Can anyone explain about gap between doses?

[DarceyDashwood]

Does anyone know how much of a difference it makes in terms of effectiveness of vaccine (AZ) depending on if you have your second dose at 9 weeks as opposed to 11/12?

My second dose was due around first week in June however via the online booking link I’m now being offered next week which will be 9 weeks since my first dose.

However I understood AZ to be more effective with a longer gap.

I guess what I’m wondering is which is the most beneficial- getting my second dose early given the new variant situation or waiting until 11/12 weeks? Is there much in it? I’m early 40s with no underlying health conditions other than being a bit overweight (have lost 1.5 stone since January though at least!)

I am a worrier and overthink anything so in some ways choice isn’t necessarily a good thing for me!!!

OP sorry I don't know the answer, but what made you think a longer gap was better? I tried Googling but didn't find the answer.

I have just moved my second jab earlier, as I'd rather be fully vaccinated sooner than later

@MaryJosephJesusAndTheWeeDonkey

OP sorry I don't know the answer, but what made you think a longer gap was better? I tried Googling but didn't find the answer.

I have just moved my second jab earlier, as I'd rather be fully vaccinated sooner than later

It’s been proven that a longer gap between doses is more effective for AZ. Chris Whitby mentioned it last night in the press conference also.

But I think you’re probably right about being fully vaccinated sooner rather than later

Ps great user name!

Here’s a link:

www.google.co.uk/amp/s/mobile.reuters.com/article/amp/idUSKBN2AJ1WZ

I got called back at 8 weeks x I googled it as wasn’t sure and found 4 to 12 weeks gap is ok

@DarceyDashwood thanks for the link!

Someone from the JCVI was talking about it on TV earlier. Seems there isn't much difference really. You will be better protected sooner by having the 2nd dose. There is some data that suggests a longer gap is even better overall but it really doesn't have much impact as all the current vaccines are highly effective in protecting us from serious illness and death. It's more on a population level they have found leaving the long gap was a genius plan as it has meant protecting lots more people quicker than if they had stuck to the 4 weeks initially planned.

Thanks all for the replies. Still unsure of what to do but seems like getting fully vaccinated sooner might be the best thing

OP, I came on here to start a thread about whether anyone had had their 2nd dose brought forward as I know this is one of the governmmnet's tactics for tackling the new variant.

So it's obviously happening. My 2nd vaccine is booked for 3 weeks time, I'd like to have it sooner if I can (over 50 and we have family with young kids coming to visit in a couple of weeks.)

I rang the NHS and was told I'd need to wait to be notified - you can't book a new appointment without cancelling the one you have first, and I don't want to take the risk that my appointment would be delayed further.

I'd advise you to take advantage of the fact you are being offered the 2nd jab earlier and go for it.