New national advice from the UK Chief Medical Officers was released on the 30 December outlining when patients should receive their second dose of the COVID-19 vaccination.
This means that some patients who were booked an appointment to receive their second dose in January will need to be postponed so that the NHS can give more people the first dose of the vaccine. Patients who have not yet received a second dose of the COVID-19 vaccination will now receive their vaccine within 12 weeks.
This means the NHS will be to get the maximum benefit for the most people in the shortest possible time and will help save lives.
Patients still need to receive their second vaccine, and it is important that they attend their second appointment once scheduled.
The new medical advice is that the second dose of the vaccine remains effective when given up to 12 weeks after the first dose and should be given towards the end of this 12 week period.
While you will need two doses of the vaccine to get the best long-term protection from the virus, you will still have significant protection at 22 days after you received the first dose. The new guidance will also help ensure that as many people as possible benefit from the first dose of the vaccine as soon as possible.
Please be reassured that there are no safety concerns in the new guidance, and it will not impact on how effective the vaccination is in protecting you from Covid-19 once the course is complete.
You do not need to call us. We will call you to reschedule your second vaccine appointment.
It is important to note that even when you have received your vaccine, you must follow government guidance on social distancing and wearing a mask, as well as the additional measures in place in your area.
We apologise for any inconvenience and look forward to seeing you for your second vaccine dose at the right time.
For more information on the vaccine, please visit www.nhs.uk/covid-vaccination
