Have you chosen to bring forward your second vaccine appointment or to leave it at 12 weeks?

[HalfJabbed]

I had my first AstraZeneca jab a couple of months ago and my second appointment is booked for 11 and a bit weeks later. No one has contacted me to ask me to move it forward but I know that I could probably get it sooner if I wanted to.

The latest information I have seen suggests that I have only got about 33% protection from one jab and that increases significantly after two jabs....but I know there has been at least one study saying that leaving a longer gap between the jabs gives you a better level of protection.

At the moment, I am leaning towards waiting for my original appointment so that I get better protection in the long run but, if society completely re-opens on 21st June, I would have a period where I have pretty low protection but will be more likely to be exposed to the virus. (I live in an area with higher infection rates and lower vaccine take-up and, while I can avoid going to crowded pubs and other higher-risk social situations, I'm presuming my work will dispense with a lot of the Covid measures they have in place atm if we are supposed to be returning to normal.)

If you are in a similar position, what have you decided to do and why?

I've brought mine forward to 9 weeks (I couldn't do 8). I decided I'd rather have full protection ASAP. I've no idea if this is right or wrong though

There was another thread about this this morning. Can't recall the title I'm afraid but it had some replies discussing the balance of efficacy after number of weeks. I seem to recall the testing wasn't there for every single week, as the data would be distorted. Was a range that was seen as optimum.

I'm pondering the same but have decided to just wait unless advised directly otherwise given the people advising me will have analysed the data and worked out the best course of action for all. No good me having a sooner dose if it would be better used for something else.

In 47 years and my second was due at 11 weeks. Bit the bullet yesterday and cancelled it online. I was able to rebook for 3 weeks earlier (8 weeks and 1 day). So glad I did it. X

Found it!

What was the gap between your first & 2nd AZ doses? www.mumsnet.com/Talk/coronavirus/4261814-What-was-the-gap-between-your-first-2nd-AZ-doses

Do you live in an area where you can easily get to multiple large hubs? If so I'd risk trying to move it forward on the understanding that you need to completely cancel the second appt first. I had mine through a gp hub and was very happy to be invited back at 10wks.

I didn't realise you could rebook for earlier? How?

My mum was called & offered to be given hers 2 weeks earlier. She booked the new date as the original 1 was bang on 12 weeks so no leeway if she was ill.

Mine was originally 11 week gap and I've moved it to 9. Two reasons really 1. It's further from my holidays, in case I feel tired/headachy again after 2. I work in an area of low vaccine take up. Currently it has low levels of virus but I figure this might have changed by then.

I've pulled mine forwards to 8 weeks and 4 days. I just want it done now so I don't have to think about it any more. Also keen to be fully protected by the school holidays. We live in a very popular touristy part of the country and it's going to be rammed with people, so I would rather be jabbed to the max before that happens!

@SonnetForSpring my sis did this had to cancel and rebook

Thank you. What happens if you cancel but can only book later?

Moved mine yesterday. Was 11 weeks now is 8 weeks on the dot - and is now this Wed. The government is only allowing minimum 8 week gap. I want to be fully protected and also able to travel. France have announced that a double jab will mean no testing necessary.

@SonnetForSpring

Thank you. What happens if you cancel but can only book later?

It's a risk you take.

However, your original appointment may not have disappeared in the minute it's taken you to check so you may be able to grab it back. Your booking reference number will change though,

I'm thinking of finding out if I can bring my second one forward by a few weeks - but only as it's currently booked for a week before my due date and not sure if it's the best idea.