The Ontario government is now telling those who got an AstraZeneca vaccine for COVID-19 the first time, they have a couple of choices the second time.
The advice follows a similar recommendation this week from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization.
"We are providing individuals who have received only their first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine with two recommended options," said Chief Medical Officer of Health Doctor David Williams.
Starting Friday, those who got an AstraZeneca vaccine at least 12 weeks ago can call the pharmacy or their primary caregiver for their second dose of AstraZeneca.
Williams said they could also choose to get an mRNA vaccine in their second dose. Based on the available data and evidence from Spain and the United Kingdom, he said it is safe.
Those who choose an mRNA vaccine can book an appointment at a participating pharmacy offering Pfizer or Moderna.
Starting on Monday, those people can book a second appointment through the provincial online booking system and directly through their public health unit.
"Combining similar vaccines from different manufacturers is not a new concept. Different vaccine products have been safely and effectively used to complete vaccine series for influenza, hepatitis A, and others," read a release from the Ontario government.
Those who received a Pfizer or Moderna vaccine the first time should get a second mRNA dose. Those vaccines are interchangeable.
About 4.7-million doses of Pfizer vaccine should arrive in Ontario this month and another 3.5-million in July.
As of Wednesday night, 9.4-million vaccine doses had been administered across Ontario. More than 69 per cent of the population over the age of 18 has had one. More than 834,900 Ontario residents are now fully vaccinated.
