The province says residents can choose to get a second dose of AstraZeneca vaccine if they received it for a first dose. The guidance comes just a day after the federal government offered conflicting advice.

The National Advisory Committee on Immunization said that people who got AstraZeneca as a first shot should get the Pfizer- or Moderna mRNA vaccines as a second dose. Their guidance was updated because of evidence of a stronger immune response with mixing doses and a lower risk of rare but serious blood clots.

The health ministry wants to assure people that taking the second dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine is safe and will help protect against serious COVID-19 infection.