Canadians Who Got AstraZeneca Are Now Being Told To Get Pfizer Or Moderna For Second Dose
Health officials say that mixing seems to provide a "better immune response."
On Thursday, June 17, Dr. Theresa Tam updated the public on COVID-19 vaccines in Canada. The top doctor explained that the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) has updated its recommendations on first and second doses.
First, she noted that individuals who have received Pfizer of Moderna for their first dose should be offered the same vaccine for their second dose. If one isn't available, another mRNA vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna) is considered effective.
She then explained that NACI recommends that "an mRNA vaccine should now be offered as a second dose for individuals who received a first dose of AstraZeneca."
This recommendation is because of "emerging evidence indicating a potentially better immune response from this mixed vaccine schedule," she explained.
For Canadians who have received two doses of AstraZeneca, Tam says you can "rest assured" that the vaccine you've received provides good protection against COVID-19.