Brampton residents who received AstraZeneca encouraged to get second dose of mRNA vaccine

Brampton residents who have received a first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine but have not yet received a second vaccine due to concerns related to mixing them are encouraged to get a second dose as soon as possible.

Dr. Lawrence Loh, Medical Officer of Health for the Region of Peel, specified that getting AstraZeneca along with an mRNA vaccine, such as Pfizer or Moderna, actually improves overall immunity to the virus.

“It is very clear now from Canadian data that our decision to use interchangeable vaccines has actually provided very robust immunity, both AstraZeneca with mRNA as well as between the two mRNA vaccines,” he said during a news conference on Wednesday (October 20).

Loh also emphasized that, due to the fact other regions are also beginning to adopt this strategy, there is no reason to be concerned about travel-related restrictions.

“It is also clear that many other countries are starting to accept this practice, including the U.S., so concerns people had raised about travel are unfounded,” he said.

Those who have received just one dose of a vaccine and are hesitant to get their second are strongly encouraged to do so as soon as possible, as a single dose doesn’t provide the necessary immunity to the disease.

“It’s really important for people to know that one dose is not adequate protection. Two doses are necessary, and those who have received AstraZeneca can safely get vaccinated with either mRNA vaccines currently available,” Loh said.