Second-dose options for residents who received a first dose of AstraZeneca vaccine

Waterloo Region – Residents of Waterloo Region who received a first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine have two options for their second dose. Starting on Friday, June 4 and depending on vaccine availability, anyone who received a first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine can either receive a second dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine or an mRNA vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna).

Today, the Province outlined the two options that align with updated guidance from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) that a first dose of AstraZeneca can be followed by either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine. Both second-dose options will be provided at the recommended 12-week interval.

AstraZeneca is available at participating pharmacies and some primary care offices. Residents are being advised to get their second dose from the same location where they received their first dose.

Anyone who received AstraZeneca as a first dose and who wants their second dose to be one of the mRNA vaccines (Pfizer or Moderna) should contact the pharmacy where they got their first dose. Participating pharmacies are beginning to offer the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines and will be able to schedule second-dose appointments. As an alternative, individuals can book a second-dose appointment at a vaccination clinic in Waterloo Region by emailing PHECOVIDIMMS@regionofwaterloo.ca or by calling the Service First Call Centre at 519-514-1499.

All first and second doses are recorded in a provincial database, should someone change the location of their second dose. Staff at all clinic locations are able to verify the first-dose type and date given prior to administering the second dose.

Anyone who is changing the location for their second-dose appointment is asked to please cancel their original appointment so someone else has the opportunity to be vaccinated. If you need to cancel your appointment at a vaccination clinic in Waterloo Region, please email PHECOVIDIMMS@regionofwaterloo.ca or call the Service First Call Centre at 519-514-1499. (If the appointment is at a pharmacy or primary care office, please contact them directly.)

After COVID-19 vaccination, it is important to keep following safety measures such as wearing a mask in public places and practicing physical distancing with those outside of your household.

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