Time interval for second dose of COVID-19 vaccine extended

Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. David Williams, has extended the time interval of the second dose of COVID-19 vaccines up to 16 weeks.

In a media release, dated Wednesday, Mar. 17, 2021, KFL&A Public Health said this extension was made in order to increase the number of individuals benefitting from a first dose of COVID-19 vaccine in the context of a limited COVID-19 vaccine supply and the presence of highly transmissible variants of concern.

Over the next few weeks, many clients who received their first dose on or before March 10 will receive an email with a booking cancellation notification and a follow-up phone call from KFL&A Public Health to (re)schedule their second dose appointment for a later date in accordance with these new guidelines, according to the release.

KFL&A residents are asked not to contact Public Health to inquire about (re)scheduling the second dose appointment. KFL&A Public Health said they will contact all individuals impacted by this change starting with those who are scheduled for their second dose next week.

“We know everyone is eager to receive their second dose, but please be assured that there is measurable immunity detectable by 12 days following the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. These new guidelines will allow for more individuals to benefit from a first dose of COVID-19 vaccine and to help prevent severe complications from the COVID-19 virus,” KFL&A Public Health said.

KFL&A Public Health must adhere to these recommendations that come from the direction of the Ministry of Health. For more information on KFL&A’s vaccination strategy go to KFL&A Public Health’s vaccine webpage.

Visit the Government of Ontario’s website for up-to-date information on the vaccine and implementation phases.