Pharmacists in Newfoundland and Labrador are stepping up their COVID-19 vaccination rollout.
Anyone 18 and older is eligible to book an appointment to receive their first or second dose of the Moderna or AstraZeneca vaccine.
A valid MCP number and an appointment are required to receive the shot.
Pharmacies across all regional health authorities are participating. A list of the pharmacies is available on the PANL website.
Waitlists Expected to Wane as Supply Increases
Pharmacies have seen a big response from people looking to book their COVID-19 vaccine appointments.
Janice Audeau, a community pharmacist and President of the Pharmacists’ Association of Newfoundland and Labrador says waitlists are long at this point. However, that should wane as more vaccines are on the way.
She notes that while a lot of people are asking for Pfizer, Moderna is perfectly fine to get as your second dose. They don’t know when the supply of Pfizer will arrive. So, if you received Pfizer as your first dose and are offered Moderna for your second, she recommends taking it. Otherwise, you could be waiting for a while.
Audeau says you may want to phone ahead of time as pharmacies are doing things a bit differently.
She says some may redirect you to an app or website so you can book a time, some are booking appointments through the phone, and others are keeping a waitlist and will contact people as vaccines become available.
Audeau says you have to stay for 15 minutes after receiving your dose in case of a rare allergic reaction.