Time to Mix It Up Peterborough!
Written by Communications, June 22, 2021
COVID-19 mRNA Vaccines Safely Interchangeable for Adults 18+
Supply Changes Means Second mRNA Dose Could Be Different from First Dose
Pop-Up First-Dose Clinic for Youth Aged 12-17 on Saturday, June 26
Peterborough Public Health is advising local residents, that with the exception of our youth 12-17 years of age, anyone who books a first dose or second dose of an mRNA will be guaranteed an mRNA vaccine, which could be either Moderna or Pfizer. Based on the interchangeability of the vaccines and our current vaccine supply, we cannot guarantee a specific mRNA vaccine. This will impact our mass vaccination clinics beginning this week.
“Locally, our shipment of Pfizer has been delayed and as such we are closely monitoring our supply and will be providing Moderna as the primary vaccine at upcoming clinics. We are no longer in a position to match first and second doses,” explained Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health. “The good news is that it is safe to mix mRNA vaccines, and with this greater flexibility, this will help us provide second doses more quickly.”
On June 20, Peterborough Public Health opened up 17,500 new vaccination appointments, and as of the morning of June 22, there were still 10,000 appointments available for local clinics.
Dr. Salvaterra noted that with the ability to adjust mRNA vaccines for adult clinics, it also means Pfizer doses can be reserved for youth aged 12-17, as this is the only vaccine currently approved for this age group. PPH is holding a pop-up vaccination clinic for first doses only for local youth aged 12-17 and their families on Saturday, June 26 from 12 noon to 3 p.m. at the Evinrude Centre, located at 911 Monaghan Road, Peterborough. This clinic is open only for residents of Peterborough City, County of Peterborough and Curve Lake and Hiawatha First Nations. No appointment is required, but Ontario health cards must be presented to receive a vaccination.
As of June 21, anyone who received their first dose of an mRNA vaccine on or before May 9 to book for their second dose of an mRNA vaccine at mass vaccination clinics, pharmacies and primary care providers. During the week of June 28 (exact date TBD), the province will open up second doses to all residents 18 years of age and older who have received a first dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine. To be eligible, second dose appointments must be booked at least 28 days after your first dose appointment. Residents who are booking a first dose appointment will be able to book a first and second dose at a 28-day interval.
Residents are reminded that protection from the vaccine takes 14 days from the time of vaccination. Despite the vaccine rollout, please continue to practice public health measures to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in our community:
- Maintain a 2 metre distance from others.
- Limit your contacts to your household only.
- Wash your hands with soap and water thoroughly and often.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Use a medical or non-medical mask (e.g., cloth) in public settings.
- Cover mouth & nose with a tissue or use the inside of your elbow when you cough or sneeze.
- Stay home and do not go to work or school if you are sick.
For more information about COVID-19 vaccine booking and eligibility, please visit https://www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/novel-coronavirus-covid-19/covid-19-vaccine-info/. For comprehensive information about COVID-19 vaccines including facts, myths, FAQs, vaccination statistics, and more, please visit www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca.
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For further information, please contact:
Brittany Cadence
Communications Manager
705-743-1000, ext. 391