Halton Accelerates Doses for All Residents

By: Laura Steiner, Local Journalism Initiative

Halton Region is now accelerating COVID-19 vaccine doses for all residents.  Beginning today, anyone who has had their first dose within the last 28 days will be eligible to book a second dose.

“We are pleased to offer earlier second dose appointments to all residents based on our expected vaccine supply,” Halton Region Gary Carr said.  Residents are able to book appointments through their website, by clicking the “reschedule your appointment” button. The Region is asking residents to avoid calling 311 in order to allow those who need the help with booking, to have it.

Those who have gotten AstraZeneca as their first dose, continue to be eligible on an 8-week interval.  Halton’s mass vaccination clinics are using both Pfizer and Moderna, which are considered interchangeable because they use the same mRNA technology.  “The best vaccine is the first vaccine available to you and getting your vaccine at the earliest eligibility is critical for gaining strong protection against COVID-19 and its variants, including the Delta variant,” Medical Officer of Health Dr. Hamidah Meghani said.

Halton recorded 7 new cases of COVID19 on their dashboard, as of Friday.  They update Monday-Friday between 12pm and 2pm.  “With the Delta variant circulating in our community, it is vital that we complete our first doses as quick as possible, with whichever vaccine is available,” Meghani said in a statement.

Watch her full statement below.