Whether you want the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, you'll be able to get it at any vaccination clinic being held in London and Middlesex County.
The Middlesex London Health Unit announced on Thursday that it has increased the availability of both vaccines at its mass vaccination and pop-up vaccination clinics, including those being held at area schools. What that means for an individual looking to get their first, second or third dose, is that they will be able to choose which of the two mRNA vaccines they receive.
This moves a way from a policy in late December that saw the health unit administering only the Moderna Spikevax vaccine to people 30 and older. At the time, supplies of the Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty shot were low and the National Advisory Committee on Immunization had recommended saving it for people aged 12 to 29.
"The data continues to support the mixing of vaccines as a safe and effective approach to fighting COVID-19 which produces a strong immune response,” said Dr. Alex Summers, the region's acting medical officer of health. “Regardless of the vaccine you received for your first or second dose, getting a booster shot as soon as you are eligible is the most important thing you can do to not only help move the community forward and out of this Omicron wave, but also get us closer to the end of the pandemic.”
As of the end of January, only 51.9 per cent of eligible residents 18 and older in London and Middlesex County had received their booster. The health unit is optimistic by once again allowing individuals to select which of the vaccines they are administered will encourage more residents to roll up their sleeve.
A list of mass vaccination clinics and pop-up clinics in the area can be found by clicking here. Walk-in appointments are available at all of the sites. Appointments can also be booked online at www.covidvaccinelm.ca, or by calling 226-289-3560 between 8 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. seven days a week.
