Just the facts ... > "Nazeem Muhajarine is an epidemiologist at the University of Saskatchewan. (Submitted by University of Saskatchewan)
The Omicron variant's increased infectiousness means that the immunity provided by vaccinations isn't as powerful as it was during the Delta-driven fourth wave in Saskatchewan.
But that doesn't mean it isn't working, as stated by Premier Scott Moe.
Two doses is no longer sufficient, according to Muhajarine. Booster doses are now necessary as two doses are no longer as effective against the Omicron variant, he said.
"[It has] moderate effectiveness and that is pretty solid. It's much better than some of the other vaccines that we give routinely," Muhajarine said.
Rasmussen also called for everyone to get booster doses as quickly as possible.
"Some studies that have been done in the U.S. by the Center for Disease Control have showed that a booster shot actually increases protection against infection all the way up to about 60 to 70 per cent, depending on the study," said Rasmussen.
All of the experts told CBC News that the premier's comments are likely undermining the effort to get more vaccinations — especially booster doses — into arms.
Muhajarine said the premier's comments undermine faith in public health and the effectiveness of vaccines.
"What he was saying this past few days is not policy. It is not science. He's not a scientist and he knows that it should actually come out of the chief medical health officer's mouth" the epidemiologist said."
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatchewan/covid-19-transmission-scott-moe-1.6336479