Forum Topic

Gap between Pfizer vaccine doses should be halved, say doctors

Article from the BBC today 23-01-21https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-55777084

Bernard Allen ● 2104d27 Comments

So that’s the BMA, the WHO and Pfizer themselves who all say the gap should be shortened. I’ve written to Ruth Cadbury twice with my concerns.

Susan Jacques ● 2104d

It was Tony Blair who first advocated 12 weeks, to speed up 1st vaccination. Another bright idea from a politician.

Steven Trembath ● 2104d

ST > "Another bright idea from a politician."Authorised by the MHRA, recommended by the JCVI and endorsed by the four UK CMOs.

John Whitworth ● 2104d

There was no data from the drug manufacturer for a longer interval between doses so how would they know better than the manufacturer?

Basil Finnis ● 2104d

BF > "There was no data from the drug manufacturer for a longer interval between doses so how would they know better than the manufacturer?"I have no idea.Just irritated that the responsibility for the decision was being attributed to a politician with absolutely no say in the matter.

John Whitworth ● 2104d

In France, they wanted to stick to the three weeks between the 2 vaccinations. Now the health authorities would like the interval to be increased to 6 weeks to speed up the number of people vaccinated. Nothing has been decided yet. Same result: 6 weeks!

Martine Dismore ● 2104d

I understood it was because that was how they had tested it and that is why they are sticking to their recommendations.  It would have required more testing.

Philippa Bond ● 2104d

Politicians didn’t make the decision so leave politics out and given the urgency to protect as many people as possible in the shortest amount of time whilst a tough call probably a sensible decision by the experts. Testing lots of different scenarios takes time which we don’t have. Of course the manufacturers are not going to support it for obvious reasons.

Jayne Thorburn ● 2104d

correction  just different testing

Philippa Bond ● 2104d

Surely if you don't know then delaying the time between the second dose risks making it far less effective?

Basil Finnis ● 2104d

It is a risk, but a carefully calculated one. If the NHS weren't already at breaking point and cases spiralling out of control then yes, in an ideal world the vaccines would be rolled out in line with the original guidelines (although I did read somewhere that as far as the AZ vaccine is concerned they believe 3 months in between will actually be better, I'll try & find it). Given that we are in less than ideal circumstances then the analogy that has made a lot of sense to me is the following. If you're driving a car at night then obviously both headlights are optimal, if the option is driving with neither or one, then obviously everyone is better off with one headlight rather than 50% having both & 50% none. It is not ideal, but it is what circumstances have forced on us.

Huw Burford-Taylor ● 2104d

"Just irritated that the responsibility for the decision was being attributed to a politician with absolutely no say in the matter."Then why does TB believe it his prerogative to spout his proposal on Radio 4 Today programme a month or so ago ?

Steven Trembath ● 2104d

Don't think that analogy works because if you have one headlight you are still very unlikely to have a crash whereas if you have one dose of the vaccine it would appear that there is still a 50% chance of you catching the virus. This is much lower than was originally hoped.I supported the idea of vaccinating as many individuals as quickly as possible but that was predicated on the assumption that vaccine supply would ramp up significantly so availability would not be a problem by the time the second dose was due.To be fair to the government, given the virulence of the disease I still think this is the right way to go. It may now be best to stop giving first vaccines to any one who isn't under 70, particularly vulnerable or a key worker and wind back to giving them second doses.

Francis Rowe ● 2104d

ST > "Then why does TB believe it his prerogative to spout his proposal on Radio 4 Today programme a month or so ago ?"Free speech?

John Whitworth ● 2104d

Apparently the hospitals are filling up with people in their 60’s so I think given all the circumstances one vaccine should either protect someone or at worst the virus should be milder is the best option we have at the moment given the delay from the manufacturers. We also have to remember the whole world wants it so at least our government had the foresight to buy millions of doses betting on a few options. Europe on the other hand is not in such a fortunate position.

Jayne Thorburn ● 2104d

No problem. All I'm saying is he is wrong.

Steven Trembath ● 2104d

The early data coming out of Israel about the Pfizer vaccine is very encouraging both in the amount or protection the initial jab provides and the amount it is apparently reducing transmission. From all that I have read as well, that if you are unfortunate enough to catch the virus after a single jab & once 2/3 weeks have passed so as to build up immunity there were no hospitalisations and no fatalities of those infected.

Huw Burford-Taylor ● 2104d

As a doctor who had his first dose of the Pfizer vaccine just over 2 weeks ago I’d far rather wait about 10 weeks for my second than deprive someone else if the chance to have a first jab in the next few weeks. The levels of infection are so high now that it’s likely more lives will be saved be delaying the jabs and getting as much population immunity to high risk groups as quickly as possible. I’m with the Chief Scientific and Medical Officer’s on this. It’s a brave decision, and probably right.

Edward Seaton ● 2104d

Thanks for sharing your informed opinion, Edward.

Susan Kelly ● 2104d

Thanks Edward your view is shared by the medics I know.

Jayne Thorburn ● 2104d

Now just need to persuade those who have had the jab that it isn't a passport to going back to life pre-covid immediately.

Philippa Bond ● 2104d

I may hang in here to June then I'm brown bread as apparently no protection from a singe Pfizer jab once the 5 months is up.  The Government have already wasted precious Pfizer doses on hundreds of us tottering, drooling, doddery old farts and the highly vulnerable  - why did they bother to single us out in the  first place???      It's the younger bods and those poor sodding overworked, stressed, wonderful front line medics, nurses, teachers, postmen, delivery drivers, refuse collectors, etc., etc., who MUST all be vaccinated and should be the top priority.      The other(s) vaccine Astra Zenica should have the 2nd jab several weeks apart, it's designed that way. We aged may stand more chance with A-Z rather than than half a dose of Pfizer.  Pity you must not mix the two vaccines!

Jennifer Selig ● 2104d

Come on Jennifer, one thing we all know about you is you’re a tough old bird.  You’ll get your second inoculation by June, even under the current plans. If the latest data shows you need it sooner, then plans will get re-jigged and you may get it sooner. Quite right too. Meantime, these are hard days and we need the likes of you to stay strong and resolute!!

Kerry Chandler ● 2104d

Be grateful you have had a jab Jennifer many people haven’t so I would thank the NHS, age for once is in your side ha! I am sure you are also being careful stay safe.

Jayne Thorburn ● 2104d

We should also remember that contrary to what was expected, a smaller than initially intended amount of the Astra Xeneca vaccine was found to paradoxically result in greater eventual  protection after the second dose had been given.So maybe it was the wrong decision to delay the second dose of the Pfizer vaccine, and then again maybe it won’t be such a significant issue, and we’ll manage to give a lot more people a degree of protection that they wouldn’t have had so early if we’d stuck with the original plan.

Andrew Jones ● 2103d

If one jab of anything will prevent serious illness and death, the NHS can recover. Then next year for a second roll-out (like the flu jab) there will be enough doses available to really attempt eradication.

Vivienne Cox ● 2103d

What I dont know is how many shots the UK get out of one Pfizer vial, 5 or 6. If not 6 why is this. Is it because dead space syringes are not readily available.

Nicholas Beard ● 2103d