The federal Conservatives are urging the Trudeau Liberals to do more to ensure Canadians who received two different doses of COVID-19 vaccines are able to travel internationally.

Health Critic Michelle Rempel Garner has sent a letter to Health Minister Patty Hajdoo highlighting multiple reports of Canadians barred entry to countries due to their mixed vaccinations.

In light of a decision by the Quebec Health Department to offer third doses of vaccine for travellers at their own risk, Rempel Garner says the federal government should release national guidelines on the issue of third doses so Canadians can make safe, informed choices.

So far, the only response from the Trudeau Liberals on international travel is a promise to provide Canadians with vaccine passports.

But Infectious Disease Specialist Dr. Alon Vaisman told Zoomer Radio’s Fight Back with Libby Znaimer, from a safety perspective there’s no issue with taking a third shot of COVID vaccine.

“There isn’t any reason to believe there would be any long term side effects associated with third doses, especially because there are plans to provide third doses for the most vulnerable people, immuno-compromised individuals, in order to boost their immunity.”

(A man received a third dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine near Tel Aviv. Israel began administering third doses to patients with compromised immune systems earlier this month, and will open eligibility to anyone over 60.Credit…Jack Guez/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images)

In a related story, beginning Sunday, Israel will offer a COVID-19 booster shot to citizens 60 and over who have already been vaccinated.

This makes Israel the first country to offer a third dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine to its citizens.

The decision comes amid rising cases and concerns that the vaccine’s efficacy decreases over time.