Canadians Who Got Mixed Vaccines May Not Be Seen As 'Fully Vaccinated' In Other Countries

The federal government has promised to work with the international community to ensure Canadians who receive mixed doses of COVID-19 vaccines are considered to be "fully vaccinated."

It comes as Canadians who received doses of different COVID-19 vaccines have reported complications when it comes to booking trips abroad, as COVID-19 vaccine mixing has not been approved by health officials in all countries.

Wait, what?

Earlier this year, Canada's National Advisory Committee on Immunization said it was safe to use some COVID-19 doses interchangeably in certain situations.

This meant COVID-19 vaccines from AstraZeneca, Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna could be combined between first and second doses, where appropriate.

However, mixing and matching COVID-19 vaccines in this way hasn't been approved in all countries just yet.

Earlier this week, Canadians planning vacations to Barbados raised concerns that the country did not consider people who received two doses of different vaccines to be "fully vaccinated."

As vaccine mixtures were not seen as valid in Barbados, Canadian travellers who'd received mix and match doses did not qualify for any travel restriction exemptions there.

What are the feds saying about it?

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau responded to concerns about mix and match vaccines and travel earlier this week, per CBC News.

"We're going to work with the international community to make sure that people who are fully vaccinated in ways that Canadians recognize as safe and effective are also recognized around the world," he said.

It was a message backed up on Thursday by Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Dominic LeBlanc, who reiterated Canada's plans to create an "internationally accepted proof of vaccination."

"We work with allies ... in sharing data, working with them on the best immunization strategies, so we understand the concern that Canadians have around international travel," he added.

Later on Thursday, the Government of Barbados updated its rules and announced that travellers with mixed doses of a COVID-19 would be categorized as fully vaccinated from July 16, 2021.

Can fully vaccinated Canadians travel?

Canadians who've been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 may find it simpler to go abroad than partially vaccinated or unvaccinated people right now, as they will face fewer travel measures upon their return to Canada.

Depending on their vacation destination, they may face fewer restrictions when they arrive there too.

That said, the Government of Canada continues to advise against all non-essential travel abroad right now, regardless of a traveller's COVID-19 vaccination status.

Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.