Optimum timings between AZ doses?

[Lanique]

I'm thinking about moving my second dose appointment forward, what with the increasing threat of the latest variant looming, as the appt isn't for another 4 weeks; by the time protection for that dose has kicked in, it will be almost seven weeks from now.

However I've seen reports that efficacy is at its best if you leave 12 weeks between doses, and I wouldn't want to decrease my protection if I book my second vaccine this Friday. It would be an 8 week gap.

I suppose this is a WWYD? Any opinions welcome...

I'd balance it with your age, occupation, if you have kids who are likely to bring the virus home, and what area of the country you live in. At this point I'd probably have an 8 week gap and worry about longer lasting immunity later. If it's that much of a problem everyone will need 3rd boosters perhaps.

I split the difference and had a 10 week gap.

Hmm thank you SouthOfFrance. I have secondary age kids but we live in a currently low-risk area.

Ellmau yes I was thinking of doing that! As it is my appts are just 11 weeks apart so it would bring it forward a week. It still feels like an eternity away until then though...!

I'm having mine next weekend which will be 9 weeks. I just want to get it out of the way and get fully protected ASAP.

There's definitely a feeling at the moment of just wanting to get it out the way and get on with my life (not that it would change much )

On the basis that there isn't, to the best of my knowledge, sufficient comparative data to reach a definitive conclusion on whether 8 or 12 weeks is optimum, I'd base my decision on the solid evidence that two jabs are far better than one, and therefore minimise any period where I wasn't double-jabbed.

In summary, I'd definitely have my second jab sooner rather than later.... and as a 40-something who had their AZ jab in April, that's exactly what I'm going to do!

I had my 2nd dose booked for 11 weeks after the first but had to cancel as I really need to feel 100% the day after it and I think the chances of being ill afterwards are still high (was really ill for 3 days after first).

New date is 12 weeks and 1 day which stressed me out a bit but surely one day can't make a difference?

If I were you, I'd got for 10-11 weeks. I wouldn't want it any earlier than that. Unless I was really at risk and in a bad area.

I tried to move my vaccine forward and was offered a date after!

New figures out today from PHE say you will have 92% protection against hospitalisation after two doses of AZ, so the sooner you have it the better!

www.gov.uk/government/news/vaccines-highly-effective-against-hospitalisation-from-delta-variant

In my area in Scotland they are telling us to move them forward so there's only 8 weeks between doses

I changed mine from 11 weeks to 8 weeks.

OK, thanks so much everyone for your sage advice!

I have gone ahead and rebooked for this Friday.

In my hotspot area surgeries are calling people to book 2nd AZ dose after 5 weeks

@Lanique

OK, thanks so much everyone for your sage advice!

I have gone ahead and rebooked for this Friday.

Excellent, and very likely the right decision

I hope so! I do feel much more at peace now I've made the decision