Ontario's chief medical officer of health announced this morning that Ontario is proceeding with second doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine. There was some question about how the province would proceed regarding that particular COVID-19 vaccine due to its links to a rare issue with blood clotting.
Eligibility will begin with those who received their first dose of the vaccine between March 10 and March 19.
For a limited time during the week of May 24, Ontario said those who received their first dose of AstraZeneca between March 10 and March 19 may opt for an earlier dose interval of 10 weeks with informed consent.
"Choosing to receive the second dose of AstraZeneca at the 10-week interval is safe and provides strong protection against COVID-19," the province said in a news release. "This opportunity is being made available to ensure every vaccine dose possible is used to protect Ontarians during the effective delivery period."
Eligible people are encouraged to contact the pharmacy or primary care provider where they received their first dose to book an appointment, beginning the week of May 24. This will begin in the regions where the AstraZeneca vaccine was initially launched in pharmacies in March. Primary care settings and pharmacies may also be reaching out to eligible Ontarians.
