B.C. infectious disease expert addresses ‘vaccine mixing’ concerns

As confusion surrounds the idea of mixing COVID-19 vaccines, reports out of Ontario show a significant amount of people are walking out of third dose appointments if they are not offered the same brand of their initial doses.

However, Dr. Brian Conway with the Vancouver Infectious Disease Centre says there is no concern when it comes to mixing vaccines.

“Having a third dose of Moderna, after two Pfizers might actually be better than having three Pfizers back-to-back-to-back. It is showing the immune system the virus in two slightly different ways that may lead to a better, stronger, longer term reaction and protection against the virus,” Conway says.

Related articles:

• Head of B.C. vaccine program reminding thousands who’ve received invitation to book booster shots

• Pharmacists see rise in vaccine shopping

• Long lines for booster doses in Vancouver as active COVID-19 cases soar

Although many British Columbians are still waiting for their booster, it is unclear whether the third dose will be the same or different as the person’s previous doses.

Despite that uncertainty, Conway says the most important thing is to simply get the booster.

“The additional data that are being produced on a daily basis are confirming that in the era of Omicron, you need those three shots.”

If you are someone who is concerned with mixing vaccines, I spoke with Dr. Brian Conway who says combining shots will increase your bodies ability to fight off COVID-19. “It will lead to a better, stronger, longer term reaction and protection against the virus.” @CityNewsVAN

— Michael Williams (@MikeWillsTake) January 9, 2022

Conway urges not to become preoccupied by which brand of vaccine people are getting, and instead focus on booking a booster appointment as soon as people are eligible.

“The benefit of getting the three shots at the earliest possible moment as soon as they’re made available to you — as long as the third shot is one of the mRNA vaccines either Pfizer or Moderna — makes you part of the solution. So please, make that decision.”

B.C. recently expanded its booster shot eligibility to everyone over the age of 18. Late last month, the head of the province’s vaccine program noted about 240,000 people at the time who had received an invite had not yet RSVP’d for an appointment.

“I just really want to encourage you. You’ve had an invite, we’ve continued to send you reminders. Please book your vaccination,” said Dr. Penny Ballem on Dec. 31.

In Ontario, pharmacists have voiced concern over people “vaccine shopping,” saying many have been walking away from appointments if their preferred vaccine was not being made available.

It’s not clear if a similar trend is happening in B.C., and if it is, to what scale.