If you were one of the 280,000+ British Columbians who received Astrazeneca as their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine there is now new information regarding your second dose.
In an announcement today by Dr. Bonnie Henry, recipients of the Astrazeneca vaccine can make a choice on whether they would like to receive the same vaccination for their second dose or opt for an mRNA vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna) instead.
This news comes after research confirms mixing doses of different types of vaccines is safe and effective.
When it is time to book your second dose, recipients of the Astrazeneca vaccine will receive a call from their pharmacy. Dr. Bonnie Henry strongly reminds British Columbians to not overwhelm pharmacies with phone calls, they will contact you.
If you have received the Astrazeneca vaccine for your first dose and decide you would like to receive an MNRA for your second dose, you can simply let your pharmacy know when they contact you and proceed to register for your second dose through the Get Vaccinated website.
These vaccinations will take place at vaccination centers.
Dr. Bonnie Henry emphasized that the rare risk of blood clots is considerably less for second doses of Astrazeca and the vaccine’s effectiveness is just as good as Pfizer and Moderna.
There is also evidence to support one is more likely to experience more non-serious side effects if you mix kinds of vaccines with your doses.
“Our basic principles of vaccines is that you should get the second dose with the same vaccine that you had your first dose“ Dr. Bonnie Henry said, also noting “It is a personal choice. Both of these are equally good options.”
Invites for second doses of Astrazeneca administered through pharmacies will begin going out Monday, June 7th.
Anyone who is not registered should register now in one of three ways:
- 24/7, online: https://gov.bc.ca/getvaccinated
- through a provincial call centre between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. (Pacific time) at 1 833 838-2323
- in person at the nearest Service BC location
Once registered, you will be contacted to book your appointment.
For more information visit the BC Government’s Vaccination and Immunization page.
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