Can I get my second dose of the Pfizer vaccine while visiting my home in Arizona?
Posted May 11, 2021 8:28 am.
Last Updated May 11, 2021 8:32 am.
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Question:
Joe asks: I was age eligible and received my first dose of Pfizer in B.C. about one week ago (March 31). I own a house in Arizona. Could I receive a second dose of Pfizer in Arizona in the next few weeks?
Answer:
All non-essential travel is not recommended. The Canada-U.S. also remains closed to non-essential traffic. However, Joe could still fly.
Arizona, like all other states, requires people get a COVID-19 test before they board the plane, and then get tested again within days of arrival. Even then, Joe must self-quarantine for seven days.
But once in Arizona, could Joe even get his second shot?
The state says non-residents can get the shot — but health officials there are strongly encouraging people to receive their second shot at the same place as their first.
That’s to ensure you get the same type of vaccine for both doses. While mixing different types of vaccines has been discussed, people are still officially being told it’s best to get the same drug for both of their shots. That could be challenging in some places. For example, Pfizer-BioNTech’s vaccine may not be the one that is being administered in your particular area for your particular age group.
Staying in B.C. guarantees Joe that he will get another Pfizer shot — and it would be effortless, in that he will be contacted when is he due for the second shot. No need for registering again, which would be the case in Arizona.
Canada’s top doctor says our country is closely watching for the results of a study in the United Kingdom on mixing COVID-19 doses. Her comments come as Ontario joins other provinces in likely plans to mix vaccine brands ahead of a flood of Pfizer and Moderna shots arriving in Canada this week and in coming weeks.
