Some concerts, shows in U.S. blocking AZ recipients
CANADIANS MAY BE OUT OF LUCK AT CONCERTS AS VACCINE NOT YET APPROVED OVER THE BORDER
Canadians who have been dosed with the Astrazeneca shot may not be allowed into some events in the U.S. until the Food and Drug Administration gives the vaccine the green light.
Rocker Bruce Springsteen is reopening his live Broadway show in New York next week, but fans who want to attend need to show proof that they have been inoculated with vaccines approved by the FDA, such as Pfizer, Moderna or Johnson & Johnson.
Those who received Astrazeneca, yet to be approved for use in the U.S., would not be allowed into the event, setting what may be a disappointing precedent for Canadians looking to attend events across the border when it reopens.
Live tapings of popular TV shows such as Saturday Night Live and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert have also excluded Astrazeneca vaccine recipients, in rules published online, with the explanation that they're acting as per “the direction of New York State.”
Other Broadway shows looking to return in September have also indicated that they will follow COVID-19 protocols established at the time of the performance, but have not yet specified vaccination policies for audience members.
More than 1.7 million Canadians have received the Astrazeneca jab.
The issue may still be up for discussion, Ontario Solicitor General Sylvia Jones told the Toronto Sun, with an assurance that Ontarians who received a double dose of the Astrazeneca vaccine will be treated the same as recipients of other vaccines.
“We will make sure that individuals in Ontario and Canada who received a Health Canada-naci approved Astrazeneca will have the same rights as individuals who received other vaccines,” she said.
The National Advisory Committee on Immunization recommended Thursday that an MRNA vaccine is “preferred” as a second jab for people who got a first dose of Astrazeneca.
Jones added that Doug Ford, the province's premier, has been working with other federal, provincial and territorial leaders on how to reopen borders safely and consistently. “And that will include the discussions about which vaccines, whether they have to be one dose-two dose, will continue.”
Vaccinated or not, Canadians will not be able to enter the U.S. for non-essential reasons until at least July 21.