Starting May 29, those interested in getting their second dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine earlier can go to one of our designated walk-in clinics.
Individuals should meet the following criteria:
• Be 45 years old and over
• Have received the 1st dose of Astrazeneca or Covishield vaccine at least 8 weeks ago
• Not be immunosuppressed
For more information, visit QUÉBEC.CA/VACCINCOVID.
About the AstraZeneca vaccine
The AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine (ChAdOx1-S) is used to prevent COVID-19. This disease is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Canada has authorized 2 manufacturers of the ChAdOx1-S vaccine:
AstraZeneca (brand name AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine)
Verity Pharmaceuticals and Serum Institute of India (SII) in collaboration with AstraZeneca (brand name COVISHIELD Vaccine)
The vaccine is approved for people who are 18 years of age and older. Its safety and effectiveness in people younger than 18 years of age have not yet been established. Health Canada authorized both applications for this vaccine with conditions on February 26, 2021, under the interim order respecting the importation, sale and advertising of drugs for use in relation to COVID-19.
How it works
Viral vector-based vaccines use a harmless virus, such as an adenovirus, as a delivery system. This “vector” virus is not the virus that causes COVID-19. Adenoviruses are among the viruses that can cause the common cold. There are many different types of adenoviruses, and many have been used as delivery systems for other vector-based vaccines for decades.
When a person is given the vaccine, the vector virus contained within the vaccine produces the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. This protein is found on the surface of the virus that causes COVID-19. This protein will not make you sick. It does its job and goes away.
Through this process, the body is able to build a strong immune response against the spike protein without exposing you to the virus that causes COVID-19.
