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Covid

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Original poster

Anyone got dose 2 before 8 weeks?

18 replies

Cherubb · 02/08/2021 11:46

I am going on holiday next Friday, vaccine 2 is booked for the Wednesday (so 2 days before holiday) which is exactly 8 weeks since dose 1 for me. I would like to get it earlier because last time I had 10 days of side effects. I have also had long Covid so I am already not in the best of health and feel I will need to clear a few days to 'recover' just in case of more side effects. Holiday involves a lot of prep and a long solo drive (UK not abroad).

Has anyone managed to get their second (pfizer) a bit earlier at a walk in centre? The walk in centre here is a long drive for me and I am reluctant to go and be turned away. I was hoping to go this week so will be 7-7.5 weeks past first dose anyway and just wondered if others have done this successfully?

OP posts:

NuffSaidSam · 02/08/2021 11:54

It's fine, just rebook your appointment for the date you want using the website.

CatAlice · 02/08/2021 11:56

DS got his at 5 weeks. He was teaching at a school with v high covid rates. He went to two walk in centres, the first refused but the second gave it to him. Most of his friends did the same.
The NHS website won't let you book less than an 8 week gap.

Original poster

Cherubb · 02/08/2021 12:15

Yes I can't do that @NuffSaidSam as it won't allow me to book before the date I have done already.

I am going to drive past a centre today so will pop in and ask. I don't think they do walk ins all the time but at least they may be able to tell me when to come back.

OP posts:

NuffSaidSam · 02/08/2021 12:19

Ok, is that because they don't have any appointments left? If so you could try a different venue.

It's definitely possible to have them closer together, I know loads of people who have done so. We all got messages encouraging us to do that!

I think you should be able to get it at a drop in centre in that case.

Mindymomo · 02/08/2021 12:28

You could try a walk in one near you, but both my DS have theirs booked for exactly 8 weeks after their first and the website wouldn’t let them bring them forward.

Wankerchief · 02/08/2021 12:29

My local boots goes walk ins, it’s worth ringing and asking

BatmanBaby · 02/08/2021 13:16

My GP offered us ours 3 weeks after the first. We took them up on it :)

Wilkolampshade · 02/08/2021 13:40

Worth checking all walk-ins you can get to easily.
My DD managed it at 3 weeks, but she made a very determined effort over few days or so to do so, trying everywhere and anywhere..

7.5 weeks should be very doable somewhere I would think!

Wheresmrpenguin · 02/08/2021 14:00

I got mine bang on 6 weeks cos I was volunteering and they were going to waste. They were very reluctant because it's not as effective at 6 weeks than it is 8, but better to be some protected and not have it go to waste than wait. You'd be best going towards the end of a walk in session.

Wheresmrpenguin · 02/08/2021 14:04

@Wheresmrpenguin

Sorry just seen walk in is a drive away which is strange, I have 2-3 within 20 minute drive from me. If not try a normal hub, it might be the same, each time I've volunteered there's always been spares from no shows.

nordica · 02/08/2021 14:33

Officially not so it depends on how strict that particular centre is on the day you go. When I had my 2nd dose there were people asking about walk-in appointments and they were very strict about the 8 weeks - even one day early wasn't accepted.

hellsbells99 · 02/08/2021 14:43

Several of DD’s friends got theirs early this weekend at pop-up clinics. You just have to say you want it early for travel purposes.

RoseWineTime · 02/08/2021 14:45

Reddit have lots of places giving early second doses.

KittyMcKitty · 02/08/2021 14:47

Where I work we’d do it after 14 days (so when you’re into your 8th week).

MRex · 02/08/2021 14:54

It's a little more effective with the longer gap. Unless you'll be particularly at risk, it might be better to schedule it for after your holiday.

Lightningrain · 02/08/2021 16:26

A man was turned away trying to get his second a day before 8 weeks while I was waiting for mine. He said he was going on holiday but was told no exceptions.

It seems to depend on the policy of individual vaccination centres.

Cookerhood · 02/08/2021 16:33

Our centre was vaccinating anyone over 3 weeks but they've had their wrists slapped so now it's 8 weeks. I think they might do it if you had documents for eg, students going abroad for a year.

Original poster

Cherubb · 02/08/2021 16:35

I tried one walk in today but they no longer offer Pfizer.

I have called another and they say 'possibly next week' i.e. 2 days earlier than scheduled they would allow it. I will try my luck this Thursday at a clinic relatively near (15 min drive) and i think if no luck there will schedule for after my holiday. The holiday in itself isn't especially risky but obviously just keen to be 'fully' protected although I have had Covid and one dose so hopefully have some protection now already.

I think there are far fewer clinics no outside of large towns / cities so it is becoming a little harder to get than it was.

OP posts:

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