Mixing and matching mRNA vaccines is safe, says Ontario doctor
York Region's top doctor is defending mixing mRNA vaccines less than 24 hours after the World Health Organization (WHO) cautioned against the practice.
On Monday, WHO Dr. Soumya Swaminathan called mixing vaccines "a little bit of a dangerous trend" and added there wasn't enough data to support mixing and matching.
But according to York Region's medical officer of health, Dr. Karim Kurji, the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) has been "very clear about mixing," and he reassures that both the Pfizer and Moderna mRNA vaccines are interchangeable.
"Both in terms of their safety profile and their effectiveness," says Dr. Kurji. "This interchangeability occurs when the other one isn't readily available."
Right now, there is a Pfizer vaccine shortage in York Region, and because it is the only approved vaccine for children ages 12 to 17, health officials in the area have been reserving the shot for that age group.
While he expects to receive more doses early next week, Dr. Kurji has already seen people walk away and cancel appointments, leaving without that most crucial second dose.
"We urge them really to reconsider as it is important to be protected against COVID-19," says Dr. Kurji.
"The first dose, while it is quite effective against serious illness and hospitalization, it is important really to get the second dose as soon as possible," he adds.
Currently, in York Region, 81 per cent of adults have received at least one dose of the vaccine, while 62 per cent are now fully vaccinated.
Dr. Kurji says his team is working on getting first doses into the arms of the remaining 20 per cent.
So far, most clinics in the region have opened up to allow walk-ins for first doses, and now there are plans in the works to begin pop-up vaccinations at malls, possibly by the end of the week.
Dr. Kurji says public health is looking into ways to vaccinate those who may be undocumented as well.
"As we do know, there are quite a large number of individuals who may have overstayed their visas in Canada, and we're trying to make it easier for them to get vaccinated," he says.
With files from CTV News
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
RCMP uncovers alleged plot by 2 Montreal men to illegally sell drones, equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a plot by two men in Montreal to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Demonstrators kicked out of Ontario legislature for disruption after failed keffiyeh vote
A group of demonstrators were kicked out of the legislature after a second NDP motion calling for unanimous consent to reverse a ban on the keffiyeh failed to pass.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
Government agrees to US$138.7M settlement over FBI's botching of Larry Nassar assault allegations
The U.S. Justice Department announced a US$138.7 million settlement Tuesday with more than 100 people who accused the FBI of grossly mishandling allegations of sexual assault against Larry Nassar in 2015 and 2016, a critical time gap that allowed the sports doctor to continue to prey on victims before his arrest.
Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Thieves use stolen forklift to rip cash machine out of U.K. bank
Police in the U.K. are searching for a group of suspects seen on video using a forklift to steal a cash machine from a bank.
'There was a lot of black smoke': Crane operator sounds alarm while trapped during highrise fire in Halifax
A tower crane operator alerted emergency crews after noticing a fire on a construction site in Halifax Tuesday morning.