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
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.
Five areas Canada's foreign interference commissioner says needs more investigation
Commissioner Marie-Josee Hogue released her interim report examining foreign election interference on Friday. Here are five elements of the issue that Hogue says she needs to further probe before she can make conclusions or recommendations.
Police officer hit by driver of fleeing vehicle in Toronto
York Regional Police say they are continuing to search for a suspect in an auto theft investigation who was captured on video running over a police officer in Toronto last month.
Why your airfare may be getting more expensive
Skyrocketing airfare prices are linked to heightened competition and rising food and fuel, according to the CAA.
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.
New weight-loss drug Wegovy not a 'magic bullet,' doctor warns
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.
Funeral today for broadcasting legend and voice of 'Hockey Night in Canada' Bob Cole
A funeral is being held today for hockey broadcasting legend Bob Cole in his hometown of St. John's, N.L.
Foreign meddling 'did not affect' overall federal election results: inquiry report
Foreign interference by China did not affect the overall results of the 2019 and 2021 general elections won by Justin Trudeau's Liberals, a federal commission of inquiry has found.