‘No scientific rationale behind it’: N.S. top doctor on countries not recognizing mixed vaccines

Nova Scotia's top doctor says there's no scientific rationale behind not allowing travellers with mixed vaccine doses to enter other countries.

Dr. Robert Strang's comments come as many countries still do not recognize vaccine mixing.

Last week, Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Dominic LeBlanc said he believed other countries will eventually change their stance, and is hopeful Canadians with mixed doses have no issue crossing borders.

Speaking to reporters on Friday, Dr. Strang said there are ongoing discussions about the science behind mixed doses at an international level.

“In the meantime here in Nova Scotia, I understand that it is creating some issues for some people,” said Strang. “But we are focusing our efforts on first and second dose vaccines.”

Strang added if it does continue to remain an issue for residents who plan to travel internationally, at some point the province may be able to start offering a third dose of vaccine for people.

Starting Aug. 9, fully vaccinated U.S. citizens and permanent residents will be allowed to enter Canada without quarantining, with plans to expand that rule to other countries starting Sept. 7.