[ad_1]
Ontario’s chief medical officer is urging people who have received their first dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine not to hesitate to get their second dose of the Moderna vaccine.
“We ask that you not reschedule any appointment to try to get a second dose of Pfizer at a later time, as we have a large amount of our Moderna coming in now,” said Dr. Monday press conference.
“We’re saying that if you have a chance, you can go ahead and use our Moderna as your second dose, compared to Pfizer, because we want you to have full protection ASAP.”
He stressed that the two mRNA vaccines are safe and effective and use similar technology, making them safe to mix.
“One of the key strategies to slow transmission, keep variable delta under control and avoid a fourth wave is to get vaccinated as soon as possible,” Dr. Williams said.
“The first dose protects you from severe consequences and hospitalization, but this does not interrupt transmission. The second dose prevents transmission.”
The city of Toronto announced over the weekend that due to delays in Pfizer’s shipments, city-run immunization clinics are only providing Moderna mRNA doses to individuals 18 or older starting June 20. 17, because Moderna has not yet been approved for this age group.
“While the Toronto team’s vaccination partners face shipping delays, we must not delay rapid administration of doses,” reads a statement from Dr. Eileen de Villa, Toronto’s medical officer for health.
“As variable delta grows at an exponential rate in Toronto, vaccinations are one of our main strategies to slow transmission. Both Pfizer and Moderna mRNA vaccines are interchangeable, just as effective and safe for everyone over 18. If you have an appointment, be sure if you don’t have an appointment for your first dose. Or the second, select one as soon as you qualify.”
The story continues
The Peel District will also keep the children’s Pfizer shots, which are set to run through at least Thursday, June 24.
Medical experts in Ontario continue to reassure the public that it is safe to mix mRNA vaccines and that the public should take their first available appointment.
[ad_2]
Picture Credit!