Dr.Lynora Saxinger
@antibioticdoc.bsky.social
🇨🇦 Infectious Diseases doctor and professor at the University of Alberta- incurably curious, explain≠endorse, representing my own opinions.
This should be interesting! An example of outside-the-box community outreach: I've never been in a panel that chatted through and debated vaccine controversies over a beer before!
This Friday - still some tickets available.
This Friday - still some tickets available.
November 24, 2025 at 7:53 PM
This should be interesting! An example of outside-the-box community outreach: I've never been in a panel that chatted through and debated vaccine controversies over a beer before!
This Friday - still some tickets available.
This Friday - still some tickets available.
Edmontonians, visitors, U of A peeps- drop by Univ of AB Hospital Snell Hall for the Department of Medicine Community Health Fair anytime from 10:30 till 2:30 (the last session starts at 2) - with lunch provided as long as it lasts- you’ll be fed, entertained and educated!
November 15, 2025 at 5:36 PM
Edmontonians, visitors, U of A peeps- drop by Univ of AB Hospital Snell Hall for the Department of Medicine Community Health Fair anytime from 10:30 till 2:30 (the last session starts at 2) - with lunch provided as long as it lasts- you’ll be fed, entertained and educated!
By the way - labour negotiations have nothing to do with whether legislature is in or not.
So discussions COULD start tomorrow if the premier allowed them to.
4/4
So discussions COULD start tomorrow if the premier allowed them to.
4/4
October 5, 2025 at 8:29 PM
By the way - labour negotiations have nothing to do with whether legislature is in or not.
So discussions COULD start tomorrow if the premier allowed them to.
4/4
So discussions COULD start tomorrow if the premier allowed them to.
4/4
It really felt like everyone was willing to keep showing up for as long as it takes. Hopefully once our democratically elected government gets the ample feedback that is rolling in it won’t be long…
3/4
3/4
October 5, 2025 at 8:29 PM
It really felt like everyone was willing to keep showing up for as long as it takes. Hopefully once our democratically elected government gets the ample feedback that is rolling in it won’t be long…
3/4
3/4
Civilized and organized, citizens of all ages showed up to show we believe teachers and students deserve reasonable teaching and learning conditions.
2/4
2/4
October 5, 2025 at 8:29 PM
Civilized and organized, citizens of all ages showed up to show we believe teachers and students deserve reasonable teaching and learning conditions.
2/4
2/4
Personal reflection: when it feels like there’s a LOT of concerning things going on, it was therapeutic to join a vast crowd of Albertans at the Legislature (so many kids!) to support our teachers and public education.
1/4
1/4
October 5, 2025 at 8:29 PM
Personal reflection: when it feels like there’s a LOT of concerning things going on, it was therapeutic to join a vast crowd of Albertans at the Legislature (so many kids!) to support our teachers and public education.
1/4
1/4
Honestly if in years past you told me that in 2025 we’d be getting measles exposures notifications on the regular I’d not have believed you. U of A notification.
September 7, 2025 at 5:59 AM
Honestly if in years past you told me that in 2025 we’d be getting measles exposures notifications on the regular I’d not have believed you. U of A notification.
(Sigh. To those who believe I am evil for promoting vaccination - I’m sorry you’ve been sucked into that unfortunate worldview, but I am sharing a personal + professional, science based interpretation and am being civil about it.
Abuse and threats say more about you than me.
6/6
Abuse and threats say more about you than me.
6/6
August 24, 2025 at 5:08 PM
(Sigh. To those who believe I am evil for promoting vaccination - I’m sorry you’ve been sucked into that unfortunate worldview, but I am sharing a personal + professional, science based interpretation and am being civil about it.
Abuse and threats say more about you than me.
6/6
Abuse and threats say more about you than me.
6/6
5. All to say people should remember vaccination updates and prioritize their health this fall.
Life is busy and stressful enough without getting sick, caring for sick family members, rampant illness and abseentism at work/school, and wayyy overfull hospitals.
5/6
Life is busy and stressful enough without getting sick, caring for sick family members, rampant illness and abseentism at work/school, and wayyy overfull hospitals.
5/6
August 24, 2025 at 5:08 PM
5. All to say people should remember vaccination updates and prioritize their health this fall.
Life is busy and stressful enough without getting sick, caring for sick family members, rampant illness and abseentism at work/school, and wayyy overfull hospitals.
