'It is safe. It is effective': WECHU strongly encouraging mixing doses
Officials with the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit say when it comes to getting your second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, it is best for residents to take the first vaccine that is made available to them, even if that means mixing doses.
“Vaccine interchangeability is not a new concept. It happens all the time,” said medical officer of health, Dr. Wajid Ahmed Monday. “They are both basically the same vaccine.”
Ahmed is referring the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines, both classified as mRNA vaccines.
He says the majority of people across Windsor-Essex have received Pfizer to date. But with Ontario set to receive 2 million doses of Moderna by the end of June mixing the two doses is the best option.
“We will be in a position to offer early or shortened interval for the mRNA vaccine,” he adds.
Ahmed also referenced the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) who also strongly recommended getting the first available vaccine. “There are no concerns about this interchangeably,” he quoted.
As for residents in Windsor-Essex who received AstraZeneca as their first dose, they will be able to book an accelerated second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine starting Monday.
This applies to those who received a first jab at least eight weeks ago.
The Ontario government had previously set a minimum wait time of 12 weeks for people who took a first dose of AstraZeneca.
They can choose whether to get a second dose of AstraZeneca, or switch to an mRNA vaccine made by Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna.
There are currently 49,000 doses of Pfizer, Moderna and AstraZeneza available in Windsor-Essex available to residents this week.
“It is important that we get that immunity,” says Admed.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Ottawa injects another $36M into vaccine injury compensation fund
The federal government has added $36.4 million to a program designed to support people who have been seriously injured or killed by vaccines since the end of 2020.
'Secret report' or standard research? B.C. government addresses safe supply allegations
B.C.’s premier and one of his top lieutenants are pushing back against allegations by the Official Opposition that he covertly commissioned a report into the diversion of safe supply drugs onto the streets.
Video shows suspects waving weapons, smashing glass in Toronto jewelry store robbery
Arrests have been made after five men were captured on video rampaging through a jewelry store in Toronto, waving weapons and smashing glass display cases.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.
She was too sick for a traditional transplant. So she received a pig kidney and a heart pump
Doctors have transplanted a pig kidney into a New Jersey woman who was near death, part of a dramatic pair of surgeries that also stabilized her failing heart.
What Canadians think of the latest Liberal budget
A new poll suggests the Liberals have not won over voters with their latest budget, though there is broad support for their plan to build millions of homes.
opinion Why you should protect your investments by naming a trusted contact person
Appointing a trusted person to help with financial obligations can give you peace of mind. In his personal finance column for CTVNews.ca, Christopher Liew outlines the key benefits of naming a confidant to take over your financial responsibilities, if the need ever arises.
'One of the single most terrifying things ever': Ontario couple among passengers on sinking tour boat in Dominican Republic
A Toronto couple are speaking out about their 'extremely dangerous' experience on board a sinking tour boat in the Dominican Republic last week.
Teacher shortages see some Ontario high school students awarded perfect grades on midterm exams
Students at a high school in York Region have been awarded perfect marks on their midterm exams in three subjects – not because of their academic performances however, but because they had no teacher.