Health officials in London are asking residents who still need their first or second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine to consider getting a Moderna shot.
Since July 1, the Middlesex London Health Unit (MLHU) has administered over 81,000 doses of the Moderna vaccine while also receiving over 24,000 additional doses in the same time frame.
Due to a decline in the number of vaccinations over the last several weeks, the health unit says it has roughly 21,300 thawed doses of Moderna that need to be used in the next two weeks.
"This vaccine is above and beyond the doses already allocated to those with appointments to receive a second dose of Moderna," a release put out Wednesday from the MLHU read. "Vaccine that is removed from freezers and thawed must be used within 30 days."
Health Canada, the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI), and the World Health Organization (WHO) say those who received Pfizer as their first dose at least 28 days ago are able to receive Moderna as a second dose.
While Pfizer and Moderna are two different brands of the COVID-19 vaccine, top doctors with the NACI and WHO say the vaccines are interchangeable as they're both mRNA vaccines with the same key components and can be mixed without concern.
Medical Officer of Health Dr. Chris Mackie said Wednesday that he hopes people who aren't yet fully vaccinated will book their appointments so the vaccines don't go to waste.
"We have an abundance of vaccine that is safe, effective and ready to be put in arms right now, but because it is no longer frozen, we need to make sure it is used by August 12," Mackie said. "We want as many people as possible to be protected against COVID-19 as quickly as we can and this supply of Moderna allows us to do that."
As of July 24, 643,013 COVID-19 vaccines have been administered throughout the London area at mass and walk-in vaccination clinics. Just over 80 per cent of people over 12 have had one dose, while nearly 63 per cent have received two doses.
More information on vaccination options and clinics can be found on the health unit's website.