Home / Ask The Experts / My moderately immunocompromised patient is unvaccinated against COVID-19 and now wants to receive an initial series. I know there is a 4-day grace period that allows a dose to be valid if given up to 4 days before the minimum interval. Should we schedule her doses 4 days before the recommended intervals to get her vaccinated faster?

COVID-19
Scheduling Vaccines

My moderately immunocompromised patient is unvaccinated against COVID-19 and now wants to receive an initial series. I know there is a 4-day grace period that allows a dose to be valid if given up to 4 days before the minimum interval. Should we schedule her doses 4 days before the recommended intervals to get her vaccinated faster?

CDC guidance allows for doses given up to 4 days before the recommended interval to be counted as valid – such doses do not need to be repeated. However, people should not be routinely scheduled to receive a dose earlier than recommended. Schedulers should offer appointments beginning on the date of the recommended interval or later.

Last reviewed: November 16, 2025

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This page was updated on November 16, 2025.