5/6
Life is busy and stressful enough without getting sick, caring for sick family members, rampant illness and abseentism at work/school, and wayyy overfull hospitals.
5/6
4. Millions of lives saved by vaccines…but a time of great societal stress also amplified outrageous disinformation from grifters and conspiracists, in spite of excellent safety data (there is no doubt vaccine is better than COVID infection.) pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov...
4/6
4/6
August 24, 2025 at 5:08 PM
4. Millions of lives saved by vaccines…but a time of great societal stress also amplified outrageous disinformation from grifters and conspiracists, in spite of excellent safety data (there is no doubt vaccine is better than COVID infection.) pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov...
4/6
4/6
3. COVID can be severe directly AND, like influenza, is associated with higher rates of major cardiovascular events (heart attack, stroke) in younger people too. Vaccines make a big difference in reducing risk of illness, death and community impact.
share.google/pvqLKjf...
3/6
share.google/pvqLKjf...
3/6
August 24, 2025 at 5:08 PM
3. COVID can be severe directly AND, like influenza, is associated with higher rates of major cardiovascular events (heart attack, stroke) in younger people too. Vaccines make a big difference in reducing risk of illness, death and community impact.
share.google/pvqLKjf...
3/6
share.google/pvqLKjf...
3/6
2. Access with be more complex- not in pharmacies. Pre sign up period ends before they are available I think?
(If in doubt about coverage conditions and affotdability I’d sign up anyway. )
bookvaccine.alberta....
Immunologic conditions for eligibility include:
2/6
(If in doubt about coverage conditions and affotdability I’d sign up anyway. )
bookvaccine.alberta....
Immunologic conditions for eligibility include:
2/6
August 24, 2025 at 5:08 PM
2. Access with be more complex- not in pharmacies. Pre sign up period ends before they are available I think?
(If in doubt about coverage conditions and affotdability I’d sign up anyway. )
bookvaccine.alberta....
Immunologic conditions for eligibility include:
2/6
(If in doubt about coverage conditions and affotdability I’d sign up anyway. )
bookvaccine.alberta....
Immunologic conditions for eligibility include:
2/6
1.
In case you are in Alberta and missed the details, COVID fall vaccination eligibility in Alberta is restricted vs other provinces. One key difference is not covering based on age >65. Congregate care, medical and immunologic eligibility criteria. Medical:
1/6
In case you are in Alberta and missed the details, COVID fall vaccination eligibility in Alberta is restricted vs other provinces. One key difference is not covering based on age >65. Congregate care, medical and immunologic eligibility criteria. Medical:
1/6
August 24, 2025 at 5:08 PM
1.
In case you are in Alberta and missed the details, COVID fall vaccination eligibility in Alberta is restricted vs other provinces. One key difference is not covering based on age >65. Congregate care, medical and immunologic eligibility criteria. Medical:
1/6
In case you are in Alberta and missed the details, COVID fall vaccination eligibility in Alberta is restricted vs other provinces. One key difference is not covering based on age >65. Congregate care, medical and immunologic eligibility criteria. Medical:
1/6
I imagine many know this already but holy heck, what a massive Microsoft SharePoint security breach - with no patch yet.
Just in case- an FYI.
Check w/ your IT folk if it affects you.
Just in case- an FYI.
Check w/ your IT folk if it affects you.
July 20, 2025 at 5:01 PM
I imagine many know this already but holy heck, what a massive Microsoft SharePoint security breach - with no patch yet.
Just in case- an FYI.
Check w/ your IT folk if it affects you.
Just in case- an FYI.
Check w/ your IT folk if it affects you.
Yeah, raw milk remains bad for you. Clear risk and no proven benefit. (Imaging licking a cows udder- and all of the manure win the environment. Those are the bacteria you are getting exposed to.)
doh.wa.gov/you-and-y....
doh.wa.gov/you-and-y....
June 19, 2025 at 7:29 PM
Yeah, raw milk remains bad for you. Clear risk and no proven benefit. (Imaging licking a cows udder- and all of the manure win the environment. Those are the bacteria you are getting exposed to.)
doh.wa.gov/you-and-y....
doh.wa.gov/you-and-y....
And-Public health clinics only?
