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Ontarians who received a first dose of AstraZeneca will be be given a choice of vaccines for their second shot.
In updated guidance released Thursday, the provincial government announced that starting Friday residents who’ve received a single dose of AstraZeneca can opt to have a Pfizer or Moderna vaccine for a second dose.
The option of a second AstraZeneca shot is also available.
“Nothing is more important than the health of Ontarians, and for the best protection against COVID-19 it is vital that everyone who received the AstraZeneca vaccine for their first dose receives a second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine,” Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. David Williams said in a statement.
The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) has said that a first dose of AstraZeneca can be followed up with an mRNA vaccine like Pfizer or Moderna.
Ontario sought advice from NACI after supplies of AstraZeneca fell far short of expectations.
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The province does not have enough supply currently to provide second shots to everyone who received a first dose of AstraZeneca.
Ontario Health Minister Christine Elliott said studies have shown that while there may be more side effects when mixing AstraZeneca and an mRNA vaccine, it remains a safe option.
Ontarians who want to stick with AstraZeneca can contact the source of their first dose — their pharmacy or primary care provider — to book an appointment for a second dose, the government says.
People who want to switch to a Pfizer or Moderna vaccine may contact a pharmacy that is offering one of those vaccines for an appointment.
In both cases, the 12-week interval between doses remains the same.
“Combining similar vaccines from different manufacturers in a series is not a new concept,” a government statement says. “Different vaccine products have been safely and effectively used to complete vaccine series for influenza, hepatitis A, and others. Individuals are encouraged to speak with a health-care professional for help understanding the options available to them so that they can make an informed decision on their vaccination.
Information on participating pharmacies can be found on the government website: covid-19.ontario.ca/vaccine-locations.
Ontario halted first doses of AstraZeneca over concerns that resulting blood clots, while still rare, occurred more frequently than first believed.
The chance of a blood clotting disorder from a second dose of AstraZeneca drops dramatically, and remains well below other common risks, officials say.
aartuso@postmedia.com
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