Maritimers less hesitant about mixing vaccines, but seem to prefer consistency
Despite ongoing reassurances from health officials that Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are virtually identical and interchangeable, it seems many Canadians still prefer Pfizer and they're willing to wait to get it for a second shot -- but not necessarily in the Maritimes.
Moderna supplies have increased dramatically in recent weeks, prompting public health officers to urge residents to book second shots as soon as possible.
"I also want to reiterate that there is no difference between Moderna and Pfizer vaccines," said Nova Scotia's chief medical officer of health Dr. Robert Strang during opening remarks at a COVID-19 briefing in Halifax on Tuesday.
"They are both mRNA vaccines, and both very effective," Strang said.
The sentiment was echoed by New Brunswick's top doctor on Wednesday.
"Those who received a Pfizer-BioNTech product as their first shot can get a Moderna vaccine for their second," said Dr. Jennifer Russell in Fredericton.
"These vaccines work in exactly the same way and are equally effective, separately or in combination."
In Dartmouth, about a thousand Pfizer appointments were booked at a former retail site at the Mic Mac Mall on Wednesday.
Retired engineer Michael Monteith was among those who'd come to get a shot, but insisted he had no preference on which vaccine he got.
"I wouldn't care if it was Moderna, if they had that," the 80-year-old told CTV News.
"Or if they didn't have a Pfizer. I would take Moderna."
Reg Clarke from Lower Sackville agreed.
"It didn't matter to me. As long as I got one, because everybody says they're both the same," Clarke said.
Those on the front lines of distribution around here say there doesn't appear to be any particular preference, but Maritimers seem to seek the satisfaction of keeping both shots the same.
"It's been hesitancy in switching that vaccine. It's not hesitancy in one vaccine over the other," said Allison Bodnar, CEO of the Pharmacy Association of Nova Scotia.
"If we look at the bookings, every booking we have for the next few weeks is full, whether it's for Moderna or Pfizer, or quite frankly, the end of the AZ allotment," she added.
"I think in Atlantic Canada, people just want to get their second shot,"
Leaving the mass vaccine site in Dartmouth, Monteith offered advice for anyone hesitating to book based on manufacturer preference.
"Don't wait another month," he said. "The risk is too great."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.