Thousands of seniors and long term care workers in BC will not be getting their second dose of COVID-19 vaccines before the 42 day maximum recommended interval.

More than 30,000 seniors in care and 30,000 care workers in BC have received their first dose of either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines. As of the end of January, less than half of one per cent had received their second dose. At that time, BC's provincial health officer said because of a shortage of vaccine, the dates between doses would be extended from the 21 to 28 days recommended by the manufacturers to 42 days, which is the maximum recommended by Canada's National Advisory Committee on Immunization.

Earlier this week, Dr. Bonnie Henry revealed the 42 day extended interval period will not be met in all cases:

Henry says she is confident people will not lose their immunity to the virus because of the delay.  She says although there are no studies to prove this with the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, she says the history of vaccine efficacy shows people can go for months between doses without losing immunity.