COVID-19 Approved Vaccines

For information on the Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty vaccine, including authorized age, ingredients, how it works, how it's given, possible side effects and vaccine safety, visit Health Canada's Pfizer-BioNTech Corminaty COVID-19 Vaccine page.

For information on the Moderna Spikevax vaccine, including authorized age, ingredients, how it works, how it's given, possible side effects and vaccine safety, visit Health Canada's Moderna Spikevax COVID-19 Vaccine page.

For information on the AstraZeneca Vaxzevria vaccine, including authorized age, ingredients, how it works, how it's given, possible side effects and vaccine safety, visit Health Canada's AstraZeneca Vaxzevria COVID-19 Vaccine page.

On May 11, 2021, Ontario provided a news release noting the pausing of the rollout and administration of first doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine out of an abundance of caution due to an observed increase in the rare blood clotting condition, known as vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT).

On May 21, 2021, Ontario provided a news release noting that second doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine will once again be administered.

On June 3, 2021, Ontario provided a news release noting that those who received AstraZeneca for their first dose can safely receive one of the mRNA vaccines for their second dose.

For information on the Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) vaccine, including authorized age, ingredients, how it works, possible side effects and vaccine safety, visit the Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) COVID-19 vaccine page.

Interchangeability of mRNA Vaccines (Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty and Moderna Spikevax)

Individuals now have more flexibility to receive different mRNA vaccines for their first and second doses. This will support individuals in getting fully immunized more quickly and conveniently by giving them more options. This will also help offset issues related to vaccine supply and delivery.

The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) and Ontario Ministry of Health have recently confirmed that a mixed vaccine schedule for the COVID-19 vaccine is safe, effective, and will complete the vaccine series. This means that individuals who received a first dose of an mRNA vaccine (Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty or Moderna Spikevax) can receive a different mRNA vaccine for their second dose.

The option of mixing of vaccines for individuals to complete the two dose series is reasonable given the similarity of these vaccines in their mechanism of action, side effect profile and high effectiveness against COVID-19 and its variants, including the Delta variant. At this time, the mixed schedule does not apply to youth 12 to 17 years for whom only Pfizer-BioNTech is approved.

Individuals are encouraged to get their second dose as soon as they are able, and to get the vaccine available at the clinic most convenient for them, regardless of which mRNA vaccine that it is offered at that clinic. TBDHU will provide information on what vaccine is available at clinics; however, vaccine availability may change depending on vaccine supply and delivery schedules.

Read more in the Ministry of Health's A Safe and Effective Second Dose (PDF) resource.

Interchangeability of AstraZeneca Vaxzevria and mRNA Vaccines

Individuals have the option of receiving a second dose of the AstraZeneca Vaxzevria vaccine or choosing to have a second dose of one of the mRNA vaccines (Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty or Moderna Spikevax). Individuals can review the Ministry of Health's COVID-19 Vaccine Information for Individuals who receive a first dose of AstraZeneca to help them decide what choice is right for them. They can also have a discussion with a health care provider.

Current evidence recommends waiting 12 weeks to receive a second dose as this interval allows for a better/optimal immune response to be achieved. However, the province recognizes that some may want to receive their second dose sooner to have the increased protection provided by an earlier second dose.