Limited second dose COVID-19 vaccine appointments available for expanded eligibility groups

Whitby, Ontario - Durham Region Health Department is aware of the announcement from the province earlier today which indicated beginning June 26, youth 12 to 17-years old who live in a Delta hot spot become eligible for an accelerated second dose of COVID-19 vaccine. Second dose eligibility for this group has been decreased to 28 days after the first dose of vaccine from the previous eight weeks (56 days) that was outlined by the province.

The Health Department is informing area residents that there is currently a limited number of appointments available for youth 12 to 17-years of age. Pfizer is the only vaccine approved in Canada for this age group.

Currently, Health Department staff is assessing the limited supply of Pfizer vaccine that has been allocated to Durham Region to determine what will be needed to provide additional second dose appointments for youth. Plans are currently underway to open bookings for this group for June 26 as outlined by the province; however, immediate appointments may not be available for individuals who are now eligible for an accelerated second dose.

To ensure that there is sufficient Pfizer vaccine for the youth in Durham Region, individuals 18 and older may be offered Moderna vaccine for their second dose at area clinics. The Health Department has received an additional supply of Moderna vaccine which has helped to increase availability for more second dose appointments for individuals 18-plus. Area residents are reminded that Moderna and Pfizer, both mRNA vaccines, provide proven protection against COVID-19 and are safe and effective to be used interchangeably. Both vaccines are authorized for use in Canada, work the same way and are highly effective. As Durham Region was recently identified as a Delta hot spot, it is crucial to get as many residents fully immunized as quickly as possible to ensure an optimal level of protection and to help in slowing the rate of transmission within the community.

To book appointments at any area youth 12 to 17 or mass immunization clinic, visit www.durham.ca/vaccineappointment or contact the call centre at 1-888-444-5113. If you are unable to schedule an earlier second dose immediately, please keep your current appointment and check back regularly for updates. For more information and updates on COVID-19 vaccine distribution in Durham Region, visit www.durham.ca/covidvaccines. Clinic staff continue to be available to offer reassurance to help clients feel comfortable prior to receiving vaccine. Please remember that our vaccination clinic staff continue to serve the community with professionalism every day without any control over the supply of vaccine they are given. Any abuse or harassment of staff will not be tolerated.

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For more information, please contact the Health Department