The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated their provisional guidelines on administering the coronavirus vaccine to state that the approved first and second vaccine doses can be administered up to six weeks apart.
The CDC, however, continues to state that the second dose should not be administered before the recommended window of three to four weeks, depending on which vaccine is administered.
The agency published the changes without fanfare on Thursday.
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“The second dose should be administered as close as possible to the recommended interval,” said the CDC. “However, if it is not feasible to adhere to the recommended interval, the second dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines can be scheduled for administration within 6 weeks (42) days after the first dose. Currently, data on limited the effectiveness of COVID-19 mRNA vaccines administered beyond this window. If the second dose is administered beyond these ranges, there is no need to restart the series. “
The update comes amid a shortage in the supply of vaccines that has caused the cancellation of thousands of consultations across the country. Governors raised concerns about available doses, especially after the Trump administration advised against booking second doses.
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However, despite concerns about vaccine shortages, the CDC warns that vaccines are not interchangeable and should not be used as such.
“However, these COVID-19 mRNA vaccines are not interchangeable with each other or with other COVID-19 vaccine products,” the update said. “The safety and effectiveness of a series of mixed products has not been evaluated. Both doses of the series must be completed with the same product ”.
The update also included guidelines for patients with a history of dermal filling after facial swelling occurred after vaccination.
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“This appears to be temporary and can resolve with medical treatment, including corticosteroid therapy,” the agency said of the swelling. “MRNA COVID-19 vaccines can be administered to people who have received injectable dermal fillers who have no contraindications for vaccination.”