US to lift travel ban for foreign air travellers who show proof of vaccination

[ottawamom]

I think so too, and I think while it's being worked out we are getting very little info because they don't want to give information that is potentially incorrect. My husband just reminded me that with his job (municipal government) that they might know quite a bit about something but they have to stay silent until official announcements can be made. I can't see it being different provincially. It's just hard to wait after all the waiting we've already done, but I do have hope that all will work out.

Should we be reading between the lines here.

 

[gskywalker]

I have about 4 weeks for them to decide or I am going to get a third shot while I am at Disney so that my astra/Moderna mix isn't a problem for a flight or my daughter's makes a wish cruise assuming we can finally do it in 2022.

 

[pigletto]

Should be we reading between the lines here.

No but I wish! He did sit on our regional board for vaccine rollout but not in a medical capacity. He knew when and where the supply would be coming but wasn’t allowed to say anything. So he’s referring to that.
He thinks that a plan is likely underway for mixed vaccine travellers but until it’s in place we won’t hear anything. If BC and Ontario are choosing not to give a third dose to travellers it could very well be that it’s because they know we aren’t likely to need it. But that’s speculation on my part.

 

[Going to WDW]

No but I wish! He did sit on our regional board for vaccine rollout but not in a medical capacity. He knew when and where the supply would be coming but wasn’t allowed to say anything. So he’s referring to that.
He thinks that a plan is likely underway for mixed vaccine travelers but until it’s in place we won’t hear anything. If BC and Ontario are choosing not to give a third dose to travelers it could very well be that it’s because they know we aren’t likely to need it. But that’s speculation on my part.

So hope that is true... from the data an AZ/Moderna or AZ/Pfizer vaccine combo produces an even better response than expected -- makes sense a vaccine based on the existing vector vaccine response added to a with a new mRNA response would be positive. I guess this is world-wide thing though so I hope the WHO comes out with some definitive stuff soon on mixing. Sort of dodgy though that the US sent AZ doses to Canada that they don't even recognize.

 

[ronandannette]

Just to give some experience here in the U.S. mixing is not authorized for people who qualify as either having a booster or a 3rd dose. If you started with Moderna your 3rd dose should be with Moderna. If you had Pfizer your 3rd dose or booster should be with Pfizer. Presently that is still the going track and they are following how clinical trials were done. Over time data will help give a clearer picture. Data is also the reason that it was not authorized for boosters for all at this time as Pfizer (which is the only one approved for a booster which is not the same as a 3rd dose) did not present the data in full scope to support this, they did however agree that there are certain populations who may benefit from a booster and approved for those certain populations.

For the record, third shots here are NOT being given as "boosters". They are being given to complete a full series of two-dose vaccinations. Two shots of Moderna or Pfizer, at accepted intervals, should be recognized as being fully vaccinated for travel purposes.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

For the record, third shots here are NOT being given as "boosters". They are being given to complete a full series of two-dose vaccinations. Two shots of Moderna or Pfizer, at accepted intervals, should be recognized as being fully vaccinated for travel purposes.

For us in the U.S. 3rd shots are for immunocompromised, boosters are given for those in the specific populations mentioned. They are being considered two different things because a booster may be your 3rd, 4th,5th, etc shot. An immunocompromised person could have a 3rd shot which is designed to bring the efficacy level up (as it is believed their immune systems may have prevented them from getting the protection the dosage was originally designed to get) but they also may end up getting a booster which would be their 4th, 5th, etc. Boosters would help bring the efficacy up for those with underlying medical conditions should that have impacted it and underlying medical conditions is part of the population that was given the go ahead to get a booster.

The timing of 3rd doses and boosters also is recommended at different times in the U.S. My in-laws ( a cancer survivor and the other with an autoimmune disease) both had their 3rd shot of Moderna. Theirs was technically about 4 and 4 1/2 months since they were considered fully vaccinated and those who need the 3rd shot are recommended to get it immediately. Those who are qualified under a booster (which at the moment only Pfizer is authorized for boosters) should wait til 6 months since their first dose.

