Back to SearchKFL&A Public Health is expecting to receive a steady supply of mRNA vaccine (Pfizer and Moderna) over the coming weeks. These vaccines will help ensure that individuals who are eligible for a first or second dose can book an appointment as soon as possible.
As KFL&A Public Health will be receiving both mRNA vaccine brands, either of these vaccines may be offered at community COVID-19 vaccine clinics. Pfizer and Moderna are mRNA vaccines that teach our body to make a protein from the virus that causes our body to initiate an immune response and create antibodies. These antibodies help prepare our system to fight the real virus if we are ever exposed. As both brands of mRNA vaccine work in the same way, they can be considered interchangeable. Interchangeable means you can receive one vaccine product for your first dose and a different vaccine product for your second dose to complete your two-dose vaccine series.
“When eligible, please take advantage of the earliest possible opportunity to get a second dose of vaccine whether it is mRNA or AstraZeneca vaccine, as you are not fully immunized until you have received both doses. The best dose is the one you get the quickest,” said Dr. Hugh Guan, Associate Medical Officer of Health at KFL&A Public Health.
All individuals will be advised of the vaccine they will receive at the time of their appointment. It is important to note that youth between the ages of 12 and 17 years of age at the time of their vaccine will only be offered Pfizer, as this is the only vaccine approved by Health Canada for this age group. In addition, individuals who received a first dose of AstraZeneca may receive a second dose, at an interval of at least 8 weeks for either AstraZeneca or an mRNA vaccine.
The following individuals are currently eligible to book a vaccination appointment:
- Any individuals 12 years of age and older are eligible for first dose
- Any individuals who are eligible for a shortened second dose appointment, including:
- Individuals over the age of 70
- Individuals who received an mRNA vaccine on or before April 18
- Individuals who received an AstraZeneca vaccine at least 8 weeks ago
- Highest risk health care workers
- Individuals with certain health conditions
- Indigenous adults and members of their household
- Staff, residents and essential caregivers at long-term care and retirement homes
KFL&A Public Health is pleased to share that over 190,000 vaccinations have been administered in the region. In total, over 75 per cent of individuals 18 years of age and older have received at least their first dose and 17 per cent of this same age group have received their second dose of COVID-19 vaccine.
For more information about vaccinations in our region, please visit our vaccine booking and eligibility page. If you are eligible and unable to book an appointment, please register on the standby list.
For the most up to date information on COVID-19, visit www.Kflaph.ca/Coronavirus or www.Ontario.ca/coronavirus.
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