To help address community outbreaks and increased cases of the COVID-19 virus among people who have only one dose of the vaccine, the B.C. Ministry of Health today announced the province will begin offering second-dose appointments at an earlier interval, based on vaccine and appointment availability.

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.

Starting this evening, Monday, August 9, invitations to book second-dose appointments will be sent based on the new 28-day minimum interval. This timeframe will be the same for those who received Pfizer, Moderna or AstraZeneca for their first dose.

Receiving a second dose earlier is particularly important in high-transmission communities, the ministry noted.

The recommendation from public health for those not living or working in high-transmission communities continues to be to wait six to eight weeks after the first dose to receive the second dose.

Every person is recommended to get fully vaccinated with two doses of COVID-19 vaccine to protect themselves, their loved ones and their community, the Ministry of Health reminds.

Lead image: Inside the Interior Health immunization clinic in Cranbrook. e-KNOW file photo

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