SHA substituting Moderna for Pfizer after shipment delayed

The Saskatchewan Health Authority is turning to Moderna to address a shortfall in COVID-19 vaccines.

In a media release Tuesday, the SHA said there’s a delay in the shipment of the Pfizer vaccine that was expected in the province this week. As a result, some of the authority’s vaccination clinics will use Moderna instead, starting Wednesday.

“As advised by the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI), the Pfizer and Moderna (mRNA) vaccines can be safely substituted for each other,” the SHA said in the release. “Saskatchewan’s clinical experts advise residents affected by this delay to accept Moderna for their second dose, as it is safe and effective in preventing the spread of COVID-19.

“Additional delays of vaccine are likely to happen again, which is why it is important to take the vaccine offered now, instead of waiting and putting yourself and your loved ones at increased risk from COVID-19 and variants of concern. By completing both doses as soon as possible, you reduce that risk.”

The SHA said people whose booked appointments would be affected by the change would be contacted, but the authority stressed appointment times and locations are staying the same.

Pfizer is the only COVID vaccine approved by Health Canada for people between the ages of 12 and 17, so the SHA said anyone in that age group who had booked an appointment would be contacted to talk about options.

People who got AstraZeneca in their first dose can get that vaccine as a second shot, or they can get one of the mRNA vaccines if available.

Everyone in the province aged 12 and over is eligible to receive a first dose of a COVID vaccine.

Currently, people who received their first dose on or before May 15 can get their second shot. Starting Thursday, however, everyone 12 and over will be eligible for a second shot provided 28 days have passed since their first jab.

People can book vaccination appointments online 24/7 or by phone (1-833-727-5829) seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The SHA also is operating drive-thru and walk-in clinics around the province as well as mobile and pop-up clinics. Residents also can arrange to get a shot at a participating pharmacy.