A government scientific adviser says four weeks between some Covid shots is too early.
This is because people have been sharing tips online about some places that are giving out second doses after just a month.
Walk-in vaccination centers opened across England last weekend.
According to Public Health England, Pfizer shots can be safely administered after just 21 days.
But the government’s scientific adviser, Professor Anthony Harnden, says for others the ‘sweet spot’ is eight weeks, and earlier means you won’t be protected for as long.
Prof Anthony Harnden is a member of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunization and advises the Government on the introduction of vaccines.
He says: “The data strongly suggests that the longer you leave that second dose on, the better long-term protection you have.
“From about eight weeks, there’s kind of a sweet spot, and we wouldn’t advise anyone to really take the second dose before that.”
Second doses should “usually” be given eight to 12 weeks after the first dose, according to the NHS website.
Prof Harnden says he understands concerns about vaccines going to waste: “We want vaccines in guns, not in fridges.”
But it is still much more effective to wait the right time before a second vaccination.
Prof Harnden’s advice comes too late for a number of people who posted online to say they received a second vaccination before the recommended waiting time.
If that means protection from the virus is less effective, Prof Harnden says it’s “quite possible” that younger people may need booster shots later.
The booster program for those over 50 is currently planned for this winter.
“We will examine this data very closely,” says Prof. Harnden, “if it turns out that young people are indeed at risk more than six months after vaccination, then we will adjust the booster program accordingly.
“But that’s not necessary at the moment.”
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Prof Harnden says young people have made “such sacrifices” during the pandemic, “in terms of lifestyle restrictions and financial implications” and that it is now “in their interest” to get vaccinated.
“We know they are very effective. We know some young people get severe episodes of Covid and long Covid.
“There are many myths about the vaccine, particularly fertility, that are completely untrue.”
If the health reasons are not enough, Prof Harnden adds to his pleading: “We don’t know what other countries will do and we see more and more countries requiring vaccination certificates.
“I think if you travel in the future you will need the vaccine.”
Referring to a UK vaccination certificate system that will eventually be introduced, he says it’s “very likely” that we’ll want to see people’s vaccination status before we let them into the country.
“And what I would say to young people is, if you get the offer, just take it.”
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