Half of people offered Moderna vaccine refuse it if they want Pfizer, Ontario pharmacists say

The association representing Ontario pharmacists says about half of people seeking the Pfizer vaccine reject the Moderna vaccine if offered it instead.

“They might cancel their appointment. They might walk away,” said Justin Bates, CEO of the Ontario Pharmacists’ Association.

“This creates a significant challenge,” Bates said, because pharmacists also have to deal with combative patients who want to compare vaccines.

Many people did the same thing last spring when they questioned the safety of Moderna or the mixing of vaccines during the rollout of second doses.

People now have fewer choices as many public health units are reserving the Pfizer vaccine for younger people because there is now a larger supply of Moderna. In the Toronto, Durham and Waterloo regions, those 30 and older will only be offered the Moderna vaccine.

Last fall, the Ontario government recommended that people aged 18 to 24 get vaccinated with the Pfizer vaccine because of a “moderate risk” of myocarditis, a rare heart condition, “as a precautionary measure.” The Pfizer vaccine is also only being offered to people aged 12 to 17.

Jason Chomik chose to receive Moderna for his third dose on New Year’s Day, even though he rescheduled two appointments before receiving Pfizer for his second dose. He says the rise of the Omicron variant finally prompted him to take the step.

“If the numbers hadn’t been growing as quickly as they are now, I probably would have waited,” he said.

“I’m glad I got the booster, but I’m still concerned about the long-term effects of mixing vaccines.”

“They only want Pfizer”

Despite the public message that mixing vaccines is safe, just like Moderna, many are still hesitant to get it. In addition to pharmacies, health care workers at other vaccination clinics are seeing it as well.

“When they sit in the chair, they immediately confirm (that they are getting Pfizer) with me,” said Allan Grill, who administers vaccines in York Region, north of Toronto, and is chief of family medicine at Markham Stouffville Hospital.

“They only want Pfizer.”

Grill, along with many infectious disease experts, has long argued that the risk of becoming infected with COVID-19 is far greater than any risk associated with receiving any of the vaccines.

“Omicron is spreading like wildfire and people are getting sick,” he said.

Even Ontario’s chief medical health officer, Dr. Kieran Moore, made the plea during his briefing on Thursday.

“I also had Moderna as a booster,” he said.

“The latest data demonstrate that the protection offered by the Moderna vaccine, particularly in older adults, is very robust. »

More brand awareness

Bates said the brand of the Pfizer vaccine is more well-known, especially since many received it for their first or second dose. He also said the pandemic continues to change policies with time and new research.

“People are not used to seeing science evolve in real time,” he said. “And changing public perception is the hardest thing to do. »

Toronto’s medical officer of health, Dr. Eileen de Villa, said the city is “doing everything we can” to make sure people know vaccines are safe and effective.

“In fact, some studies show a particular benefit for those who receive the Moderna vaccine and its effectiveness against the Omicron variant. »