Bringing forward the second dose for the over 50s

[vera99]

Following yesterday's announcement, they will be reducing the time interval for second doses for the over 50s from 12 to 8 weeks I rang the 119 vaccination line. They have only just got that info and at the moment the system won't allow them to change the date. The very friendly operator said that will be happening shortly and that folk will be contacted in due course. They need to update their website as well to explain the procedure!

Thanks I'm 8 weeks since vaccine one so it's imminent a text from doctors then

Thanks for letting us know.

It’s so frustrating how currently you have to cancel before being able to book again.

Maybe they could open certain centres for walk ins?

One hopes so - she did ask how I had made my first booking (directly by the web) I ignored my text message. I guess if you haven't heard anything in the next week then probably best to be proactive and call the booking line.

This is the official advice.
www.england.nhs.uk/coronavirus/wp-content/uploads/sites/52/2021/05/C1290-COVID-19-vaccination-accelerating-second-doses-for-priority-cohorts-1-9-.pdf

Notice, if people are already due to get 2nd dose in next 10 days, there is no need to bring forward, just for those booked for later.

Ah ok we did through doctors so will await the text.

Nice helpful thread. Well done ❤

I’m under 50 and had my first vaccine at the GP hub. But have just been able to book my 2nd through the national website. Exactly 8 weeks after my first :)

@OurSiteMap - I just tried to do that and it's only showing me dates within the next two weeks which is too soon. How long after your gp hub appointment did you make the booking on the national website?

@NeverForgetYourDreams

Ah ok we did through doctors so will await the text.

I did mine through the doctors but was able to book the second online. I was surprised as I'm 46 and was only looking to see what centres were available. It's now booked for 8 weeks after the first one.

@BlackLambAndGreyFalcon I had my first jab mid April and just booked my 2nd for mid June. Maybe it was just coincidence that only appointments for 8 weeks plus were listed?

Also if you book your second through the national booking site do they know which vaccine you had for your first vaccination, so you're booked in at a place which has the right one?

@OurSiteMap thanks. I think I'm being a bit over-eager as I've only just had mine! Will give it a few days/weeks and see if it offers me anything further away once the system updates itself.

Thanks but it's a pain to get to the vaccination centre and our doctors one is round the corner. I will wait - always anxious about doing something that will cancel something else by accident ..!

@BlackLambAndGreyFalcon

Also if you book your second through the national booking site do they know which vaccine you had for your first vaccination, so you're booked in at a place which has the right one?

I presume they do as it's linked to your NHS number.

My 2nd is booked for 25 May, 11 weeks from the 1st. I was never contacted by my GP and booked through the website as soon as the
56-60s qualified. Do I need to contact anyone or will they get in touch? I have heard nothing so far.

@MrsBennetsnerves I believe that it's only second doses from 26 May that are being rearranged, so your appointment will probably go ahead.

@User657849

Thanks for letting us know.

It’s so frustrating how currently you have to cancel before being able to book again.

Maybe they could open certain centres for walk ins?

Yes, I have this Problem. I my 2nd vaccine at 12 weeks is in half term week and now we can travel I am going to visit parent I have not seen in a year. I wanted to rearrange but would have to cancel 1st and then rebook and am too worried I will not get a date for many weeks so that it would be 14 weeks or more even before my second vaccine, not sure what to do.

I suspect its coincidental to the AZ not being offered to the under 40s, so the doses that were probably previously reserved for them can now be used on 2nd doses given earlier and at the same time being seen as saving the country by protecting them sooner

I’ve just cancelled my second vaccination booked for first week of June. And rebooked for Monday. Very simple to go this on the NHS vaccination website.

@BlackLambAndGreyFalcon

Also if you book your second through the national booking site do they know which vaccine you had for your first vaccination, so you're booked in at a place which has the right one?

Yes, we're all using the same computer system to record vaccines, as far as I know. I'm at a GP centre and have colleagues who've also vaccinated at major hubs in other areas and have been using the same system.

I gave loads of 2nd doses today at 8 weeks, so we must be ahead of the game as these were booked before the announcement!

@Wellbythebloodyhell

I suspect its coincidental to the AZ not being offered to the under 40s, so the doses that were probably previously reserved for them can now be used on 2nd doses given earlier and at the same time being seen as saving the country by protecting them sooner

Yes I think this is why we were giving so many 2nd doses at 8 weeks today, we initially told everyone it would be closer to 12 weeks as we hadn't expected to get the deliveries this quickly. Obviously they've been redistributed.

@RagzReturnsRebooted where your 2nd doses mainly AZ? The hub I work at is predominantly AZ for 2nd doses for the imminent scheduled clinics

@RagzReturnsRebooted Cross posts

Interesting since they also said today the Pfizer vaccine was more effective with a 12 week gap:

Forbes: 12-Week Gap Between Pfizer Vaccine Doses Generates Higher Antibody Response, Study Finds.
www.forbes.com/sites/siladityaray/2021/05/14/study-finds-12-week-gap-between-pfizer-covid-19-vaccine-dose-generates-35-times-higher-antibody-response/

@Wellbythebloodyhell

I suspect its coincidental to the AZ not being offered to the under 40s, so the doses that were probably previously reserved for them can now be used on 2nd doses given earlier and at the same time being seen as saving the country by protecting them sooner

It’s not. The reliable first dose supply was expected to be Pfizer from here on in. Most second doses, vast majority in fact, are AZ until we cycle back to this point. Basically 2 separate queues and 2 separate supplies.