?Covid and influenza shots in one trip won't be possible
Whole system was pharmacy based- 25X more >65y got vaccine in pharmacy than clinic
Will they boost public health capacity -resources for this???
The vaccines has- and still saves lives.
?Covid and influenza shots in one trip won't be possible
Whole system was pharmacy based- 25X more >65y got vaccine in pharmacy than clinic
Will they boost public health capacity -resources for this???
The vaccines has- and still saves lives.
June 14, 2025 at 5:35 PM
And-Public health clinics only?
?Covid and influenza shots in one trip won't be possible
Whole system was pharmacy based- 25X more >65y got vaccine in pharmacy than clinic
Will they boost public health capacity -resources for this???
The vaccines has- and still saves lives.
?Covid and influenza shots in one trip won't be possible
Whole system was pharmacy based- 25X more >65y got vaccine in pharmacy than clinic
Will they boost public health capacity -resources for this???
The vaccines has- and still saves lives.
AB COVID vaccine-
People on AISH, homeless, immunocompromised will have to PREBOOK ONLINE for their covered shot- logistical nightmare, reduces access
Health care workers- not mentioned??
-This is an occupational risk and immunizing HCW is recommended to protect patients
People on AISH, homeless, immunocompromised will have to PREBOOK ONLINE for their covered shot- logistical nightmare, reduces access
Health care workers- not mentioned??
-This is an occupational risk and immunizing HCW is recommended to protect patients
June 14, 2025 at 5:35 PM
AB COVID vaccine-
People on AISH, homeless, immunocompromised will have to PREBOOK ONLINE for their covered shot- logistical nightmare, reduces access
Health care workers- not mentioned??
-This is an occupational risk and immunizing HCW is recommended to protect patients
People on AISH, homeless, immunocompromised will have to PREBOOK ONLINE for their covered shot- logistical nightmare, reduces access
Health care workers- not mentioned??
-This is an occupational risk and immunizing HCW is recommended to protect patients
Now, most >65y olds in community will pay ?>100$ for COVID vaccine
>65:
1/2 of the hosp, 2/3 of the ICU adm, and 3/4 of the deaths in the pandemic
2024-2025 Alberta data: >60years: hosp 2432, ICU 108, deaths 249
COVID vaccine recommended by NACI
Median income 36K in Canada
>65:
1/2 of the hosp, 2/3 of the ICU adm, and 3/4 of the deaths in the pandemic
2024-2025 Alberta data: >60years: hosp 2432, ICU 108, deaths 249
COVID vaccine recommended by NACI
Median income 36K in Canada
June 14, 2025 at 5:35 PM
Now, most >65y olds in community will pay ?>100$ for COVID vaccine
>65:
1/2 of the hosp, 2/3 of the ICU adm, and 3/4 of the deaths in the pandemic
2024-2025 Alberta data: >60years: hosp 2432, ICU 108, deaths 249
COVID vaccine recommended by NACI
Median income 36K in Canada
>65:
1/2 of the hosp, 2/3 of the ICU adm, and 3/4 of the deaths in the pandemic
2024-2025 Alberta data: >60years: hosp 2432, ICU 108, deaths 249
COVID vaccine recommended by NACI
Median income 36K in Canada
One note re :"wastage": AB had 10% lower vaccine uptake than BC but I'm not sure how many people were aware it was recommended. The campaign didn't use the word "COVID".
This gov't vaccine campaigns have been found lacking: shorturl.at/H0Dwa, shorturl.at/BrULe
June 14, 2025 at 5:35 PM
One note re :"wastage": AB had 10% lower vaccine uptake than BC but I'm not sure how many people were aware it was recommended. The campaign didn't use the word "COVID".
This gov't vaccine campaigns have been found lacking: shorturl.at/H0Dwa, shorturl.at/BrULe
Whoa now.
Alberta COVID vaccine planning news release (shorturl.at/U15nE) has some major shockers.
First- it IS $$$ and it IS newly provincial dollars (like all other vaccines). NACI provided guidance (shorturl.at/r0fWf) in Jan as provinces bought supply ~March.
Alberta COVID vaccine planning news release (shorturl.at/U15nE) has some major shockers.
First- it IS $$$ and it IS newly provincial dollars (like all other vaccines). NACI provided guidance (shorturl.at/r0fWf) in Jan as provinces bought supply ~March.
June 14, 2025 at 5:35 PM
Whoa now.
