Halton faces an unexpected Delay with COVID-19 Vaccine

By: Laura Steiner, Local Journalism Initiative, Milton Reporter

Halton Region is scaling up on the use of  the Moderna COVID-19 for this week.  The move comes after the Region was informed that they will not be receiving any Pfizer due to a province-wide shortage.

“Getting the first dose available to you is critical for gaining strong protection against COVID-19 and its variants including the Delta variant, Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Hamidah Meghani said.  The shortage affects the entire province including Waterloo, Toronto, Peel, and Durham.  Halton’s remaining Pfizer supply will be given to the 12-17 year old age group.

All of Halton’s vaccination clinics will be using Moderna vaccines.  Those with appointments booked this week have gotten an email announcing the change, and giving the option to reschedule the appointment.  The Moderna and Pfizer vaccines both use the mRNA technology, and are considered interchangeable by the National Advisory Committee on Immunizations (NACI).  For more information, including how to reschedule an appointment visit the Region’s website.

Hear more about the second dose process from Dr. Hamidah Meghani below: