COVID-19 Update for May 21 2021 – Second dose of AZ vaccine
The Ontario government says it is confident it can safely proceed with second dose administration of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, beginning with those who received their first dose of the vaccine between March 10 and March 19, 2021.
Second AZ Dose A Go
On May 11, Ontario paused the rollout and administration of first doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine due to a potential adverse reaction, known as vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT), linked to the AstraZeneca vaccine.
Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. David Williams, said today the Province is now confident it can safely proceed with second dose administration of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, beginning with those who received their first dose of the vaccine between March 10 and March 19, 2021.
For a limited time during the week of May 24, individuals who received their first dose of AstraZeneca from March 10 to March 19, 2021 may opt for an earlier dose interval of 10 weeks (instead of the originally recommended 12-week interval) with informed consent. Dr. Williams said this opportunity is being offered to “ensure every vaccine dose possible is used to protect Ontarians during the effective delivery period.”
Eligible individuals are encouraged to contact the pharmacy or primary care provider where they received their first dose and can book an appointment beginning the week of May 24. This will begin in the regions where the AstraZeneca vaccine was initially launched in pharmacies in March 2021. Primary care settings and pharmacies may also be reaching out to eligible Ontarians.