CDC: Most people get both coronavirus vaccine doses on time

One of the main concerns with relying on two-dose vaccines is making sure people actually get that second dose. New data from the CDC on Monday shows that hasn’t been a problem yet, but comes with a caveat.

Most people who have received their first dose of the coronavirus vaccine from Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna are receiving the second dose on time. During the first two months of the U.S. COVID-19 vaccination program, the CDC found that 95 percent of people had completed both two-dose vaccinations within the recommended time period.

However, the CDC said the groups prioritized to receive a shot during this period, such as health care workers and long-term care residents, had better access to a second dose because they were more likely to have been vaccinated at their work or residence.

“As priority groups broaden, adherence to the recommended dosing interval might decrease,” the agency said.

The CDC recommends 21 days between doses for the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine and 28 days between doses for Moderna’s. But the agency has said if needed in emergency circumstances, there can be up to 42 days between doses.