Due to a shortage of Pfizer supply, all individuals aged 18 and older will receive the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine for first and second doses at York Region Public Health vaccination clinics until at least July 18.
However, individuals aged 12 to 17 will receive doses of the Pfizer vaccine, which is the only one approved for use in that age group across Canada, according to Patrick Casey, York Region director of corporate communications.
Both versions of the mRNA vaccines have been found to be effective against preventing serious illness or death from COVID-19, he said.
According to the National Advisory Committee on Immunizations, they are considered to be interchangeable and people should receive whichever one is offered first.
“If the vaccine you received for your first dose is not available at your second dose appointment, it is recommended you receive the mRNA that is available rather than delaying your second dose,” Casey said in a statement.
York Region is the latest public health unit to switch to Moderna as the primary vaccine for first and second doses. Toronto, Peel and Durham, among other regions, have already made this change.
It comes as Ontario’s Pfizer supply is lower than previously expected.
According to the provincial government, Ontario’s allocation of Pfizer has decreased from 885,000 to 348,000 doses in the first two weeks of July.
They said the supply is expected to catch up in the second half of the month.
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