Health Unit: Mixing COVID-19 vaccines is 'safe' and 'highly effective'

'The local COVID-19 situation largely relies on individuals to make responsible decisions, such as receiving all vaccine doses for which you are eligible, limiting your contacts, and isolating appropriately when you have been exposed or have symptoms of COVID-19'

2021 07 05 Moderna Vaccination Vaccine Health Unit (Campaigne) 3

If you're 30 or older you will be offered a dose of the Moderna vaccine at local clinics.Stu Campaigne/BayToday

The North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit reports two doses of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine — including with a mixture of brands — reduces the risk of hospitalization by 82 per cent compared to zero doses while receiving three doses further reduces the risk of transmission and severe illness.

See: The Ministry of Health's COVID-19 Vaccine Third Dose Recommendations

And: Who is considered fully vaccinated in Ontario?

A mixed vaccine series is safe to receive, and highly effective in preventing severe illness from COVID-19 and its variants, the Health Unit shares. The efficacy of a mixed vaccine series continues to be validated around the world as more international destinations are welcoming travellers with mixed doses.

“We are at a point where the local COVID-19 situation largely relies on individuals to make responsible decisions, such as receiving all vaccine doses for which you are eligible, limiting your contacts, and isolating appropriately when you have been exposed or have symptoms of COVID-19,” explains Dr. Jim Chirico, Medical Officer of Health. “By getting vaccinated with Moderna now, you are helping to prevent severe illness and caseload in our hospitals.”

Since late 2021, the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine supply has been limited across Ontario and public health officials are not aware of when the supply issue will be rectified. The Health Unit is continuing to follow the guidelines from the National Advisory Committee on Immunizations by prioritizing the limited supply of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines for individuals under 30.

Meanwhile, individuals aged 30 and over are being offered the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine at clinics. The Health Unit says the Moderna vaccine works the same way as the Pfizer vaccine and offers robust and prolonged protection for people in this age category.

COVID-19 vaccine appointments can be booked online at Ontario.ca/BookVaccine, or by calling the Health Unit Call Centre at 1-844-478-1400.

For more information on our local COVID-19 situation, visit myhealthunit.ca/COVID-19.