Canada should roll out second doses 'as soon as possible': NACI

Canada's expert advisory panel on vaccines says increased supply of COVID-19 vaccines means that people should be offered a second dose as soon as possible.

The National Advisory Committee on Immunization says priority for second doses should be given to those who are at the highest risk of getting seriously ill or dying from the virus.

NACI has also issued new guidance recommending that people who are pregnant, breastfeeding or have an autoimmune condition be vaccinated against COVID-19.

It says mRNA vaccines, such as Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, are preferred for pregnant people.

Since the novel coronavirus is still circulating in Canada, NACI is still recommending that the second dose be received up to four months after the first dose, in order to maximize the number of people who get at least one shot.

The committee says stretching the dose intervals means many more people can receive a good level of protection from COVID-19 earlier.