Simcoe Muskoka residents who got AstraZeneca shot can switch to mRNA vaccine for 2nd dose
Simcoe Muskoka residents who had their first dose of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 shot have three choices for their second dose starting Friday and more options for getting their vaccine.
Under the province's new guidance released Thursday, residents who had AstraZeneca for their first dose have the option to get a dose of Pfizer or Moderna for the second after a 12-week interval.
Local physicians and select pharmacies can now administer both vaccines.
Ontario's top doctor said it's crucial people who got their first AstraZeneca vaccine get a second dose of one of the shots.
Residents wishing to book an appointment for their second shot can do so through the provincial online portal.
The Simcoe Muskoka health unit is focused on vaccinating children 12 to 17. To date, roughly 20 per cent of those under 18 have had their first shot.
"We have missed some opportunities to vaccinate quickly and more readily," said Dr. Barry Nathanson, chief of staff at Stevenson Memorial Hospital in Alliston.
Nathanson said the best way out of the pandemic is to ensure all residents are protected by the vaccine.
"This is our generational battle," Nathanson said. "No one slept - no one took a weekend off from the battles prevailing against us [during] the global threat of World War II."
The Alliston doctor is calling on the government and policymakers to open more 24/7 vaccination clinics.
Meanwhile, the province is looking into the potential of letting more people book appointments for their second shot ahead of schedule.
Currently, Simcoe Muskoka residents 80 and older are eligible to get their second dose.
Ontario hadn't planned to open bookings for second shots to all individuals until the week of August 9.
"We're looking at all options because we need to stay ahead of this (Delta) variant so that we can then move into stage one and get life back more to normal for people as quickly as we can," said Ontario Health Minister Christine Elliott Thursday.
The health minister added that if the province did accelerate the eligibility, it would be done across the board and not regionally.
The Simcoe Muskoka health unit reports 54.8 per cent of residents have received their first vaccine, while only 6.7 per cent are fully vaccinated.
With files from CTV's Mike Arsalides
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.