Vaccine panel confirms choice to delay doses upto 4 months

The National Advisory Committee on Immunization says it is standing by its emergency recommendation to extend the delivery of second doses of COVID-19 vaccines up to four months.

The panel's ``rapid'' response recommendation a month ago was followed by further research on the vaccines.

NACI's experts say they still believe that extending the time to give a second dose will bring protection to Canadians more quickly.

The panel says it expects the administration of second doses won't end up taking as long as four months based on Canada's expected vaccine supply.

NACI, an external advisory body that provides independent immunization advice to the Public Health Agency of Canada, said it will continue to monitor the evidence on effectiveness of an extended dose interval and will adjust recommendations as needed.