Cmaj Podcasts

On this episode, Drs. Mojola Omole and Blair Bigham speak with two vaccine experts about the necessity, timing and availability of vaccines as we move into the season when influenza, RSV and COVID-19 are on the rise.Dr. Scott Halperin, co-author of a CMAJ practice paper on SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in pregnancy, emphasizes the importance of vaccination to protect against COVID-19 infection during pregnancy. He notes that while there is awareness among healthcare practitioners, it is crucial to continually highlight and reemphasize the importance of vaccination during pregnancy. The risk of severe outcomes from COVID-19 is higher in pregnant individuals compared to non-pregnant individuals. Vaccination during pregnancy not only protects the mother but also transfers antibodies to the fetus, providing protection in the first few months of life. Next, Dr. Trevor Arnason, Associate Medical Officer of Health with Ottawa Public Health, discusses the availability and administration of fall vaccines. He explains that th