Terminally ill B.C. woman's trip in limbo over mixed vaccine doses
A trip to Hawaii in late November is more than just a sunny getaway for Mary Jane Stenberg and her extended family – it could be the last time her daughter-in-law Sydney can travel.
The 25-year-old has been diagnosed with a rare form of terminal bone cancer.
“We don’t know how many more trips Sydney will be able to go on. We feel this might be the last one before she is debilitated and not able to go on anything. So we really want this to be special, we want this to be a wonderful time for her,” said Stenberg.
She’s organized a stay in a secluded home near Honolulu for seven family members, including Sydney and her son. But she’s worried her mixed vaccines may prevent her from travelling to the state. Stenberg had AstraZeneca as her first shot, then Moderna as her second.
“I decided to get it because number one, I have an extremely disabled husband and the sooner I could get a vaccination, the safer he would be. And also I took the advice from the health officer to get the first one available,” said Stenberg.
The U.S. is expected to require proof of vaccination for international travellers by early November, and it’s unclear if it will accept AstraZeneca, which is not approved in that country, or allow anyone with mixed doses to enter.
“I’m taking everyone, and I’m in a situation where if they don’t accept mixed doses or AstraZeneca, we will have to pivot and do something totally different and lose money on what we booked so far,” said Stenberg. Her travel insurance would only refund 70 per cent of the trips cost.
Other provinces, including Alberta and Quebec, are allowing people who got a first dose of AstraZeneca followed by an mRNA shot to get a third booster in order to travel.
“It certainly would be nice if in situations like this that could be available, especially if they have doses that are going to expire or they are going wanting. I would really appreciate the opportunity to come forward and get that,” said Stenberg.
But provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said that won’t be an option in B.C., at least for now.
“These things are in flux around the world. So no, we are not systematically providing people with a third dose because we know things are changing,” said Henry, who appears confident British Columbian travellers with mixed doses with be accommodated.
But Stenberg is worried there won’t be a ruling in time for her trip. “To ask the U.S. to quickly make a decision on what vaccines they’re going to recognize is beyond my control,” she said.
As for her decision to get a first dose of AstraZeneca vaccine, rather than waiting longer for mRNA?
“I don’t regret doing it because first and foremost, it is to keep everyone healthy. So I’m glad I did it,” she said. “I’m just sorry that it’s developed into this situation.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Iran fires air defence batteries in provinces as explosions heard near Isfahan
Iran fired air defence batteries early Friday morning after reports of explosions near a major airbase at the city of Isfahan, the state-run IRNA news agency reported.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.