Pfizer vaccine drought a concern

The Western Upper Peninsula Health Department is warning people about a potential bottleneck for their second vaccine dose. Both shots need to be the same brand to be effective so for Copper Country residents who got the Pfizer vaccine the first time around, they must get that again. Same goes for recipients of the Moderna version.

For the foreseeable future, the WUPHD is expecting only to receive Moderna shipments. That is leaving many in a lurch. The recommendation is to get the second Pfizer vaccine dose three weeks after the first, but it is possible to delay by as much as 42 days, according to Centers for Disease Control guidelines.

The release says it is hoping for more Pfizer vaccine within weeks, but that is not guaranteed. There is no information provided as to whether residents can make arrangements with other public health districts if supplies are available there.