With comments from the World Health Organization (WHO) being taken out of context, the Middlesex-London Health Unit is reiterating the importance of seeking the first mRNA vaccine available for any first or second doses of COVID-19 vaccine.

On Monday, WHO Chief Scientist Dr. Soumya Swaminathan was quoted as speaking out against vaccine mixing. However, Dr. Swaminathan was referring specifically to a trend in the US to offer mRNA vaccines, such as Pfizer, to those who have already been fully vaccinated with another vaccine, such as AstraZeneca. Though supported by some vaccine salespeople, this practice threatens to divert scarce vaccine supplies away from unvaccinated people in developing countries to already-vaccinated people in developed countries who can pay more for them. Disrupting vaccine supplies to developing countries poses a major risk of increased spread there, and the emergence of new variants of concern, which could potentially spread more easily.

Studies have shown that a two-dose series of AstraZeneca offers very good protection against COVID-19 infection, and excellent protection against hospitalization or death from the disease. Additionally, studies have also shown excellent effectiveness of switching between vaccines.

In order fully vaccinate as many people as quickly as possible, the Health Unit has been following the guidance of the Provincial government and recommendations from experts at both the Public Health Agency of Canada and the National Advisory Committee on Immunization, who have indicated that it is safe to mix vaccines. Whether an individual receives two different mRNA vaccines (Pfizer and Moderna) or mixes AstraZeneca with a second dose of an mRNA vaccine, the Middlesex-London Health Unit wants to emphasize that it continues to be safe to do so. Vaccine interchangeability is safe and effective, and will allow more individuals to receive a second dose and become fully vaccinated this summer. With the increasing prevalence of the Delta variant and the rate at which COVID-19 still continues to affect those who remain unvaccinated, it is important that individuals take the first available mRNA vaccine for their second dose.

“Studies from across Europe continue to indicate that mixing vaccines is safe and produces a strong immune response,” says Dr. Chris Mackie, Medical Officer of Health at the Middlesex-London Health Unit, “Regardless of which vaccine you received for your first dose, getting a second dose as soon as possible is the most important thing you can do to prevent serious illness, hospitalization and potentially spreading COVID-19 to your friends or loved ones.”

Anyone 12 years of age and older is now eligible to book a second dose appointment at the shortened 28-day interval. To book an appointment, at least 28 days after your first dose:

• Visit www.covidvaccinelm.ca (new appointments open daily at 8:00 a.m.)
• Enter Gate #4 (I need to re-book my scheduled second dose).
• For those who received a first dose in another setting or out of region and need to book a second dose within four weeks of their first dose, enter Gate #5 (I received my first dose elsewhere and now need to book a second dose).
• Call 226-289-3560 (8:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Monday to Sunday)

Media Contact:
Dan Flaherty, Communications Manager, Middlesex-London Health Unit,
519-617-0570 (cell.)

Spokesperson:
Dr. Chris Mackie, Medical Officer of Health, Middlesex-London Health Unit