The Renfrew County and District Health Unit says supplies of the Pfizer vaccine for COVID-19 will “become limited” across all local vaccine clinics as of today.
In a statement, the health unit said supplies of Pfizer will be reserved for individuals under the age of 30 “until further notice.”
Anyone over 30 will be offered the Moderna vaccine in place of Pfizer.
“We will continue to work with the province of Ontario to procure more Pfizer-BioNTech supply as it is made available,” the health unit said.
In the meantime, mixing COVID-19 vaccines is “safe, effective, and enables Ontarians to benefit from the protection of a booster dose.”
“Both the Moderna and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines provide strong protection against COVID-19 and its variants.”
The health unit says it recommends that everyone who is eligible for a vaccination “receive the first vaccine that is available to them.”
“Booster doses are being accelerated due to growing concerns about the highly transmissible Omicron variant.”
“We need to work together to contain COVID-19 in Renfrew County and District,” said acting medical officer of health Dr. Robert Cushman.
“We must protect our vulnerable community members and ensure that healthcare workers and hospitals are there for us if we need them.
“The best way for you to help is to get the vaccine that is designated for your age group as soon as you can, and to continue strict observance of public health measures.”
The health unit says it continues to work closely with hospitals, primary care, pharmacies, paramedic services and other community organizations to offer COVID-19 vaccine to all eligible community members “with health equity principles as the foundation of the vaccine program.”
Those looking to book an appointment locally can do so through the new booking link on the health unit website at: www.rcdhu.com/booking-your-covid-19-vaccine/.
- For more local news, pick up a copy of this week’s NRT. To get the NRT delivered directly to your mail box or inbox each week, subscribe here.
