MONTREAL —
Quebec’s decision to delay the second dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine this week to inoculate as many people as possible with a first dose is causing concern for some health-care professionals working on the front lines.
The Minsistry of Health said Dec. 31 that it would not hold back doses for the second “booster shot” for those who have already received a first shot.
“Note that the effectiveness of the first dose, 14 days after administration, is over 90 per cent for both vaccines (Pfizer and Moderna),” Quebec said. “The second remains important, mainly to ensure long-term protection. It should be administered within the time limits prescribed by public health in order to ensure maximum immunization coverage. The appointments of people already vaccinated to receive their 2nd dose will be adjusted accordingly.”
The news left one nurse at the Jewish General Hospital stressed and anxious.
“They now claim that we are 90 per cent immune with a first dose when they were telling us all along that it was 60 per cent covered,” said the nurse who wished to remain anonymous. “Where’s the proof of the 90 per cent coverage. We are exhausted and desperate for help.”
Another nurse wrote a response to the CIUSSS when she received the letter informing her that her second dose was cancelled.
“I did not consent to receive one dose of a very new vaccine without the booster 21 to 28 days afterwards as intended,” wrote Sarah, who wished to only use her first name. “This is not how the vaccine has been scientifically demonstrated to work. Despite the fear of taking a new vaccine, I did my research and laid my trust in Pfizer, the CIUSSS as well as the ministry of health. Now, the new recommendation shifts to a more haphazard approach of mass vaccination. I am extremely disappointed and think this strategy will breach the trust of many employees as well as the public, just as mine has been.”
Nathan Friedland is a nurse at Lakeshore General Hospital, which has suffered immensely from staff shortages, outbreaks and other logistical issues. He has not been vaccinated and welcomes Quebec’s decision.
“I happen to think Quebec is making the right decision here: vaccinate as many as possible right away especially with the latest projections from INESSS,” he said. “What should now happen is that they take those 27,000 vaccines they were going to hold and give them to the staff in the ICUs and ERs because we are about to get overrun with COVID!”
The decision is in line with other health authorities such as Ontario and the UK, which decided not to hold back half of its vaccines for second vaccinations.
Health Canada says that for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 mRNA vaccine to work best you need two doses 21 days apart. Based on studies of around 44,000 participants, Health Canada says, the vaccine “was 95 per cent effective in preventing COVID-19 beginning 1 week after the second dose.”
Pfizer director of corporate affairs Christina Antoniou repeated this saying the vaccine is to be administered 21 days apart, and that individuals may not be optimally protected until at least seven days after their second dose of the vaccine.
“We consider it to be a safe approach for the vaccination points of use to continue storing a portion of the doses received, to ensure no delay in the second dose deployment,” said Antoniou. “It’s a conservative approach that we have recommended to ensure that both doses of the vaccine are delivered according to the schedule in the product label (i.e. 21 days apart).”
She added that it is the responsibility of the provincial health authorities to determine their immunization program, however.
When asked how long before the first dose becomes ineffective without the second, Antoniou said Pfizer does not have that data.
“We do know that it takes about two weeks after the initial dose to develop an immune response, but that two doses are necessary,” she said. “In our clinical trial, the two-dose regimen of the vaccine, which was given 21 days apart, was well-tolerated and demonstrated vaccine efficacy of 95 per cent against COVID-19. There is still much to learn about the disease, and the protective nature of the vaccine will continue to be studied.”
Sarah wished the CIUSSS would have protested the government’s decision and refused the new approach.
“Let people who received the first dose already get their second. My second dose is in just a few days,” she said. “Switch the strategy after letting people receive their booster if they already received a first dose. If people still choose this way of vaccination, great! Give people the choice to do it this way… My choice has been stripped by the government. My bodily autonomy has been taken away.”
Quebec has received 55,000 Pfizer and 32,500 Moderna vaccines.
As of the last COVID-19 update on Dec. 31, the government of Quebec reported that 29,250 vaccines had been administered in the province.
CHICAGO (AP) — United Airlines has struck a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer satellite-based Starlink WiFi service on flights within the next several years.
The airline said Friday the service will be free to passengers.
United said it will begin testing the service early next year and begin offering it on some flights by later in 2025.
Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
The announcement comes as airlines rush to offer more amenities as a way to stand out when passengers pick a carrier for a trip. United’s goal is to make sitting on a plane pretty much like being on the ground when it comes to browsing the internet, streaming entertainment and playing games.
“Everything you can do on the ground, you’ll soon be able to do on board a United plane at 35,000 feet, just about anywhere in the world,” CEO Scott Kirby said in announcing the deal.
The airline says Starlink will allow passengers to get internet access even over oceans and polar regions where traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals may be weak or missing.
Sony has made it easy for Canadian consumers to preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada directly from PlayStation’s official website. Here’s how:
Visit the Official Website: Go to direct.playstation.com and navigate to the PS5 Pro section once preorders go live on September 26, 2024.
Create or Log in to Your PlayStation Account: If you don’t have a PlayStation account, you will need to create one. Existing users can simply log in to proceed.
Place Your Preorder: Once logged in, follow the instructions to preorder your PS5 Pro. Ensure you have a valid payment method ready and double-check your shipping information for accuracy.
Preorder Through Major Canadian Retailers
While preordering directly from PlayStation is a popular option, you can also secure your PS5 Pro through trusted Canadian retailers. These retailers are expected to offer preorders on or after September 26:
Best Buy Canada
Walmart Canada
EB Games (GameStop)
Amazon Canada
The Source
Steps to Preorder via Canadian Retailers:
Visit Retailer Websites: Search for “PlayStation 5 Pro” on the website of your preferred retailer starting on September 26.
Create or Log in to Your Account: If you’re shopping online, having an account with the retailer can speed up the preorder process.
Preorder in Store: For those who prefer in-person shopping, check with local stores regarding availability and preorder policies.
3. Sign Up for Notifications
Many retailers and websites offer the option to sign up for notifications when the preorder goes live. If you’re worried about missing out due to high demand, this can be a useful option.
Visit Retailer Sites: Look for a “Notify Me” or “Email Alerts” option and enter your email to stay informed.
Use PlayStation Alerts: Sign up for notifications directly through Sony to be one of the first to know when preorders are available.
4. Prepare for High Demand
Preordering the PS5 Pro is expected to be competitive, with high demand likely to result in quick sellouts, just as with the initial release of the original PS5. To maximize your chances of securing a preorder:
Act Quickly: Be prepared to place your order as soon as preorders open. Timing is key, as stock can run out within minutes.
Double-Check Payment Information: Ensure your credit card or payment method is ready to go. Any delays during the checkout process could result in losing your spot.
Stay Informed: Monitor PlayStation and retailer websites for updates on restocks or additional preorder windows.
Final Thoughts
The PlayStation 5 Pro is set to take gaming to the next level with its enhanced performance, graphics, and new features. Canadian gamers should be ready to act fast when preorders open on September 26, 2024, to secure their console ahead of the holiday season. Whether you choose to preorder through PlayStation’s official website or your preferred retailer, following the steps outlined above will help ensure a smooth and successful preorder experience.
For more details on the PS5 Pro and to preorder, visit direct.playstation.com or stay tuned to updates from major Canadian retailers.
Since the PlayStation 5 (PS5) launched four years ago, PlayStation has continuously evolved to meet the demands of its players. Today, we are excited to announce the next step in this journey: the PlayStation 5 Pro. Designed for the most dedicated players and game creators, the PS5 Pro brings groundbreaking advancements in gaming hardware, raising the bar for what’s possible.
Key Features of the PS5 Pro
The PS5 Pro comes equipped with several key performance enhancements, addressing the requests of gamers for smoother, higher-quality graphics at a consistent 60 frames per second (FPS). The console’s standout features include:
Upgraded GPU: The PS5 Pro’s GPU boasts 67% more Compute Units than the current PS5, combined with 28% faster memory. This allows for up to 45% faster rendering speeds, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.
Advanced Ray Tracing: Ray tracing capabilities have been significantly enhanced, with reflections and refractions of light being processed at double or triple the speed of the current PS5, creating more dynamic visuals.
AI-Driven Upscaling: Introducing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-based upscaling technology that adds extraordinary detail to images, resulting in sharper image clarity.
Backward Compatibility & Game Boost: More than 8,500 PS4 games playable on PS5 Pro will benefit from PS5 Pro Game Boost, stabilizing or enhancing performance. PS4 games will also see improved resolution on select titles.
VRR & 8K Support: The PS5 Pro supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and 8K gaming for the ultimate visual experience, while also launching with the latest wireless technology, Wi-Fi 7, in supported regions.
Optimized Games & Patches
Game creators have quickly embraced the new technology that comes with the PS5 Pro. Many games will receive free updates to take full advantage of the console’s new features, labeled as PS5 Pro Enhanced. Some of the highly anticipated titles include:
Alan Wake 2
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
Demon’s Souls
Dragon’s Dogma 2
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Gran Turismo 7
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Horizon Forbidden West
These updates will allow players to experience their favorite games at a higher fidelity, taking full advantage of the console’s improved graphics and performance.
Design & Compatibility
Maintaining consistency within the PS5 family, the PS5 Pro retains the same height and width as the original PS5 model. Players will also have the option to add an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive or swap console covers when available.
Additionally, the PS5 Pro is fully compatible with all existing PS5 accessories, including the PlayStation VR2, DualSense Edge, Pulse Elite, and Access controller. This ensures seamless integration into your current gaming setup.
Pricing & Availability
The PS5 Pro will be available starting November 7, 2024, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of:
$699.99 USD
$949.99 CAD
£699.99 GBP
€799.99 EUR
¥119,980 JPY
Each PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller, and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. Pre-orders begin on September 26, 2024, and the console will be available at participating retailers and directly from PlayStation via direct.playstation.com.
The launch of the PS5 Pro marks a new chapter in PlayStation’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences. Whether players choose the standard PS5 or the PS5 Pro, PlayStation aims to provide the best possible gaming experience for everyone.
Preorder your PS5 Pro and step into the next generation of gaming this holiday season.
