Forum Topic

Walk-ins at Fountains this weekend

Saturday and Sunday, both Pfizer and AZ, both first and second doses though second dose should be after a minimum of 8 weeks.8:30 - 19:30 Sat8:30 - 18:00 Sun

Susan Kelly ● 1935d16 Comments

Does anyone know the latest thinking on the optimum time to get a second vaccine after receiving the first?

Francis Rowe ● 1934d

If I recall correctly, the data was showing 12 weeks (maximum antibody concentration). 

Angela Knight ● 1934d

If I recall correctly, the data was showing 12 weeks (maximum antibody concentration). 

Angela Knight ● 1934d

If I recall correctly, the data was showing 12 weeks (maximum antibody concentration). 

Angela Knight ● 1934d

Yes 12 weeks for both AZ and Pfizer for max antibodies. But,  given the current rate of growth of infections I’d be inclined to get my second dose as soon as available to me. In Chiswick (only) around 2/3 of adults have had one dose and 1/2 two doses. Acton and Hammersmith have significantly lower vaccination rates than this. So,  expect infection rates in west london to grow very quickly over the next few weeks. A second dose now will give significantly better protection against symptomatic infection or worse and some protection against infection at all (especially, it appears, Pfizer) just in time for “freedom” day.

David Turner ● 1934d

You have to weigh up the benefits of optimum 12 weeks against being fully vaccinated after 8 (plus another 2!).

Susan Kelly ● 1934d

The telegraph has a good article on this, on balance a 2nd dose after 8 weeks is a better option as the benefits of waiting until 12 weeks are slight. I really think anyone in this position should get the 2nd dose ASAP, unless they’re going to be a hermit for the next few weeks. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/global-health/science-and-disease/mind-gap-evidence-behind-governments-covid-19-vaccine-dosing/

David Turner ● 1934d

Yes, I think that's what I would do.

Susan Kelly ● 1934d

There's now talk of reducing the gap between doses to four weeks to increase the number of fully vaccinated people sooner.With a lot of young people not coming forward for vaccination, there's no shortage of supply.

Susan Kelly ● 1933d

Just to clarify Susan's original post - they are not giving second doses to anyone who has had their first dose less than eight weeks ago at the Brentford Fountain centre today.

Jeremy Parkinson ● 1933d

Are they giving doses to people who don't have their NHS number or who aren't registered with a local doctor?  It can be incredibly difficult to get busy young people to register with a new practice when they move.  (I'm no longer in that position but it took a lot of nagging!)https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/gps/how-to-register-with-a-gp-surgery/

Philippa Bond ● 1933d

Yes, no decision has been made about the four-week thing, though a young friend of mine recently had her second after a five-week gap.

Susan Kelly ● 1933d

My second jab was 29 days after the first. I recall that AZ recommended a 4 week gap when they first issued the vaccine. I got my second by fluke.

Stewart Jones ● 1933d

I believe they are giving to those without an NHS number — well at least they did in the vaccination centre in Barnet. 
the vaccination website specified that one does not need an NHS number to receive their vaccination — simply require name, address (and I expect DOB).

Angela Knight ● 1933d

They're not demanding much paperwork, or not in London. Too many people who don't have any paperwork but still need to be vaccinated.

Susan Kelly ● 1933d

Quite

Angela Knight ● 1933d