9 month gap between 1st and 2nd vaccine

[Pitstop1986]

I had the AstraZenica back in March, and was due to have the second 12 weeks later, however, got pregnant.

At the time, AstraZenica was not authorised for pregnant women, nor was mixing different vaccines, so I wasn't able to get the second dose.

At my 13 week midwife appointment, they told me to get the second dose, however our local policy hadn't been changed, so the vaccination team refused to vaccinate me. After lots of hassle and finally getting a consultant at the hospital that I work at to contact the powers that be to change the policy, I have finally been given an appointment for my second dose.

My question is, since it will have been nine months between vaccines, would it be worth getting my "booster dose" 12 weeks after the second, in effect letting me get the 2 doses in the timeframe it was meant to be given?

I'm worried that 2 vaccinations 9 months apart, then a booster 6 months later won't allow my immune system to fully develop a good level of antibodies against Covid.

Anybody have any knowledge that could give me guidance?

My understanding is that you're not eligible for a booster until 6 months after the second jab.

I think they will just say to have your second for now. I don't think it matters that it's been 9 months. Presumably you won't be eligible for a booster test anyway?

yet

I asked how long the gap needs to be before they refuse to count your second jab as a second.. the doctor at my clinic said they've always counted a second jab as a second despite some VERY long gaps in between first and second doses.

Try and make appointment online and see what it says or go along to a walk in and see whether they give you a Pfizer vaccine. I think it will go down as your second.

I had a 6 month gap between my 2 vaccines - first dose AZ, second dose Pfizer. (I had a bad reaction to AZ and then GP was very slow to confirm could mix the vaccines). I asked if the Pfizer would essentially count as a first dose/me starting again but the GP said no it would be second, but in terms of immunity it’s just as good as having had 2 originally and then a booster in terms of my protection now.

Boosters are only be rolled out now to the over 50s and health and social care workers.
I haven’t heard any talk of it being rolled out to other age groups yet so as it stands right now you won’t be offered a booster.

On the whole long delays seem to be better, with the proviso that you are more at risk in the interim. I’m not aware that there’s a cap on that, but there is probably not much data.
You don’t really have any options anyway.

This will also be interesting for many aged 12+ who are just being offered one jab with no plans for a 2nd. They are not considered fully vaccinated for the purposes of travel etc. If they do get a 2nd and the gap is quite big will that then count as fully vaccinated?

Thanks for all your input. Looks like I'll have to wait for the top up dose.

I'm entitled to the booster vaccination as I'm a nurse.

I've spent the last couple of months in a non patient facing role as occupational health decided that it was too risky for me to be around patients without being double vaccinated (we had a surge of Covid at the time) so the second dose will probably see me back at work, although I've only got a few weeks left, so they may just leave me where I am.

I'm just happy to finally get the second dose, as I'm so worried about catching Covid now I'm in the third trimester.

Thanks again!

It'd be interesting to see if my antibody levels were much different from anyone who has had the 2 doses at intervals recommended, but I guess that's something we'll never know!

@Pitstop1986 can I ask which vaccine you had for your 2nd dose. I am in a similar situation to you. Am wanting Pfizer after having my first Az in April.

@ilovemykids5 I had the AstraZenica for first dose and am booked in to get AstraZenica again for second dose. I had a reaction to the first dose, but it was flu like symptoms that I was told to expect, so not concerned about getting another dose of it

Hope all continues well with your pregnancy.

I have had a big gap between my 2nd and 3rd primary dose, and then will have a 6month gap between 3rd dose and booster.

The good news is if you have a 6mth gap after your 2nd dose that it will be nearer your return to work as a nurse, rather than it being whilst you are at the start of your maternity leave.

I had AZ for dose one and 2, Pfizer for 3rd.