Eligibility expands for second doses
Southwestern Public Health Expands Second Dose Eligibility Due to Large Moderna Shipment
June 15, 2021
The Ministry of Health has informed Southwestern Public Health to expect upwards of 14,000 doses of the mRNA Moderna vaccine next week. As a result, the health unit is expanding its local eligibility to offer earlier second doses to more people.
Beginning June 16th at 8 a.m., individuals who had a first dose of an mRNA vaccine on or before May 9th can book an earlier second dose, in addition to already-eligible groups.
“These are doses that were not previously on our radar for the next two weeks,” says Jaime Fletcher, Program Manager of the Southwestern Public Health COVID-19 Vaccination Task Force. “When coupled with the large Moderna shipment headed to our Middlesex-London neighbours, we will have thousands of new appointments in our shared booking system to complete vaccinations sooner than we anticipated.”
Adults who had any type of COVID-19 vaccine as their first dose – AstraZeneca, mRNA Pfizer-BioNTech, or mRNA Moderna – are eligible for any type of mRNA vaccine for their second dose, as endorsed by Health Canada, the National Advisory Council on Immunization, and Ontario’s Ministry of Health. Both mRNA vaccines have also been shown as effective in protecting against the Delta Variant, previously known as the India Variant, which is more virulent and deadly than the original strain of COVID-19.
Currently Moderna’s mRNA vaccine is not yet approved for use in youth aged 12-17.
“It is not a new practice to offer multiple vaccine brands for when there are supply concerns. Both mRNA vaccines are interchangeable and compatible from a biological perspective - it is like choosing one brand of facial tissue over another,” says Dr. Joyce Lock, Medical Officer of Health. “The most important thing is completing your series at your first opportunity to do so.”
Re-schedule online at www.covidvaccineLM.ca and choose from any appointments available across the region. Those living in Elgin County, Oxford County or the City of St. Thomas who need assistance can call 1- 800-922-0096 ext. 9 Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for support.
Media Contact:
Megan Cornwell Communications Manager | Southwestern Public Health mcornwell@swpublichealth.ca