Is the 8 week wait between COVID vaccines compulsory?

[Lifeisverylongwhenyourelonely]

Can't find definite information anywhere.
I know 8 weeks has been recommended but it's not legally enforceable is it, I mean they won't refuse you at the door if you turn up earlier.

Partner needs his 2nd vaccine 2 weeks before we go away, but it won't be an 8 week gap, more like a 6 week one, will this be ok?

Yes, they will refuse you unless you have a documented medical reason (fitting round other treatment, for example)

They can and will turn you away if its too early

I don't think you will have much luck I'm afraid. The NHS FAQ says he is likely to be turned away unless there is an exceptional reason and I'm not sure a holiday counts. Obviously the computer system at the other end knows when he had his first dose as it is needed for his vaccine passports so it's not like you can lie.

www.kentandmedwayccg.nhs.uk/your-health/coronavirus/covid19vaccine/covid-19-vaccination-programme-frequently-asked-questions

"The latest guidance to the NHS is to give second doses eight weeks after the first dose. Unless there are exceptional circumstances you will not be offered a second dose earlier than eight weeks.

If you attend a walk-in clinic for a second dose earlier than eight weeks you are likely to be turned away."

My brother managed to get the 2nd one after 4 weeks though somehow? And he's got no medical grounds or anything

@Lifeisverylongwhenyourelonely

My brother managed to get the 2nd one after 4 weeks though somehow? And he's got no medical grounds or anything

That is very unusual and no you can't count on it happening again

My boyfriend was in exactly the same position and was turned away everywhere.

@Lifeisverylongwhenyourelonely

My brother managed to get the 2nd one after 4 weeks though somehow? And he's got no medical grounds or anything

Are you absolutely sure? It is minimum 8 weeks

Puts off getting the vaccine for months, decides they want a holiday, expects the rules to be changed to suit their travel. The mind boggles!

My friends brother was 2 days short of the 8 weeks & they wouldn't do it

We were doing them early last summer but it seems to be an absolute "no" now. It's against the JVCI guidelines and the clinical lead at the site won't want to go against the guidance. Remember you need 2 weeks after the 2nd jab too.

Guy at work was indeed turned away at the door.

In other countries it's 4 weeks, so it must just be recommendations. You can always ask if they have any left over at the end of the day if he can have it so it doesn't go to waste.

Apparently the country we are going to states that fully vaccinated is one week before departure, so we are just going to move our holiday forward a few days in order to make it

We live in a big city with various walk in centers so will give it a try anyway

We went in and they said the earliest will be 6 weeks after the first, which is good