LThe agency explains that Bell’s palsy is an episode of weakness or paralysis of the muscles of the face, adding that this manifestation is “usually temporary”. Among the symptoms, Health Canada notes loss of facial sensitivity, headaches, tearing and excessive salivation.
She indicates that the number of cases in Canada who suffered from this paralysis after receiving the vaccine is 311. However, this does not mean that the vaccine was the specific cause.
As of July 30, this disease was observed in 206 people who received Pfizer, 67 Moderna, 37 Oxford-Zeneca. It is not known which vaccine received the last case.
The Moderna label had already been changed to mention the very rare reports of Bell’s palsy.
Since the start of the country’s vaccination campaign, more than 50 million doses of vaccine have been administered. Health Canada says it has been informed of 2,849 cases of patients who suffered serious side effects such as heart inflammation, allergic reactions, blood clots and syncope.
Health Canada recommends that those experiencing symptoms of Bell’s palsy seek medical attention.
She tried to reassure the population by writing in her press release that “COVID-19 vaccines continue to be safe and effective in protecting them against COVID-19”.
“The benefits of COVID-19 vaccines always outweigh their possible risks, as scientific evidence shows that they reduce deaths and hospitalizations from COVID-19,” she adds.
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