Second vaccine doses to be delayed for all but most at-risk: health unit

For those who’ve already has one COVID-19 vaccine, your second dose shall be coming later than anticipated.

The Simcoe Muskoka District Well being Unit (SMDHU) stated right this moment that, as of March 10, most individuals will obtain their second dose 16 weeks after the primary dose was given.

“The transfer is meant to permit extra folks to be protected against COVID-19 throughout this time of restricted vaccine provide,” the well being unit stated in a media launch.

These most in danger for extreme sickness and loss of life will nonetheless obtain their second dose as scheduled, 21 to 27 days of their first shot, together with: residents of long-term care houses, retirement houses, elder care lodges, and assisted residing services who’re on the best danger of each publicity to COVID-19 and critical sickness and loss of life; and distant and remoted First Nation communities given the potential seriousness of COVID-19 an infection in these communities with restricted obtainable well being care services and sources, famous the well being unit.

Anybody not in one of many listed high-risk teams and who already has an appointment scheduled for his or her second dose earlier than 16 weeks can have their present appointment cancelled. Particulars on learn how to reschedule continues to be to come back.

“The extension follows affirmation from the Nationwide Advisory Committee on Immunization that extending the interval between doses for two-dose vaccines will nonetheless give folks a powerful and sustained degree of safety from COVID-19,” the well being unit defined. The 2-dose vaccines embrace Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD.

For extra details about COVID-19 and the vaccine roll out go to www.smdhu.org.