COVID-19 vaccines are becoming available in health centres across the territory.
The Government of the Northwest Territories announced the news in a press release on Tuesday afternoon.
As a result of the complex vaccine storage and handling, both Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines may not be available in all communities at the same time.
The National Advisory Committee on Immunization says the mRNA vaccines — which includes Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna — are interchangeable, meaning residents can use a different available vaccine for their first and second shot.
“Eligible residents are encouraged to get whichever vaccine is available in their community by contacting their local public health unit or health centre,” the release reads.
Restrictions have also been loosened for residents who are self-isolating, in order to receive their vaccines.
Residents who are self-isolating are able to book a vaccine appointment without an exemption letter from the chief public health officer, the release reads.
There are exceptions, including contacts of a known or suspect case of COVID-19, anyone experiencing symptoms, or anyone returning to the territory from outside Canada.
Additionally, recommendations for those with an autoimmune condition, who are pregnant or breastfeeding are now the same as the recommendations for the general population.
“Real-world data show COVID-19 vaccines are safe in these populations,” the release reads.
