Change to time interval between two doses of COVID-19 vaccine
Waterloo Region – The Province has announced that it is following the recommendations of the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) to extend the time interval between the first and second doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to 16 weeks. Extending the time between doses means that more people will be protected sooner.
As a result of the Province’s announcement, starting after March 10, Waterloo Region residents will have their second vaccination appointment booked 16 weeks from their first dose. After today, anyone who received a first dose and has an appointment booked for a second dose will have their appointment adjusted to the new time interval of 16 weeks between doses.
Residents can expect to be informed of their new appointment time for the second dose by the middle of April.
“We’re pleased that this change in Ontario’s COVID-19 vaccination program will result in more residents of Waterloo Region receiving their first dose protection as quickly as possible,” said Dr. Hsiu-Li Wang, Medical Officer of Health for the Region of Waterloo. “As per provincial direction, residents of long-term care homes and retirement homes who are at greatest risk of exposure to COVID-19 and serious illness will continue to receive their second dose at the interval recommended by the vaccine manufacturer.”
The 16-week interval applies to the vaccines currently approved by Health Canada (Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and AstraZeneca).
Sharon Ord
Acting Communication Lead
Waterloo Region Vaccine Distribution Task Force
General Inquiries: publichealth@regionofwaterloo.ca or 519-575-4400
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