Adults 30+ to receive Moderna at Waterloo Region’s vaccination clinics into the new year

Waterloo Region – Due to the high demand for third doses of the COVID-19 vaccine and an unexpected provincial Pfizer vaccine shortage, all adults 30 years of age and older can expect to receive Moderna for their first, second or third dose at vaccination clinics across Waterloo Region starting tomorrow.

Both mRNA vaccines are highly effective against severe COVID-19 and have been given to Waterloo Region residents throughout the vaccine rollout based on the availability of the vaccines.

“The best choice is to take the first mRNA vaccine that is available to you,” said Dr. Hsiu-Li Wang, Medical Officer of Health for the Region of Waterloo. “We know that Moderna and Pfizer are both excellent mRNA vaccines. Getting a third dose of either Moderna or Pfizer is going to boost immunity against the Omicron variant. I urge all residents not to delay getting vaccinated by waiting for a specific brand, whether you are at your doctor’s office, a local pharmacy or a regional vaccination clinic.”

The Pfizer vaccine that is available is being reserved for those 12-29 years of age. There is no shortage of the pediatric dose of Pfizer so children 5-11 years old are not impacted by the current provincial shortage of the adult dose of Pfizer.

The best defense against the Omicron variant is to reduce non-essential social contacts and to get a third dose of the vaccine as soon as you are eligible. As of Monday, December 20, all adults 18+ are eligible for a third dose as long as it has been 84 days since their second dose.

Appointments are required for third doses and can be booked at participating pharmacies and doctors' offices, or at a Waterloo Region clinic on the Region of Waterloo website: regionofwaterloo/GetaVaccine