As the Covid-19 vaccination rollout continues to make progress, many are now keen to know when they will get their second dose of a vaccine.
A new milestone has been reached, with more than 60 million doses now administered, and more than 22.6 million people have received their second jab as well as their first, according to official government figures.
Here is how and when people can get the second dose of the vaccine.
How can I book my second dose?
You will need two doses of all the vaccines currently being used in the UK, which include Pfizer, AstraZeneca, and in some cases, Modern vaccines.
In general, appointments for second doses are booked at the same time as first doses via the NHS website.
If you are in one of the eligible groups mentioned below, or have received a text or letter inviting you to book your vaccination, you can do so by heading to the NHS website’s booking service, here.
Some people in older or more vulnerable groups will be contacted by the NHS if they need to rebook their second dose appointment for an earlier date.
Who can get the vaccine now?
Those being invited to book their vaccine via the NHS website are:
- people aged 32 and over
- people who will turn 32 before 1 July 2021
- people at high risk from Covid-19 (clinically extremely vulnerable)
- people who live or work in care homes
- health and social care workers
- people with a condition that puts them at higher risk (clinically vulnerable)
- people with a learning disability
- people who are a main carer for someone at high risk from Covid-19
When will second doses be given?
People should get their second dose between 8 to 12 weeks after the first, according to the NHS.
Official advice originally said people should get their second dose of the vaccine up to 12 weeks after the first, and this vaccination schedule remains the case for many people.
The aim at the time was to offer as many people a first dose of the vaccine as possible.
Who can get their second dose early?
Those aged over 50 should now get the second dose of the Covid vaccine after eight weeks rather than 12, based on new advice.
Second dose appointments will be brought forward for those in the top nine priority groups who have yet to receive their second jab.
This also includes those in some clinically vulnerable groups, such as those with certain pre-existing health conditions, who should also now have their second dose of the coronavirus jab appointment accelerated.
Those who can have their second jab brought forward will be contacted by the NHS. You do not need to contact the NHS.
Advice on the NHS vaccination booking website said: “We’ll be contacting some people in high-risk groups directly to offer earlier appointments for their 2nd dose of the Covid-19 vaccine.
“Please wait to be contacted if you think you’re in this group.
“If you’ve been contacted and you’d like to rebook, you’ll need to cancel your existing appointment before we can offer you new appointments.”
