Shortened second-dose interval for anyone who received the AstraZeneca vaccine

Waterloo Region – Starting on Monday, June 14, anyone who received a first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine is now eligible to receive their second dose eight weeks after their first dose depending on the vaccine supply. Yesterday, the Province announced it is accelerating the second-dose eligibility interval to eight weeks from 12 weeks for individuals who received their first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine.

The National Advisory Committee on Immunization recently recommended that people who received a first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine can receive either the AstraZeneca vaccine or an mRNA vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna) for their second dose. Whichever vaccine an individual chooses to get as a second dose, it can now be administered at the shortened eight-week interval.

Individuals who got their first dose of AstraZeneca vaccine from a primary care office or pharmacy will be able to return to the same location for their second dose. Anyone who received their first dose from their primary care provider can expect to be contacted about their second-dose options. Primary care offices and pharmacies will be administering second doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine and mRNA vaccines.

Residents who got a first dose of AstraZeneca at a pharmacy or primary care location also have the option of getting an mRNA vaccine for their second dose at a Region of Waterloo vaccination clinic. To request a second dose at a shortened interval at a public vaccination clinic, please complete a form on the Region of Waterloo website: regionofwaterloo.ca/seconddose. 

Depending on the volume of requests and vaccine supply, it may take two to four weeks to be contacted about an earlier second-dose appointment.

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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