Experts say the second COVID-19 vaccine dose can be delayed briefly so as more Canadians can get inoculated.

The National Advisory Committee on Immunization says every effort should be made to follow the 21-day and 28-day protocols recommended for the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines; the only ones approved for use in Canada to date.

However, as supplies are trickling in, the panel also says delaying the second dose for up to 6-weeks, as opposed to 3 or 4-weeks, could quickly provide more Canadians at least some protection.

The advice comes as Ontario says it intends to administer vaccines in all long-term care and high-risk retirement homes by February 15th.

The Ford government says it’s able to step up immunizations now that it has protocols in place to safely transport the Pfizer vaccine.

Meanwhile, the province also says those over the age of 80 and with high-risk chronic conditions will be able to get the shot during the second phase.

Mass delivery of the vaccine to select groups is expected to start by April.

More than 144,000 doses have so far been administered.