CDC Recommends New Timing for Second Doses of mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated its recommendations on the timing of second doses of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines. Specifically, the CDC now states that a three- to eight-week interval between doses of the Pfizer vaccine and a four- to eight-week interval between doses of the Moderna vaccine in a primary series may be optimal for certain individuals, especially for males 12 to 39 years old. Individuals should work with their clinicians to determine the optimal vaccination interval and corresponding length of “temporary delay” in meeting staff vaccination requirements. The CDC recommendations are available here.

A three- or four-week interval continues to be recommended for people who are moderately to severely immunocompromised, adults ages 65 years and older, and others who need rapid protection due to increased concern about community transmission or risk of severe disease.

mRNA COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved or FDA-authorized intervals. While absolute risk remains small, the relative risk for myocarditis is higher for males ages 12 to 39 years, and this risk might be reduced by extending the interval between the first and second dose.

Individuals should consult their physicians on the best timing for doses. There is no State vaccination guidance on this recommendation at this time, but it will likely be forthcoming.

Contact: Meg Everett, meverett@leadingageny.org, 518-929-9342