Durham has ‘limited’ number of appointments for second dose of youth vaccine

Durham Region Health Department says there will be a “limited” number of second-dose vaccine appointments available for youth ages 12 to 17, as staff assess supply from Pfizer.

The province has announced that youth who live in a Delta variant hot spot will be eligible for a second accelerated dose starting June 26.

Second dose eligibility for this age group was reduced to 28 days from the previous eight weeks.

“Currently, health service staff are evaluating the limited supply of Pfizer vaccine that has been allocated to Durham Region to determine what will be needed to provide additional second dose appointments for young people,” said the health service in a press release. “Plans are currently underway to open reservations for this group for June 26, as reported by the province; However, immediate appointments may not be available for people who are now eligible for an accelerated second dose. “

The Department of Health said the Moderna vaccine could be offered to adults 18 and older receiving their second dose, to ensure there is enough Pfizer available to young people.

“Area residents are reminded that Moderna and Pfizer, both mRNA vaccines, offer proven protection against COVID-19 and are safe and effective to be used interchangeably,” the Department of Health statement noted. health. “As Durham Region was recently identified as a Delta hotspot, it is crucial to get as many residents fully vaccinated as possible as quickly as possible to ensure optimal protection and help slow the rate of transmission within from the community. “

Vaccine appointments can be made online at durham.ca/vaccine appointment or by calling 1-888-444-5113.