Infectious Diseases

The polio vaccine is part of children's standard set of shots, but some parents are opting not to vaccinate their kids and the COVID-19 pandemic has delayed vaccination for others.

Our clinical writer Lu-Ann Murdoch keeps up to date on all the latest drug news in Canada. This summer she's highlighted three new launches including an atypical antipsychotic, a therapy for plaque psoriasis and pre-exposure prophylaxis for COVID-19.

“It’s a natural fit," said Dr. Danielle Paes, Chief Pharmacist Officer for the CPhA.

Use should be restricted to clinical trials; other options are recommended for non-severe COVID-19, including nirmatrelvir–ritonavir (Paxlovid) and remdesivir.

Giving both vaccines at the same visit increases the rate of systemic adverse effects by 8% to 11% compared to giving an mRNA COVID-19 booster alone.

Drug should be reserved for those who need it most to slow down resistance.

U.S. FDA advises manufacturers to add a spike protein component of the Omicron subvariants BA.4 and BA.5 to their prototype vaccines for fall boosters.

Lyme disease is caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, a spirochete bacteria transmitted to humans most commonly by the bite of an infected blacklegged (deer) tick (Ixodes scapularis). Which statement regarding antibiotic prophylaxis following a blacklegged tick bite in an adult is FALSE?