Peel and Toronto to let people choose between mRNA vaccines when supply permits
Toronto and Peel will begin offering both mRNA vaccines at their mass immunization clinics in an effort to reach people who are hesitant to mix doses despite pubic health advice that suggests it is safe.
The clinics began administering both the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines interchangeably in June but there have been anecdotal reports since then suggesting that some individuals have walked out after being told that they would receive a different vaccine than the one they got for their first dose.
Last week Peel Public Health began a new initiative called “Pfizer Fridays” to reach some of those people and it proved to be a success with thousands of appointments being booked.
Now officials in both Peel and Toronto say that they will begin offering both Pfizer and Moderna at all of their clinics so long as supply permits.
The shift, which will take effect this weekend, comes amid an expected increase in supply of the Pfizer vaccine with Ontario getting 1.2 million doses this week and nearly 1.6 million doses next week.
Toronto says that it will also make first-dose vaccinations at its nine clinics walk-in only as of Monday in an effort to further remove barriers.
More than 80 per cent of eligible Ontarians have now received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine and nearly 65 per cent are fully vaccinated.
Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Kieran Moore has, however, suggested that the province should be trying to get its vaccination rate up to at least 90 per cent due to the increased transmissibility of the Delta variant.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.