But for this thread I actually wasn't talking about the purposes of travel, that has zero bearing on my comment. I said that for the purposes of the mixing conversation that was going on. In the U.S. for U.S. citizens they are not saying it's acceptable to get whatever mRNA vaccine. They want you to stick with whatever you've had for your initial doses. For those who were talking about that that part, IMO, seemed important, that our CDC has not given the go ahead for mixing even when it's for the purposes of its own citizens for the 3rd dose or booster. I know however they are starting to get data and look over it for the mixing aspect which may help eventually give peace of mind and more freedom of travel for those wanting to travel and are running into issues of mixing being recognized.

 

[ronandannette]

For us in the U.S. 3rd shots are for immunocompromised, boosters are given for those in the specific populations mentioned. They are being considered two different things because a booster may be your 3rd, 4th,5th, etc shot. An immunocompromised person could have a 3rd shot which is designed to bring the efficacy level up (as it is believed their immune systems may have prevented them from getting the protection the dosage was originally designed to get) but they also may end up getting a booster which would be their 4th, 5th, etc. Boosters would help bring the efficacy up for those with underlying medical conditions should that have impacted it and underlying medical conditions is part of the population that was given the go ahead to get a booster.

The timing of 3rd doses and boosters also is recommended at different times in the U.S. My in-laws ( a cancer survivor and the other with an autoimmune disease) both had their 3rd shot of Moderna. Theirs was technically about 4 and 4 1/2 months since they were considered fully vaccinated and those who need the 3rd shot are recommended to get it immediately. Those who are qualified under a booster (which at the moment only Pfizer is autU conversation that was going on. In the U.S. for U.S. citizens they are not saying it's acceptable to get whatever mRNA vaccine. They want you to stick with whatever you've had for your initial doses. For those who were talking about that that part, IMO, seemed important, that our CDC has not given the go ahead for mixing even when it's for the purposes of its own citizens for the 3rd dose or booster. I know however they are starting to get data and look over it for the mixing aspect which may help eventually give peace of mind and more freedom of travel for those wanting to travel and are running into issues of mixing being recognized.

Understood but in the context of this thread, the only thing that matters is our eligibility to travel/cruise. I'd venture to say that none of us with mixed vaccines regret it, from a efficacy/safety perspective. Boosters, if and when they may be needed, are a separate concern. Our only problem is the CDC's not recognizing our status, despite millions of people world-wide having been vaccinated using these protocols and a number of studies showing mixed-vaccines actually have produced a more robust immune response than a single type.

 

[Going to WDW]

For us in the U.S. 3rd shots are for immunocompromised, boosters are given for those in the specific populations mentioned. They are being considered two different things because a booster may be your 3rd, 4th,5th, etc shot. An immunocompromised person could have a 3rd shot which is designed to bring the efficacy level up (as it is believed their immune systems may have prevented them from getting the protection the dosage was originally designed to get) but they also may end up getting a booster which would be their 4th, 5th, etc. Boosters would help bring the efficacy up for those with underlying medical conditions should that have impacted it and underlying medical conditions is part of the population that was given the go ahead to get a booster.

The timing of 3rd doses and boosters also is recommended at different times in the U.S. My in-laws ( a cancer survivor and the other with an autoimmune disease) both had their 3rd shot of Moderna. Theirs was technically about 4 and 4 1/2 months since they were considered fully vaccinated and those who need the 3rd shot are recommended to get it immediately. Those who are qualified under a booster (which at the moment only Pfizer is authorized for boosters) should wait til 6 months since their first dose.

But for this thread I actually wasn't talking about the purposes of travel, that has zero bearing on my comment. I said that for the purposes of the mixing conversation that was going on. In the U.S. for U.S. citizens they are not saying it's acceptable to get whatever mRNA vaccine. They want you to stick with whatever you've had for your initial doses. For those who were talking about that that part, IMO, seemed important, that our CDC has not given the go ahead for mixing even when it's for the purposes of its own citizens for the 3rd dose or booster. I know however they are starting to get data and look over it for the mixing aspect which may help eventually give peace of mind and more freedom of travel for those wanting to travel and are running into issues of mixing being recognized.

