Virus shot can be given same day as others

COVID-19 shots can now be administered at the same time as other shots, or anytime before or after them.

The National Advisory Committee on Immunization updated its recommendations Tuesday to indicate it’s no longer necessary to space out routine jabs and COVID vaccines.

The agency previously recommended COVID vaccines be given at least 28 days before and 14 days after other shots.

“We now have much more experience with COVID-19 vaccines,” said NACI chair Shelley Deeks. She added that the change will simplify the implementation of flu shot programs this fall, and make it easier for people to receive other routine vaccines they missed due to the pandemic.

Canada’s chief public health officer, Dr. Theresa Tam, echoed the sentiments. “Being able to give the COVID-19 vaccines at the same time as, or within days of, other vaccines will make it easier for Canadians to get their vaccines at the right time, especially as we get closer to influenza season,” Tam said. “This will also make it easier to catch up on other routine vaccines that might have been delayed due to the pandemic.”

Researchers from the University of Toronto’s Centre for Vaccine Preventable Diseases, Dalla Lana School of Public Health and McMaster’s Faculty of Health Sciences are calling on the province to develop a catchup strategy to urgently close gaps in vaccine coverage, to prevent another health crisis.