Second dose question

[LockdownIsDragging]

Once we get to the point where the first people waiting 12 weeks for their second dose are having it, will we still be able to give anyone first doses. The plan is to continue through the population to vaccinate everyone over 16 but unless we up our rates surely we will only be doing second doses?

That's what I've been thinking OP. I may have missed it but no one seems to be talking about this. It's great to cheer on the number of vaccinations achieved to date, but then people rapidly move on to visions of a post vaccination future when we can enjoy our freedom again. I don't think we can expect that for quite a while yet as there will be a period of catch up with second vaccinations slowing up the delivery of first vaccinations to those further down the line.

I think they are expecting a slight slow down of first injections but not as great as you might think because they also expect a big increase in the numbers of doses coming through. They are not working at capacity yet as quantity of vaccine is a limiting factor.

I'd be happy to help give vaccines if I had my second dose for long enough to develop full immunity

It's an interesting questioning, as some people have been able to book their second appointment at the same time as making their first, whilst others cannot do so until requested to.
I presume though that given it was since January I think that the 12 weeks amendment came into place and we're not 12 weeks from that point, it sounds as though the vaccinating of groups lower than 6,will have to be done alongside the second vaccination of the earlier groups.

I think this shows how they are planning to do it.

They are still opening up more vaccination centres (new huge one in my city), and more pharmacies are being able to run clinics. I have my second vaccination booked next week (in Wales 6 weeks after my first), the centre I am booked at had just opened and was running a few days a week between 9-7 it's now 7 days a week 8-8. As pp said they are not currently at capacity so there will be appointments for those having both their first and second, yes it will slow slightly but not by a huge amount.

It's not so obvious from the thread title, that this thread a couple of days ago is about the same thing. Worth a read:

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/coronavirus/4169038-Possible-stupid-question

@Juo

I think they are expecting a slight slow down of first injections but not as great as you might think because they also expect a big increase in the numbers of doses coming through. They are not working at capacity yet as quantity of vaccine is a limiting factor.

This, but also not just doses but other vaccines should the approval from the MHRA and be able to be used too.

Supply is more now than it was in Dec and Jan when lots of first doses were given, and it should continue to go up in the coming months too.