So here's the thing.. COVID is mega-cluster-something ---- Travel, health, tourism, trade, etc... it's all wrapped in..... Would I love to have a second Moderna shot to be able to travel (had AZ then Moderna) --- then yeah I would but I thought I was good since I followed current advice.

I have an immune system illness (I spent the first 5-6 months ensuring that I had EVERY other vaccine possible before I started the biologic to suppress my immune response) after my original AZ shot (which I only did since the gov't said I should take the first available) I figured my second dose would cover me --- apparently not so... I have psoriatic arthritis so maybe I should get a 3rd dose --- but no one knows if the biologic I take or the one one I might move to makes me eligible for a 3rd shot but the ON government couldn't care less -- zero guidance. The criteria is spaghetti. That is the real problem.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

Understood but in the context of this thread, the only thing that matters is our eligibility to travel/cruise. I'd venture to say that none of us with mixed vaccines regret it, from a efficacy/safety perspective. Boosters, if and when they may be needed, are a separate concern. Our only problem is the CDC's not recognizing our status, despite millions of people world-wide having been vaccinated using these protocols and a number of studies showing mixed-vaccines actually have produced a more robust immune response than a single type.

I think you're misreading what my intent was. I would assume that Canada would authorize something for its own citizens before authorizing something for non-Canadians. That was the same principle I was applying here. For the purposes of the U.S. citizens we are not advised to mix. I would think (and perhaps I'm completely wrong here) that authorization would be given first for mixing for U.S. citizens although TBH it's possible they would do it concurrently but I don't imagine that the CDC would say "we don't advise citizens to mix but we accept the science and data to back up those not in the U.S. who have received mixed vaccination". In today's age anything goes, but that's what my original thought was. I think if the CDC said today no problem in mixing it's completely fine to get your 3rd dose or booster as whatever you can it doesn't matter there would be a lot more to be said for holding back on acceptance of mixing of non-U.S. citizens but as of right now their stance on mixing has stayed the same.

The line of conversation I was following started with this person's quote they took from an article “the United States will recognize any vaccines authorized by the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) or World Health Organization (WHO). That includes the following vaccines:" but it was noted there wasn't a mention of mixing. That's what prompted me to mention the viewpoint of mixing for U.S. citizens.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

So here's the thing.. COVID is mega-cluster-something ---- Travel, health, tourism, trade, etc... it's all wrapped in..... Would I love to have a second Moderna shot to be able to travel (had AZ then Moderna) --- then yeah I would but I thought I was good since I followed current advice.

I have an immune system illness (I spent the first 5-6 months ensuring that I had EVERY other vaccine possible before I started the biologic to suppress my immune response) after my original AZ shot (which I only did since the gov't said I should take the first available) I figured my second dose would cover me --- apparently not so... I have psoriatic arthritis so maybe I should get a 3rd dose --- but no one knows if the biologic I take or the one one I might move to makes me eligible for a 3rd shot but the ON government couldn't care less -- zero guidance. The criteria is spaghetti. That is the real problem.

If it makes you feel any better I technically am authorized by the CDC at least (and my state has advised they will follow CDC advice) to get a booster (I had Pfizer) because I have an underlying health condition but for my age group (18-49) it's considered a MAY not a SHOULD meaning I guess if I feel like I should or if my doctor (which I don't have a primary TBH) advises me I can get one. I'm right at 6 months past my 1st shot which is the timeline for the booster. Originally our President had said everyone would be eligible for a booster at 8 months...well if you follow U.S. news you know how that turned out. So I'm like "umm should I or shouldn't I get it" My husband and I were going to get it when it was advised by the President for all at 8 months but now the FDA pushed back saying there wasn't enough evidence for that widespread..so I'm with you in that even here in the States the guidance is well up in the air and I'm left with the question of does my body need the booster or am I protected enough. My underlying medical condition did put me one phase ahead of general population for my state but man it's just all up in the air now.

