by The province is resuming the use of AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine for second doses only.
The move comes after National Advisory Committee on Immunization updated its recommendations today to say people who got a first shot of the AstraZeneca can get an AstraZeneca, Moderna or Pfizer shot as a second dose.
Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Theresa Tam made the announcement today.
The updated guidance is based on emerging research from Spain and the United Kingdom that found mixing and matching AstraZeneca and Pfizer vaccines is both safe and effective at preventing COVID-19.
The committee also made a recommendation today on the use of mRNA vaccines that include those from Pfizer and Moderna.
It says if people got an mRNA vaccine for their first dose they should get the same one for the second dose if they can.
If not, the committee recommends getting another mRNA vaccine.