New Interval between first of second doses of the COVID Vaccine

Primarily applies to patients 12 and older

With a goal in mind to reduce the already small risk of myocarditis and to improve efficacy, the CDC recently updated its guidance to lengthen the interval between doses for children 12+ years of age. The new guidance ​suggests a second dose of the vaccine be given 8 weeks after the first does instead of the previous 3-week interval. Due to these updates, we will be scheduling the second COVID vaccine for children 12 years of age or older 8 weeks apart. However, our care team may recommend that doses are still given on a three-week interval in instances where your child may be moderately or severely immune compromised.

This new guidance does not impact patients 5 to 11 years of age. First and second doses will continue to be scheduled 3 weeks apart for this age group.

We are still offering COVID vaccine clinics and vaccines during select patient visits. Please call our team or schedule on our patient portal if you are interested in getting your child vaccinated today.

“Regardless of the interval between the first and second dose, data show mRNA vaccines remain highly effective at reducing the risk of hospitalization or serious complications from COVID-19 infection, the CDC guidance said.” AAP News

Thank you for trusting us with your child’s care.
Anderson Hills Pediatrics

Resources:

• CDC: Interim Clinical Considerations for Use of COVID-19 Vaccines Currently Approved or Authorized in the United States
• AAP News: CDC updates guidance to increase interval between first, second doses of COVID-19 vaccinations for some patients