But for real I honestly know how confusing it is. We may only have 3 vaccines in the U.S. and may not have had mixing done as a norm (and no one should blame any one country for mixing various countries did it for various reasons) but it sure doesn't mean we've got our clear guidance. There's def. been some consistency on vaccine protocols but not always.

 

[Going to WDW]

If it makes you feel any better I technically am authorized by the CDC at least (and my state has advised they will follow CDC advice) to get a booster (I had Pfizer) because I have an underlying health condition but for my age group (18-49) it's considered a MAY not a SHOULD meaning I guess if I feel like I should or if my doctor (which I don't have a primary TBH) advises me I can get one. I'm right at 6 months past my 1st shot which is the timeline for the booster. Originally our President had said everyone would be eligible for a booster at 8 months...well if you follow U.S. news you know how that turned out. So I'm like "umm should I or shouldn't I get it" My husband and I were going to get it when it was advised by the President for all at 8 months but now the FDA pushed back saying there wasn't enough evidence for that widespread..so I'm with you in that even here in the States the guidance is well up in the air and I'm left with the question of does my body need the booster or am I protected enough. My underlying medical condition did put me one phase ahead of general population for my state but man it's just all up in the air now.

But for real I honestly know how confusing it is. We may only have 3 vaccines in the U.S. and may not have had mixing done as a norm (and no one should blame any one country for mixing various countries did it for various reasons) but it sure doesn't mean we've got our clear guidance. There's def. been some consistency on vaccine protocols but not always.

Love that you're all in -- it's good. Don't blame anyone for this (US/CND/Provincial) stuff but I think those of that fall outside or the norm we are all but forgotten now. I'm someone who takes Biologics to manage my PSA which affect my immune response to literally everything.... For Canadians who've had AZ (which we were told to get early on) and then get an mRNA in Canada we're feeling pretty out there right now. Right now I could visit the US... with the new rules coming into effect in November in the US ... I have zero idea if that will even be possible. I cancelled our Mar trip to UO since it seems so up in the air. ...

I would mention that Canada had zero --- yes... 00000 --- COVID vaccine approved producers in Canada who could manufacture any COVID vaccine... We got our AZ from the US (and some from India --- which has it's own stuff associated with it), Moderna and Pfizer from the US and Europe.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

Love that you're all in -- it's good. Don't blame anyone for this (US/CND/Provincial) stuff but I think those of that fall outside or the norm we are all but forgotten now. I'm someone who takes Biologics to manage my PSA which affect my immune response to literally everything.... For Canadians who've had AZ (which we were told to get early on) and then get an mRNA in Canada we're feeling pretty out there right now. Right now I could visit the US... with the new rules coming into effect in November in the US ... I have zero idea if that will even be possible. I cancelled our Mar trip to UO since it seems so up in the air. ...

Ugh that is such a bummer about the May trip

I can understand how defeatist it must feel to have done what was considered correct (mixing) but now have no idea when that will be considered acceptable.

 

[Lori Williamson]

Driving home yesterday, Adrian Dix, BC Provincial Health Minister, was doing an interview on local radio station, the host asked him again about 3rd shots for mixed people and he was very clear, they have no plans to provide one for people who want to "travel". What was upsetting was that the whole point of getting vaccinated was for people to be safe, get back to normal life, be able to hug your loved ones again. They stood up daily saying these things, and given that Canada was short on vaccine, choices were made and we took their advice. So now there is a segment of the population that still can't do those things and what I think he is missing, not everyone wants a disney trip, they want to travel to go see and hug THEIR loved ones and they might not be able to but the majority can.

 

[Starwind]

So here's the thing.. COVID is mega-cluster-something ---- Travel, health, tourism, trade, etc... it's all wrapped in..... Would I love to have a second Moderna shot to be able to travel (had AZ then Moderna) --- then yeah I would but I thought I was good since I followed current advice.

