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With informed consent, residents of Renfrew County and District (RCD) can now choose between a second dose of AstraZeneca (AZ) or an mRNA (Pfizer or Moderna) vaccine, at an eight to 12-week interval.
Mixing of vaccines is supported by the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) and has been shown to increase immune response. Due to concerns about new variants, an earlier second dose is now an option to boost immunity as soon as possible rather than waiting the full 12 weeks for marginally better protection.
Residents who received AZ at one of RCD’s primary care led clinics held in Pembroke, Renfrew, Deep River, or Arnprior, will receive an email soon, with documents about making and informed decision about their second dose. Residents will then be able to book into either an AZ second dose clinic which will begin next week, or people can book their second dose at one of the mass vaccination clinics for an available mRNA vaccine.
If residents received their first dose of AZ at a pharmacy, please contact that pharmacy for information on how to receive a second dose of AZ or one of the mRNA vaccines, or book into one of RCD’s mass vaccination clinics to receive an mRNA vaccine. Please note that you cannot book into a primary care AZ clinic.
Everyone who received a first dose of AZ will need to read and complete the following document prior to vaccination: COVID-19 Vaccine Information for Individuals who received a first dose of the AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD COVID-19 vaccine.
If you received AZ for your first dose, check out the new decision-making resource – Did you receive AstraZeneca for your first dose? Here is what you need to know.
To find out what else is required to bring to your vaccination appointment, visit the COVID-19 Vaccination Appointment Checklist.
For more information, visit RCDHU’s website at https://www.rcdhu.com/novel-coronavirus- covid-19-2/ or call 613-732-3629 or 1-800-267-1097.
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