Second dose interval shortened to 28 days

To help combat the rising cases of COVID-19 in BC, health officials are reducing the number of days between vaccine doses.

Currently, invitations for the second dose go to people 49 days after their first dose. The Province is transitioning toward offering second-dose vaccinations for people as early as 28 days after their first dose.

“Receiving a second dose earlier is particularly important in high-transmission communities,” said Dr. Bonnie Henry

Those who live in communities not seeing high-transmission rates of the virus are still advised to wait six to eight weeks before receiving a second dose.

“We are seeing more and more evidence from here in Canada and around the World that you get a stronger and longer lasting protection from the vaccines if you have a longer interval between dose one and dose two,” said Dr. Henry.

Vaccinations are available in Merritt Tuesday to Friday (9am – 3pm) at the Merritt Public Health Centre.