Coronavirus Update #12

Dear patients,

As I’m sure you are aware, all individuals aged 18+ are now eligible to book their COVID immunizations. Starting May 21, if you are eligible for a shortened immunization interval (please see previous updates for eligibility criteria) you may rebook your second dose online at http://www.halton.ca/covidvaccines.

If you received the AstraZeneca vaccine. The risk of Vaccine Induced Thrombocytopenia (VIPT) with a second dose is approximately 1 in 600,000. The pause for first doses of AZ still remains in effect; however, if you already received a first dose there are options for getting your second dose. If you received your AZ vaccine at a pharmacy between March 10-19 you should contact the pharmacy you received your dose at to arrange for your second dose as early as May 24th. If you do not wish to receive your second dose of AZ then please wait until we learn more information about the safety of mixing with mRNA vaccines (studies are currently underway) which they are planning to provide at a 16 week interval from your initial immunization.

Lastly, it has just been released that as of May 23 @ 8 AM (tomorrow morning), all individuals age 12+ will be eligible in Ontario to book their COVID immunization at clinics and selected pharmacies.

We hope you have a safe and healthy long weekend.

Dr Priestner & Dr Archibald