. The three types of vaccines work somewhat differently: there are the mRNA vaccines, the Protein subunit vaccines and the Vector vaccines. We all need to understand why getting vaccinated is only one of many steps you can take to protect yourself and others.

The Town Hall will begin at 2:00 p.m. Eastern. This is an important moment of transformation, please register to join these crucial collective conversations before spaces fill-up!

The Toronto Black COVID-19 Task and TAIBU Community Health Centre are proud to introduce a renowned group of speakers and moderator:

Speakers:

Dr. David Burt | President of D. S. Burt, R&D Consulting

Trevor Aldridge | Senior Director of Quality & Compliance, Brevitas Consulting Inc.

Dr. Zainab Abdurrahman | Allergy Lead (Special Immunization Clinic), McMaster Children's Hospital

Moderator:

Henry Gomes

Join the Toronto Black Covid-19 Taskforce and TAIBU Community Health Centre for a Zoom Town Hall “Mental Health Problems and Consequences of COVID-19” on Monday, March 01, 2021, for a discussion that will contribute to an ongoing collective conversation on the convergence of multiple crises, including COVID-19.

There is a range of mental health problems directly related to COVID, including depression and anxiety-related disorders, as well as issues that occur due to its consequences: loss of job, income, home. Mental health experts are also expecting a surge of PTSD once society gets past this wave of the pandemic.

What should Black communities do to protect their members given the wide range of risks that are also amplified by anti-Black racism?

The Town Hall will begin at 5:00 p.m. Eastern. This is an important moment of transformation, please register to join these crucial collective conversations before spaces fill-up!

The Toronto Black COVID-19 Task and TAIBU Community Health Centre are proud to introduce a renowned group of speakers and moderator:

Speakers:

Dr. Akwatu Khenti | Special Advisor to the City of Toronto's Targeted COVID Equity Action Plan and the Chair of the Toronto Black COVID-19 Task Force

Dr. Kwame Mackenzie | CEO, The Wellesley Institute

Moderator:

Liben Gebremikael | Executive Director, Taibu Community Health Centre

Join the Toronto Black Covid-19 Taskforce and TAIBU Community Health Centre for a Zoom Town Hall “Black Health Professional Risks and Resilences in Covid-19” on Saturday, March 6, 2021, for a discussion that will contribute to an ongoing collective conversation on the convergence of multiple crises, including COVID-19.

More than 80% of known COVID cases and hospitalized individuals involve members of racialized communities. A disproportionate share of the health professional deaths has also been racialized. Providers of direct patient care need to be fully aware of all measures to protect their health and safety; as well as those of their colleagues and loved ones.

Speakers:

Dr. Upton Allen | Division Head, Infectious Diseases, The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids)

Dr. Candice Todd | Naturopathic Doctor

Moderator:

Paul Bailey | Executive Director, Black Health Alliance

Join the Toronto Black Covid-19 Taskforce and TAIBU Community Health Centre for a Zoom Town Hall "Misinformation and Conspiracy Theories" on Saturday, February 27, 2021, for a discussion that will contribute to an ongoing collective conversation on the convergence of multiple crises, including COVID-19.

Social media, globalization and the pandemic are intersecting to amplify a wide range of "false facts." There is a whole set of ideas that may contain a kernel of truth but are otherwise completely false. Most of the information coming from Instagram follow certain themes:

- Vaccine production companies cannot be trusted.

- Nature and fruits are the real medicine.

- Doctors don't know everything.

Facebook posts including the following:

- Fears of being microchipped.

- Vaccines will alter DNA.

- Getting the vaccine is the mark of the beast.

- Side effects including death.

- The vaccine is an experiment on the population.

- Fears that the vaccine includes fetal matter/tissue.

The Town Hall will begin at 2:00 p.m. Eastern. This is an important moment of transformation, please register to join these crucial collective conversations before spaces fill-up!

The Toronto Black COVID-19 Task and TAIBU Community Health Centre are proud to introduce a renowned group of speakers and moderator:

Speakers:

Dr. David Burt | President of D. S. Burt, R&D Consulting

Trevor Aldridge | Senior Director of Quality & Compliance, Brevitas Consulting Inc.

Francis Jeffers | Founder, Visions of Science Network for Learning

Moderator:

Lori-Ann Green-Walker | Executive Director, Women's Health in Women's Hands

Join the Toronto Black Covid Taskforce for a Zoom Town Hall “Fundamental knowledge and actions for protecting Black health and lives during wave 3 of COVID 19” on Saturday, May 1, 2021, on lessons for Black students, Black law enforcement officers, Farm Workers and other essential workers.

The Town Hall will begin at 2:00 p.m. Eastern. This is an important moment of transformation, please register to join these crucial collective conversations before spaces fill-up!

The Toronto Black COVID Taskforce is proud to introduce a renowned group of speakers and moderator:

Speakers:

Dr. Candice Todd | Naturopathic Doctor

Trevor Aldridge | Senior Director of Quality & Compliance, Brevitas Consulting Inc.

Celina Caesar-Chavannes | Research Consultant & MPP

Nicole Welch | Resear

Dr. Zainab Abdurrahman | Allergy Lead in the Special Immunization Clinic, Mc Master Children's Hospital

Moderator:

TBD

In partnership with:

Canadian Black Clergy and Allies, BPAO

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