More Ontarians Can Now Get Their Second COVID-19 Vaccine Dose
Those who got their first shot of AstraZeneca also have new options for their second dose.
Residents who got their first dose of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine in Ontario will now be able to get their second doses several weeks ahead of schedule.
The province announced that the wait time between first and second doses is being accelerated from 12 to 8 weeks, and appointments can be booked starting at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, June 14.
Ontarians who received AstraZeneca as their first dose can choose whether they'd prefer the same vaccine for their second shot, or mix-and-match with an mRNA vaccine, their statement said.
Based on emerging clinical evidence from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI), as well as multiple studies, the province says mixing vaccines within this time interval is "safe and demonstrates a beneficial immune response."
"There is evidence that a longer interval between two doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine (such as a 12-week interval) provides higher protection," said the statement.
Those who wish to get an mRNA vaccine as their second dose can do so through the provincial booking system, a participating pharmacy, or through a public health unit that uses an independent booking system. Second doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine can be booked through primary care providers or participating pharmacies.