Pfizer vaccines again available at Ottawa community clinics
Both the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines are now available at Ottawa's 11 community vaccination clinics, now that a delayed Pfizer shipment has arrived.
The city also confirms a "relatively small number of residents" declined to receive the Moderna vaccine because they wanted a Pfizer shot for their second dose.
On Sunday, the city of Ottawa announced only Moderna COVID-19 vaccines would be available for adults 18 and older due to the delayed shipment of Pfizer doses to Canada.
The Ontario government confirmed the Pfizer shipment would be delayed two or three days this week, but no reason was given. The remaining Pfizer vaccines in Ottawa's freezers were reserved for residents 12 to 17, since it's the only vaccine approved for youth in Canada.
The weekly shipment of 53,820 doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine has now arrived in Ottawa, and both doses are now available for residents.
"The city currently has both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines available at our community clinics," said a statement from Anthony Di Monte, Ottawa's general manager of emergency and protective services.
"Residents can now book last-minute, same-day COVID-19 vaccinations at community clinics in Ottawa through the COVID-19 vaccine wait list. This tool helps residents receive a vaccine more quickly, and also helps the clinics operate more efficiently by enabling them to administer all of the vaccines prepared for use each day."
Di Monte said last week that the city would attempt to have both Pfizer and Moderna vaccines available at Ottawa clinics, however the flood of Moderna doses arriving in Ottawa meant some residents would have to make an informed consent decision to interchange vaccines to receive the second dose as quickly as possible.
VACCINE SHOPPING?
Ottawa Public Health encourages residents to take the first COVID-19 vaccine available for your second dose to provide earlier two-dose protection.
Di Monte confirms to CTV News Ottawa that a "relatively small number of residents" have declined to receive the vaccine available at community clinics this week.
"While we are currently offering both Pfizer and Moderna at our community clinics, given fluctuations in our vaccine supply, we cannot guarantee a particular vaccine type for adults 18 years and older," said Di Monte Thursday afternoon.
"Ottawa Public Health continues to work with health and community partners as well as residents to increase vaccine confidence. Interchanging vaccines is safe and effective."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Minister 'outraged' after AFN national chief's headdress taken from Air Canada cabin
The federal minister of Crown-Indigenous relations is calling on Air Canada to 'make things right' with the national chief of the Assembly of First Nations, who said her headdress was removed from an airplane cabin during a flight this week.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
BREAKING Orca calf that was trapped in B.C. lagoon for weeks swims free
An orca whale calf that has been stranded in a B.C. lagoon for weeks after her pregnant mother died swam out on her own early Friday morning.
'Violation': CSIS had officer investigated after she reported a superior raped her
A CSIS officer's allegations that she was raped repeatedly by a superior in agency vehicles set off a harassment inquiry, but also triggered an investigation into her that concluded the alleged attacks were a “misuse” of agency vehicles by the woman.
'Too young to have breast cancer': Rates among young Canadian women rising
Breast cancer rates are rising in Canada among women in their 20s, 30s and 40s, according to research by the University of Ottawa (uOttawa).
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
Canada recognizes housing as a human right. Few provinces have followed suit
As more Canadians find themselves struggling to afford or find housing, the country's smallest province is the only one that can point to legislation recognizing housing as a human right.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Taylor Swift dons Montreal designer's dress in 'Fortnight' video
A pair of Montreal designers' work has now been viewed over 41 million times. Taylor Swift dons a Victorian throwback black gown in her latest music video, 'Fortnight', designed by UNTTLD due Simon Belanger and Jose Manuel Saint-Jacques.