The Moderna and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines are interchangeable.
That from Dr. Jim Chirico, Medical Officer of Health, who says it’s well known that there is a limited supply of Pfizer.
“I have heard that people are waiting until Pfizer is available to receive their third dose,” he says. “Moderna and Pfizer are both excellent choices and interchangeable. In fact, Moderna is recommended for those who are older as it has robust and prolonged protection as compared to Pfizer.”
With that in mind, Dr. Chirico is encouraging people to get vaccinated.
“We’re at a point where the local COVID-19 situation largely rests on individuals to make the responsible decisions such as receiving all vaccine doses for which you are eligible,” he says. “Please don’t wait and book your appointment today.”
The Health Unit says individuals aged 30 and over are being offered the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine when arriving at a vaccine clinic.
“Two doses of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines reduces the risk of hospitalization compared to no doses by 82 per cent, and three doses further reduces the risk of transmission and severe illness,” states a release.
COVID-19 vaccine appointments can be booked online at Ontario.ca/BookVaccine, or by calling the Health Unit Call Centre at 1-844-478-1400.