In some countries in Europe and the United States, the epidemic is so severe that the new coronavirus vaccine, which has just been introduced to the population, is “in short supply,” World health Organization experts said Tuesday, adding that in “exceptional circumstances” the second dose of the new coronavirus vaccine developed by Pfizer and BioNTech Laboratories could be delayed by several weeks.
Some European countries are planning to delay the second dose of the vaccine for people in response to a lack of supply of the new coronavirus vaccine, allowing more people to receive the first dose first. “Two doses of vaccine are recommended within 21 to 28 days,” WHO Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (SAGE) chair Clavetto, said at a news conference Tuesday, but noted that “in the exceptional circumstances of an epidemic and tight vaccine supply, it is possible to delay the second dose by delayed by a few weeks.” He stressed, however, that countries must make decisions based on their own circumstances.
He explained that doing so would maximize the number of people who receive the first dose of vaccine.
However, Kate O’Brien, director of WHO’s immunization and vaccines department, warned that the deadline for the second dose of vaccine should not exceed six weeks.
The WHO also acknowledged that there is a lack of data on the safety and efficacy of delaying the second dose of the vaccine.
Faced with a shortage of Pfizer vaccine, Denmark announced Monday that it has set a six-week interval between vaccinations.
The U.K. approved the Pfizer vaccine in early December, with a maximum of 12 weeks between injections.
The German Ministry of Health has asked health authorities to evaluate options for extending the second dose of vaccination.
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