Nova Scotia to resume use of AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine as second dose only
Nova Scotians who received their first shot of the AstraZeneca vaccine will now be able to book their second dose.
In a news release on Tuesday, the province says the use of AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine will resume for second doses only effective immediately.
"I am pleased we are able to provide some certainty for Nova Scotians who have been waiting on a decision regarding their second dose," said Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia's chief medical officer of health.
The province says the decision comes after the National Advisory Committee on Immunization updated its guidance on the interchangeability of COVID-19 vaccines approved for use by Health Canada.
Any Nova Scotians who received a first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine can now receive a second dose of AstraZeneca, Pfizer, or Moderna. Nova Scotians who received a first dose of Pfizer or Moderna can now choose a second dose of either Pfizer of Moderna vaccines.
"As part of the province's plan to reduce the second-dose interval, anyone who received a first dose of AstraZeneca vaccine will receive a notice by email to reschedule their second dose appointment," wrote the province in a news release on Tuesday.
According to health officials, Nova Scotia has about 2,000 doses of AstraZeneca vaccine that is set to expire at the end of June. Public health says, if the current supply is used and there is a need for more AstraZeneca vaccine, the province will request more from the federal government.
In total, about 58,000 Nova Scotians received a first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine.
The province says the decision to pause the use of AstraZeneca in Nova Scotia was made on May 12, based on an abundance of caution due to an observed increase in the rare blood clotting condition linked to this vaccine.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.