Latest Findings and News
COVID-19 research initiatives at UBC among those funded by first-time partnership
A number of UBC rapid response research initiatives have received funding from a partnership between Genome BC, the Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research, and the BCCDC Foundation for Public Health.
UBC Vaccine Effectiveness of Variants in British Columbia
Daniel Ting, Department of Emergency Medicine
The Canadian COVID-19 Emergency Department Rapid Response Network (CCEDRRN) has harmonized data collection for COVID-19 tested patients in over 50 emergency departments in 8 provinces, including BC. This new project will leverage CCEDRRN’s existing and growing registry infrastructure to determine the real-world effectiveness of vaccines in BC in reducing severe COVID-19, as documented by emergency admission. Research efforts will specifically focus on vaccine effectiveness against the P.1 Variant of Concern circulating in BC, and on effectiveness of a single dose to assess outcomes of Canada’s dose delay. This study will provide critical real-world data about vaccine performance and support key study sites in the Lower Mainland.
CIHR funded initiative to investigate the Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 Infections
Prevalence and natural history of the Post COVID-19 Condition
Patrick Archambault
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating effect on Canadians and has also resulted in an increasing number of patients with persistent symptoms (e.g., dyspnea, fatigue, myalgia, brain fog), with some of these people needing help months after the initial infection. These symptoms have been called the Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) or the "Long COVID".
This upcoming new project will provide important evidence to allow decision-makers to better understand post COVID-19 condition, risk factors and impact on quality of life for COVID-19 survivors.