Fully vaccinated Sask. senior fights for life, arthritis drug thought to have reduced COVID-19 vaccine efficacy
A fully-vaccinated Saskatoon senior is fighting for her life after testing positive for COVID-19.
Her family believes a drug she relies on for her arthritis treatment may have lowered the vaccine’s efficacy.
“My mother is in a state right now that we don't know if she is going to live. She is that ill,” Beatrice Bellegarde’s daughter Charlene Cote told CTV News.
On Aug. 19 Bellegarde's family took her to hospital thinking she had come down with the flu. However, a rapid test revealed she had COVID-19.
She has been in the ICU at Royal University Hospital since Aug. 22.
"(On Aug. 27) she was intubated so the ventilator is doing all the breathing for her,” said Cote.
“When my mom was diagnosed with COVID I was really surprised because like I said we were double vaccinated, we thought we were safe.”
Bellegarde has rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis and takes Methotrexate.
“The doctors have explained to me that Methotrexate blocks the efficacy of the vaccination, Cote said.
Kelly Kizlyk, a pharmacist with medSask says people taking immunosuppressant medications like methotrexate may have a lower immune system response to the COVID-19 vaccine.
“What that means is these medications can dampen or lessen our natural immune response, said Kizlyk.
“So it makes sense that if someone is taking a medication that somehow modifies or changes their immune response. Then there is the potential for it to affect how their body might respond … to that vaccine.”
Kizlyk recommends people taking immunosuppressive medications consult with their doctor or pharmacists to ensure they know the level of protection the vaccines provide.
He emphasizes the vaccines still provide an important barrier to shield against the illness.
“It's still important to recognize that vaccination is an important part of our COVID-19 layers of protection,” said Kizlyk.
“It also might be appropriate, offer an additional response and this is something that in Saskatchewan our government is already starting to respond to.
The province began offering additional "booster" shot on Sept. 7 to immunocompromised individuals.
Cote said she's sure her mother would welcome a third dose.
“I’m quite positive that she would get the third shot,” said Cote.
Cote is also critical of those who are able to get a COVID-19 vaccine but haven't, increasing the risk for vulnerable people like her mother.
"I think it’s socially irresponsible when people are not vaccinating because they can get COVID and pass it on to other people.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.