The Council of Ontario Medical Officers of Health is urging you to get fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as soon as you are eligible, and to take the first vaccine that is offered for a first or second dose.
"Both Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are interchangeable and can be received as second dose vaccination regardless of the first dose provided. Either can also be received following the first dose vaccination with AstraZeneca vaccine," says a news release from the group.
With the large shipments of Moderna vaccine arriving and the reduction in Pfizer vaccine at this time, Moderna vaccine will be provided as a second dose following Pfizer as a first dose frequently throughout the province.
"Based on recent recommendations by the National Advisory Committee on Immunization, either of these mRNA vaccines as a second dose is both safe and effective and offers strong protection against COVID-19, including the more contagious and severe Delta variant. With the increase in the Delta variant in Ontario, it is important for people to have two doses in order to be more fully protected," explains the release.
“Two doses of COVID-19 vaccine provides a high degree of protection against infection from COVID-19 including serious illness, hospitalization and death.” Dr. Charles Gardner, Chair of the Council of Ontario Medical Officers of Health (COMOH). “I urge all people 12 years of age and over who have not had their first dose to do so as soon as possible, and everyone to receive their second dose as soon as you are eligible.”
Both Moderna and Pfizer vaccines are authorized for use in Canada and use a similar mRNA technology, so the vaccines are interchangeable. In addition, those who have had AstraZeneca vaccine for their first dose can take, as a second dose AstraZeneca, with either Moderna or Pfizer as being more advisable. Mixing vaccine products to complete a series is commonly done with immunizations against a number of other diseases such as Hepatitis A and B, Tetanus and Meningitis.