I have an immune system illness (I spent the first 5-6 months ensuring that I had EVERY other vaccine possible before I started the biologic to suppress my immune response) after my original AZ shot (which I only did since the gov't said I should take the first available) I figured my second dose would cover me --- apparently not so... I have psoriatic arthritis so maybe I should get a 3rd dose --- but no one knows if the biologic I take or the one one I might move to makes me eligible for a 3rd shot but the ON government couldn't care less -- zero guidance. The criteria is spaghetti. That is the real problem.

I don't know if these two documents will bring you any clarity or not, but wanted to give you the links.

Ontario guidance document on third doses: https://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/pro...VID-19_vaccine_third_dose_recommendations.pdf

Ontario government backgrounder, "Expanded Eligibility for Third Doses of the COVID-19 Vaccine": https://news.ontario.ca/en/backgrou...ility-for-third-doses-of-the-covid-19-vaccine

Canadian Rheumatology Association Position Statement on COVID-19 Vaccination: https://rheum.ca/wp-content/uploads...osition-Statement-on-COVID-19-Vaccination.pdf

The first and third also have links to additional documents. The CRA website has other potentially useful info, too, keeping in mind it is aimed at Canadian rheumatologists: https://rheum.ca/covid19/ [the Canadian Rheumatology Association (CRA) is the national professional association for Canadian rheumatologists]

 

[damo]

Globe and Mail article (opinion)

Will Canadians with mixed-vaccine doses be blocked from U.S. flights?

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/opi...xed-vaccine-doses-be-blocked-from-us-flights/

Synopisis is that the author does not think that Canadians and other travellers will be impacted negatively since it will do a lot of damage to the American airline industry.

 

[Lori Williamson]

So once again on CKNW local radio station, Richard Zussman did interview with Dr. Henry and he asked about mixed again, i think interview will be on later today. He said that her new wording is that if the US does not allow for mixing that BC will make it right. However not until 2022, and her reasoning is that they don't have the vaccine right now because they are going to do long term care, homeless and hopefully kids. She apparently said that the bigger issue is that they have been waiting on the federal government to come out with a national passport which would make it easier to travel with because each province has a different one. So there is hope but he said it won't help anyone wanting to travel Nov/Dec to US this year. It has been confirmed thought that Astra will be accepted if you had both doses just not the mixing.

 

[bcwife76]

So once again on CKNW local radio station, Richard Zussman did interview with Dr. Henry and he asked about mixed again, i think interview will be on later today. He said that her new wording is that if the US does not allow for mixing that BC will make it right. However not until 2022, and her reasoning is that they don't have the vaccine right now because they are going to do long term care, homeless and hopefully kids. She apparently said that the bigger issue is that they have been waiting on the federal government to come out with a national passport which would make it easier to travel with because each province has a different one. So there is hope but he said it won't help anyone wanting to travel Nov/Dec to US this year. It has been confirmed thought that Astra will be accepted if you had both doses just not the mixing.

Well now isn't that interesting....and why couldn't she just have said that at the last news conference this past Tuesday?

 

[Madame]

Well now isn't that interesting....and why couldn't she just have said that at the last news conference this past Tuesday?

Cause she’s making it up as she goes along like they all are

 

[samsteele]

However not until 2022, and her reasoning is that they don't have the vaccine right now because they are going to do long term care, homeless and hopefully kids.

And yet aren't vaccines expiring as we speak in pharmacies and clinics everywhere across Canada? Given that we mixed vax people are not a huge segment of the population like the above categories, couldn't we use this before it expires? Seems to be a no-brainer. Only thing I can think of is public perception. We are 'giving' a booster dose to those who want to travel to the US before the most vulnerable are called. This is probably the bigger issue.

 

[ilovetotravel1977]

And yet aren't vaccines expiring as we speak in pharmacies and clinics everywhere across Canada? Given that we mixed vax people are not a huge segment of the population like the above categories, couldn't we use this before it expires? Seems to be a no-brainer. Only thing I can think of is public perception. We are 'giving' a booster dose to those who want to travel to the US before the most vulnerable are called. This is probably the bigger issue.

Perception is 9/10ths of the law…