'Choose increased antibodies over brand': Moderna appointments still being cancelled in London, Ont. area
Doctors and pharmacists continue to advocate for people to get the first available mRNA vaccine for their COVID-19 booster dose.
"We have had some feedback that appointments are being canceled because people are holding out for Pfizer," says Dr. Joyce Lock, the medical officer of health for Southwestern Public Health (SWPH).
"I strongly strongly urge everyone, particularly those over the age of 50, to choose increased antibodies over brand," she added.
Lock made those statements during her weekly briefing on Jan 12.
"Our immunity following our original two doses is decreasing over time," says Lock. "Our bodies don't care what brand they receive. They follow the science, not the manufacturer. Studies show that immunity shoots back up after the booster and it doesn't matter which brand."
This week, First Ave. Pharmacy in St. Thomas, Ont. took to Facebook saying it had openings due to people refusing Moderna as a booster dose.Pharmacist Minh Nguyen of First Ave. Pharmacy in St. Thomas, Ont. on Jan.16, 2022. (Brent Lale / CTV News)"We send out a mass email saying that there's a shortage of Pfizer and we might have to offer them Moderna and some people would cancel their appointment online or they would call us and cancel their appointments," says Minh Nguyen, pharmacist at First Ave. Pharmacy. "Both Moderna and Pfizer are mRNA vaccines and equally effective at preventing severe illness from COVID. So I would say get whatever mRNA vaccine you can."
Sunday, the Metrolinx Go-VAXX bus returned to London, Ont. It was stationed in the parking lot at the new East Lions Community Centre on Brydges St.
They had some appointments booked, but we were even taking walk-ins with Pfizer being administered.
"I've had Pfizer for my first two shots and that's what I preferred," says Michael Sean MacVoy, a truck driver getting his booster. "At this point, I didn't care."
Diane Crozman was in the same scenario, getting Pfizer a third time. "It doesn't really make a difference to me,” she said. "They said the Moderna is going to work the same, but Pfizer that's good because I've already got the other two Pfizer."
Justin Seaward showed up for a walk-in booster, minutes after his wife went home from her booked appointment.
"I've had Pfizer, Moderna, then Pfizer now," says Seaward. "It didn't really make a difference much to me. I just wanted to be Vaxxed so I can feel safer for my family."The Middlesex-London Paramedic Service (MLPS) had administered 2,194 doses of vaccine over the past six days since starting pop-up clinics in Middlesex County.
The percentage of people upset that Moderna was being administered is very low.
"It has happened a few times at the front door, but very rare," says Miranda Bothwell, acting superintendent for special operations with MLPS.
They will be back on the road, continuing their pop-up clinic tour Monday in Lucan, Ont.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Half of Canadians have negative opinion of latest Liberal budget: poll
A new poll suggests the Liberals have not won over voters with their latest budget, though there is broad support for their plan to build millions of homes.
opinion Why you should protect your investments by naming a trusted contact person
Appointing a trusted person to help with financial obligations can give you peace of mind. In his personal finance column for CTVNews.ca, Christopher Liew outlines the key benefits of naming a confidant to take over your financial responsibilities, if the need ever arises.
Twins from Toronto were Canada's top two female finishers at this year's Boston Marathon
When identical twin sisters Kim and Michelle Krezonoski were invited to compete against some of the world’s most elite female runners at last week’s Boston Marathon, they were in disbelief.
Ottawa injects another $36M into vaccine injury compensation fund
The federal government has added $36.4 million to a program designed to support people who have been seriously injured or killed by vaccines since the end of 2020.
Senate expenses climbed to $7.2 million in 2023, up nearly 30%
Senators in Canada claimed $7.2 million in expenses in 2023, a nearly 30 per cent increase over the previous year.
NASA hears from Voyager 1, the most distant spacecraft from Earth, after months of quiet
NASA has finally heard back from Voyager 1 again in a way that makes sense. The most distant spacecraft from Earth hadn't sent home any understandable data since last November.
U.S. Senate passes bill forcing TikTok's parent company to sell or face ban, sends to Biden for signature
The Senate passed legislation Tuesday that would force TikTok's China-based parent company to sell the social media platform under the threat of a ban, a contentious move by U.S. lawmakers that's expected to face legal challenges.
Train derailed in Sarnia after colliding with a truck
Police are investigating after a transport truck collided with a train in Sarnia.
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired
A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.