Canada: Pfizer, Moderna preferred 2nd dose after AstraZeneca

[OnMyWay]

So I wonder how Philippines will handle this, if at all.  I had my first AZ and now I am waiting for???

https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/canada-pfizer-moderna-preferred-2nd-dose-astrazeneca-78346055

OTTAWA, Ontario -- Canada's National Advisory Committee on Immunization said Thursday people who got the AstraZeneca vaccine as their first dose should get Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna for their second shot.

On June 1, committee had said AstraZeneca recipients “could" get Pfizer or Moderna for their second shot if they wanted, but Thursday went further to say an mRNA vaccine was the ”preferred" choice.

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Since the advisory committee "first looked at mixed vaccine schedules, new evidence is starting to emerge suggesting immune responses are better when a first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine is followed by an mRNA vaccine as a second dose,″ said its vice-chair Dr. Shelley Deeks, in the new guidance documents.

The committee also updated its previous recommendation that people at high risk of exposure to, or serious illness from, COVID-19, could opt to get AstraZeneca rather than waiting for Pfizer or Moderna. Now it says everyone should always get the mRNA vaccines first, unless they are allergic to them.

Deeks said the advice is based on the growing supply of Pfizer and Moderna, and the risk of vaccine-induced blood clots associated with AstraZeneca. But she is still trying to reassure people who got one or two doses of AstraZeneca’s vaccine that they are nevertheless well protected.

“Anyone who has already received two doses of AstraZeneca/Covishield can rest assured that they are protected, particularly against severe illness,” she said. "There is no need for a third dose at this time.″

Dr. Theresa Tam, the chief public health officer of Canada, said the new evidence in favor of mixing different types of vaccines included four studies in Germany.

"It’s really the immunogenicity, that immune response, after that mixed-dose schedule that’s resulted in NACI updating this recommendation, because all the accumulated studies essentially suggest that immune response is a better response,″ said Tam at a news conference in Ottawa.

One of those studies from Germany’s Saarland University, published early data Wednesday saying giving Pfizer as the second dose after AstraZeneca, or two doses of Pfizer only, generated far more antibodies and T cells as two doses of AstraZeneca.

Almost 25 million Canadians have now received at least one dose of vaccine, and almost 6 million are now fully vaccinated. As of June 5, 2.1 million people had received one dose of AstraZeneca, and 15,186 had received two doses.

There are no further shipments of AstraZeneca currently scheduled, but there are about 600,000 doses still left from previous deliveries.

There are 14 million doses of Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna being delivered this week and next, including a donation of 1 million doses of Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine from the United States that was to arrive in Canada Thursday night.

[Jack D]

No Side effects (so far) to my 2 shots of Moderna from 2 and 3 months ago, so maybe there's really something to all of this?

[robert k]

Sounds like a shell game.

[Dave Hounddriver]

5 hours ago, OnMyWay said:

an mRNA vaccine was the ”preferred" choice.

Where I live, in Canada, they Pfizer vaccine is the injection of choice.  I just had my second jab yesterday and our area has 30% pop with 2 japbs and 70% with at least 1 jab.  Our Covid numbers are WAY down to the point where it is almost business as usual (except we still wear masks).

It is too soon to declare victory as the autumn may bring a resurgence, but the summer is looking GREAT. (35 degrees C and sunny today - everything is opening up on July 1 but most already open).

[Old55]

Both Pfizer no side affects and locally we are over 70% still haven't picked up my "free" covid inoculation weed.

Dave we are also experiencing that unusual heat wave. It's darn hot!!

Edited June 26, 2021 by Old55

[Mike J]

Thus far the Philippines is behind the curve in vaccine and "beggars cannot be choosers" come to mind.  I expect they will continue to use whatever they can buy, beg, or borrow. 

[GeoffH]

Recently had my second Astra Zeneca shot, was a bit sleepy next day but other than that no side effects.

The higher efficacy of the RNA vaccines does make them the preffered option but I'd much rather be fully vaccinated with AZ now than have to wait possibly months for Pfizer (or definitely months for Moderna).

As to the Philippines (and other Asian and Pacific nations in the middle and lower income brackets) they'll likely be offered Chinese vaccines and Astra Zeneca that is going unused in first world countries so they'll likely have little choice.

[Jollygoodfellow]

There was talk here weeks ago of mixing vaccines so I would guess yes it will happen otherwise it will be 10 years before this is finished. Cebu city once again ran out of vaccine 2 days ago so all jab centers closed again.

[OnMyWay]

8 hours ago, Jollygoodfellow said:

There was talk here weeks ago of mixing vaccines so I would guess yes it will happen otherwise it will be 10 years before this is finished. Cebu city once again ran out of vaccine 2 days ago so all jab centers closed again.

Similar status here in SBMA.  Some the residents asked SBMA about these new Canada policies, and the SBMA PR person said that IATF is reviewing those findings.  The PR person also said Pfizer and Moderna are a logistical challenge because they require much lower storage temperatures than AZ and Sino.  Pfizer must be stored at -70 C and Moderna -20 C.

[graham59]

3 hours ago, OnMyWay said:

Pfizer must be stored at -70 C and Moderna -20 C.

Pfft... what chance of that here ? 

I will gratefully accept my second free jab, coming August, whatever it is.