Each week, journalists turn to Unity Health Toronto’s experts and programs to help make sense of our world. In case you missed it, here’s a recap of the headlines for the week of November 20-26.

Pediatricians answer your questions about kids and the COVID vaccine
Toronto Star on November 21, 2021
Interview with Dr. Anne Wormsbecker

Appointments for the COVID-19 vaccine for children are now available in Ontario. Dr. Anne Wormsbecker, pediatrician at St. Michael’s Hospital, explains how the children’s dose hits a “sweet spot” of an immune system response with minimal side effects.

Indigenous population in Thunder Bay two to four times larger than census data, new study says
CBC News Thunder Bay on November 22, 2021
Feature of work led by Dr. Janet Smylie

A new report by Dr. Janet Smylie of Well Living House, the Indigenous health research unit at St. Michael’s, and Anishnawbe Mushkiki, an Indigenous health clinic in Thunder Bay, found the Indigenous population in Thunder Bay is two to four times larger than census data. In this CBC News Thunder Bay story, Dr. Smylie explains how this data should impact future resource planning.

There are more than 160 COVID outbreaks in Ontario elementary schools. What to do before vaccines take hold?
Toronto Star on November 26, 2021
Interviews with Dr. Anne Wormsbecker and Dr. Peter Jüni

Experts are warning that school outbreaks could very well continue to climb with the cold weather. Dr. Anne Wormsbecker and Dr. Peter Jüni speak to the Toronto Star about how the pandemic is evolving and how rapid testing could help stop COVID-19 transmission in schools.

The COVID-19 vaccine for children
TVO’s The Agenda on November 25, 2021
Interview with Dr. Tara Kiran

Dr. Tara Kiran, family physician at Unity Health, joins TVO’s The Agenda to discuss the COVID-19 vaccine for children and the importance of understanding vaccine efficacy and safety.

Plexiglass can be ‘counterproductive’ to proper COVID-19 ventilation, experts say
CBC News on November 25, 2021
Interview with Dr. Peter Jüni

Since the start of the pandemic, plastic barriers have become a common sight in places like stores and schools. Dr. Peter Jüni explains how the use of plastic barriers in public spaces may be hurting efforts to reduce the spread of COVID-19

Also on Global News

How scientific evidence evolves: A case study on COVID-19 in pregnancy
Healthy Debate on November 22, 2021
Interview with Dr. Tali Bogler

In this Healthy Debate article, Dr. Tali Bogler, Chair of Family Medicine Obstetrics at St. Michael’s Hospital, explains why pregnant people should get vaccinated against COVID-19 and why vaccination rates among pregnant people remains relatively low in Ontario.

Ontario doctors facing death threats and barrage of online hate
Zoomer Radio at 29:30 on November 10, 2021
Interview with Dr. Tali Bogler

Ontario doctors have been facing a barrage of online hate and even death threats for their advocacy and education of COVID-19 vaccines during the pandemic. Dr. Tali Bogler weighs in on how it has affected her own advocacy and why it needs to stop now.

Bookings for pediatric COVID-19 vaccine appoints now open – how can we ensure an equitable rollout?
Global AM 640 on November 23, 2021
Interview with Dr. Shazeen Suleman

Dr. Shazeen Suleman, pediatrician at St. Michael’s Hospital, joins Global AM 640 to weigh in on how the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines for children can be equitable for all families.

Why you should volunteer for a clinical trial
Chatelaine on November 24, 2021
Interview with Dr. Jonathon Maguire

Dr. Jonathon Maguire, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute scientist, explains why the healthcare system needs clinical trial volunteers and why we need to celebrate trial participants more.