Alberta COVID vaccine planning news release (shorturl.at/U15nE) has some major shockers.
First- it IS $$$ and it IS newly provincial dollars (like all other vaccines). NACI provided guidance (shorturl.at/r0fWf) in Jan as provinces bought supply ~March.
Alberta COVID vaccine planning news release (shorturl.at/U15nE) has some major shockers.
First- it IS $$$ and it IS newly provincial dollars (like all other vaccines). NACI provided guidance (shorturl.at/r0fWf) in Jan as provinces bought supply ~March.
Dangerous habits- HCW edition! In healthcare, instant messaging in electronic medical records is not considered timely/adequate communication. It’s like texting and hoping someone sees it versus phoning and having them pick up. if it’s urgent, or if you haven’t heard back, call!
June 2, 2025 at 2:48 PM
Dangerous habits- HCW edition! In healthcare, instant messaging in electronic medical records is not considered timely/adequate communication. It’s like texting and hoping someone sees it versus phoning and having them pick up. if it’s urgent, or if you haven’t heard back, call!
Shoutout to the Canadian Medical Association for this injection of common sense.
Health professionals should strive to provide the best current evidence-based care possible without having to break a law.
For any diagnosis.
Full Stop.
https://rb.gy/y75bef
Health professionals should strive to provide the best current evidence-based care possible without having to break a law.
For any diagnosis.
Full Stop.
https://rb.gy/y75bef
May 28, 2025 at 2:34 PM
Shoutout to the Canadian Medical Association for this injection of common sense.
Health professionals should strive to provide the best current evidence-based care possible without having to break a law.
For any diagnosis.
Full Stop.
https://rb.gy/y75bef
Health professionals should strive to provide the best current evidence-based care possible without having to break a law.
For any diagnosis.
Full Stop.
https://rb.gy/y75bef
Going great…
Basically, southern Alberta = measles exposure risk. Are they still trying to contact trace?
Info here: www.albertahealthser...
Make sure you/ yours are up to date on vaccines: 10-20% of cases hospitalized usually. At best It’s nasty.
Basically, southern Alberta = measles exposure risk. Are they still trying to contact trace?
Info here: www.albertahealthser...
Make sure you/ yours are up to date on vaccines: 10-20% of cases hospitalized usually. At best It’s nasty.
May 23, 2025 at 11:21 PM
Going great…
Basically, southern Alberta = measles exposure risk. Are they still trying to contact trace?
Info here: www.albertahealthser...
Make sure you/ yours are up to date on vaccines: 10-20% of cases hospitalized usually. At best It’s nasty.
Basically, southern Alberta = measles exposure risk. Are they still trying to contact trace?
Info here: www.albertahealthser...
Make sure you/ yours are up to date on vaccines: 10-20% of cases hospitalized usually. At best It’s nasty.
So the "good old days" were pretty hard on kids. In the 1800s about 1 in 3 children died before age 5, mostly from infections, many vaccine preventable.
Here is an example of a families' keepsake memory.
Postmortem daguerrotypes of kids were NOT rare.
Vaccines prevent this.
Here is an example of a families' keepsake memory.
Postmortem daguerrotypes of kids were NOT rare.
Vaccines prevent this.
May 9, 2025 at 9:15 PM
So the "good old days" were pretty hard on kids. In the 1800s about 1 in 3 children died before age 5, mostly from infections, many vaccine preventable.
Here is an example of a families' keepsake memory.
Postmortem daguerrotypes of kids were NOT rare.
Vaccines prevent this.
Here is an example of a families' keepsake memory.
Postmortem daguerrotypes of kids were NOT rare.
Vaccines prevent this.
In the 1800s-early 1900s, schools and institutions were opened for "Deaf, Dumb, and Blind" (then termed) kids. Measles was a big cause of acquired hearing loss- post encephalitis or ear infection.
Bacterial meningitis was another big cause (also vaccine preventable).
Bacterial meningitis was another big cause (also vaccine preventable).
May 9, 2025 at 9:15 PM
In the 1800s-early 1900s, schools and institutions were opened for "Deaf, Dumb, and Blind" (then termed) kids. Measles was a big cause of acquired hearing loss- post encephalitis or ear infection.
Bacterial meningitis was another big cause (also vaccine preventable).
Bacterial meningitis was another big cause (also vaccine preventable).