Extended dose intervals for COVID-19 vaccines to optimize early vaccine rollout and population protection in Canada in the context of limited vaccine supply - 7 April, 2021

In the context of the ongoing pandemic, NACI recommends extending the time between the first and second dose of COVID-19 vaccines up to four months while vaccine supply is limited. Second doses should be offered as soon as possible after all eligible populations have been offered first doses, with priority given to those at highest risk of severe illness and death from COVID-19 disease.

Jurisdictions may choose to shorten the time between the first and second dose in specific populations based on local rates of cases and what is known about where transmission is happening, local vaccine supply, their local methods of delivering vaccine and emerging evidence.