Canada probing whether delaying second COVID-19 vaccine doses could help more people

OTTAWA -- Canada's chief public health officer says she has asked the national vaccine advisory panel to investigate if there is merit to delaying second doses of COVID-19 vaccines in a bid to get more people vaccinated faster with first doses.
The request comes after the United Kingdom said it will delay the second doses of vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTech and AstraZeneca, up to 12 weeks.
Pfizer-BioNTech's product is supposed to be given in two doses 21 days apart, and AstraZeneca's in two doses 28 days apart.
Health Canada has not yet authorized AstraZeneca's vaccine candidate but approved Pfizer-BioNTech's on Dec. 9 and another from Massachusetts-based biotech firm Moderna on Dec. 23.
A written statement from Pfizer says ultimately alternative dosing decisions are up to local health authorities, but that the company has no evidence protection after the first dose remains in place after 21 days.
Tam says the National Advisory Committee on Immunization is being asked to provide analysis on what is known about the dosing regimens and what should be considered in deciding whether or not to delay the second doses.
Mia Rabson, The Canadian Press
Related
- Health Canada agrees Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine vials have six doses
- First doses of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, not yet approved, to land in Canada next week
- Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine allocations to Canada already assuming six doses per vial
- Canada to receive record 640K vaccine doses this week with Pfizer, Moderna deliveries
- Canada signs deals with Pfizer, Moderna to get doses of COVID-19 vaccines
Trending
- OPINION: Ontario’s new restrictions are pure theatre and everyone in Mississauga and Brampton should be furious
- Police won't randomly stop people or vehicles in Mississauga and Brampton
- Playgrounds allowed to reopen in Mississauga and Brampton
- New police powers will be toned down in Mississauga, Brampton and Ontario: Government source
- Stay at home order extended 2 weeks and police have new powers in Brampton, Mississauga and Ontario
Your Comments