Will second doses be given sooner than expected?

[maybemum2]

In order to vaccinate more people with a first dose quickly, the government decided to extend the time between the first and second doses of the vaccines. We are therefore told to expect our second dose about 10-12 weeks after the first. But by June or July, almost all the first doses will have been given, freeing up capacity to vaccinate for second doses more quickly (assuming vaccine supply). I was thinking that it might be possible that those who would have expected to get their second dose after that point might actually get it sooner. Has anyone heard anything about this being a possibility?

I had my second just over 9 weeks after the first. It was at my GP surgery which is generally brilliant, so don't know if they were being efficient or whether reducing the gap between the two is becoming more of a thing.

In Wales many have been given after 5 weeks.

I get your point but I think supply is likely to be a factor here as Az (they only one which is plentiful) is largely not going to be used for under 40s which leaves Pfizer and Moderna and not as many of them available. Novavax also looks unlikely to come through in time. So I’d hope so but I definitely wouldn’t count on it especially as if you are booking via the National system it is still set up to give a second dose 10/11 weeks after the first

I've also been wondering about this- I'd be less bothered about waiting if I knew that I could get a jab in July and be fully vaccinated by August. If they have enough Pfizer/Moderna for under 40s it would make sense to get second doses wrapped up by August but who knows!

Although if I end up with AZ (under 40 and not bothered, will take anything) I'd prefer to wait longer as it's shown to be more effective with a longer gap.

I think the UK were really counting on the one dose Janssen vaccine to be approved and available by the time came to vaccinate under 40s- however there are some reports that it might have similar clotting issues to AZ...

It could be as most of the second doses needed from now onwards for the next couple of months will be AZ (they did a lot of Pfizer at the start of the roll out but much less around March/April time - the huge majority of the early Pfizer recipients have now had their 2nd dose).

I know from the local FB group some people have already had theirs brought forward.

I had mine at 7 1/2 weeks last weekend so it's definitely possible if you had your first through gp. Less likely if you booked through national system I think

I had my 2nd AZ vaccine 4.5 weeks after my first. No one I know has waited more than 6 weeks for the 2nd dose

I thought the evidence was pointing to a better outcome for AZ waiting longer?

I don’t understand why J & J hasn’t been approved here yet? Yes there is some clotting, but significantly less than AZ.

Mine will be 11 weeks apart (so in the middle of the 10-12 week recommendation)

I had Pfizer.

Yes, already had 2nd dose sooner than originally scheduled

Have just booked my second for 10 weeks gap.

I've just had my second az. Nine week gap exactly.

I’m under 40 and had my first today - AstraZeneca. Already booked in for the second in 10 weeks time.

I had a 9 week gap - Pfizer at the hospital.

I had an eight week gap. End of January and end of March. AZ

The very last month might - but before then won't there always be more first doses to do?

I have no info on supply ups and downs that might help/hinder.

I heard they might be shortening the gap to over 40s, to boost immunity in relation to the Delta variant in particular.

My colleague in his 30s had his first yesterday. Second booked for 11 weeks later in August. (London, Moderna.)