'It's perfectly fine': York Region's top doctor explains mixing vaccines
Ontario recently changed the guidelines to allow mixing COVID-19 vaccine doses, but many residents still question whether or not it's wise.
York Region's top doctor promotes getting the first available shot.
"It is preferable to have the same brand of vaccine according to the National Advisory Committee on Immunization, but when that is not readily available, it's perfectly fine and perfectly safe to have another mRNA vaccine," said Dr. Karim Kurji.
The region's medical officer of health said York Region received 29,000 Pfizer vaccines this week and is administering around 10,000 shots per day.
However, as shipments decrease, residents may have to accept the second dose of another vaccine brand.
"We do expect some reduced shipments as of July 5," said Dr. Kurji.
Around 23 per cent of the York Region population remains unvaccinated, according to Dr. Kurji. He hopes pop-up clinics and a presentation this week at council will push people to get their shot.
"This is a very significant issue for us because when we look at the deaths from COVID-19, the vast, vast majority of the individuals who are dying are the individuals who are not vaccinated," said Kurji.
With the emergence of the Delta COVID-19 variant in Ontario, Dr. Kurji stressed the importance of getting the vaccines to avoid severe symptoms from the virus. Although, after handling 44 cases of the variant in recent weeks, Dr. Kurji said most have recovered.
"I'm not particularity concerned about the Delta variant in York Region, frankly," said Dr. Kurji. "Given the fact that we have a high proportion of individuals receiving their first dose and we have about 32 per cent receiving their second dose and these numbers are rising."
Dr. Kurji said although York Region hasn't been hit hard by the Delta variant, areas such as Waterloo have, which he said is likely stalling the province's reopening plans because of the risk of it spreading.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Iran fires air defence batteries in provinces as sound of explosions heard near Isfahan
Iran fired air defence batteries early Friday morning after reports of explosions near the city of Isfahan, the state-run IRNA news agency reported.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.