Quebecers can get 2nd AstraZeneca dose 8 weeks after 1st shot, health minister says – CBC

Some people can get second dose of AstraZeneca as early as this weekend

May 27, 2021

Quebecers who have received a shot of the AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine will be able to get a second dose sooner than expected — eight weeks after the first one.

As an example, Health Minister Christian Dubé said anyone who received their first dose prior to April 3 can get the second dose as early as this weekend. The vaccine will be made available at walk-in clinics.

The province initially planned on providing the second doses 12 weeks after the first shot, not eight.

The change is based on a recommendation from the province’s immunization committee (CIQ). Dubé said the most recent data shows that the drop in the second shot’s efficacy is “marginal” if it is taken at the eight-week mark.

“If you want to wait for the full twelve weeks, you can do that, that would be the best advice,” Dubé told reporters Thursday.

Read more: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/astrazeneca-second-dose-quebec-eight-weeks-1.6042293