The Government has been criticised for a “complete failure” to communicate the risk of people receiving second coronavirus vaccinations too early amid fears that the group are more likely to be affected by a potential fourth wave this winter.
Warnings over the lack of long-term protection offered by jab intervals shorter than eight weeks come as scores of under 40s continue to receive second doses early at walk-in clinics, contrary to Government guidance.
Professor Anthony Harnden, deputy chair of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), told i the impact was unlikely to be felt during the summer as the current third wave of cases would be on the decrease by the time second doses kicked in.
“But what you might do is give [people receiving second doses early] less protection against infections in a potential fourth wave,” he said.
“There is very good immunological and vaccine effectiveness evidence that the longer you leave that second dose the better for Pfizer and eight weeks seems to be a reasonable compromise.”
Second doses were offered to people who had been jabbed at least three weeks previously at some pop-up vaccination sites during the Government’s “Grab a Jab” scheme in June before NHS England cracked down on the practice.
On 5 July, Boris Johnson announced the wait would be cut from 12 weeks to eight for the under-40s in a bid to offer all adults both doses by mid-September.
However, evidence on social media suggests second jabs are still being administered early at some walk-in clinics in England ahead of the easing of restrictions on 19 July and the relaxation of quarantine measures for the fully-vaccinated.
Munira Wilson, health spokesperson for the Liberal Democrats, said young people had made “extraordinary sacrifices” during the pandemic and many thought they were “doing the right thing” by trying to get both vaccines as quickly as possible.
“The Government has completely failed to communicate the point that the eight-week wait between vaccines is crucial for obtaining the most antibodies possible,” she added.
“This is another communication failure in a long line of mistakes from the Government and could lead to more young people both having Covid and needing to isolate. The very last thing they need whilst they are studying or building a career.”
Last week, people in their 20s told i that within the last few days they had received a second dose only 21 days after their first jab.
But those skipping the wait for greater short-term protection from the virus as coronavirus measures are lifted on Monday could be less protected in the months to come.
While data to indicate the length of protection vaccination with an early second dose might give does not yet exist, Professor Harnden emphasised that “you’re definitely less protected against asymptomatic disease if you have a shorter dose interval”.
He added that although there wasn’t a specific issue with people receiving second doses a few days early “if it avoids vaccine wastage”, much shorter intervals were “not in the person’s best interest or the population’s best interest”.
“Our policy is eight weeks so they shouldn’t be having it early and if they’re having it early to get off on their holidays it’s not a sensible idea really,” he said.
In the event of a potential fourth wave this winter, Professor Harnden added it was “possible” that booster jabs could be needed for those who received a second vaccine early and whose long-term protection has waned.
The Government has proposed to offer millions of people who are most vulnerable to Covid – including the elderly and immuno-compromised – a third booster vaccination from September to prolong their protection but is yet to set out plans for groups who are less at risk.
“The programme’s designed to prevent hospitalisations and deaths and therefore targeting boosters with the most vulnerable first is clearly the right strategy,” said Professor Harnden.
An NHS England spokesperson said vaccination centres were being contacted and told not to administer second doses ahead of the eight-week delay.
“Every site should vaccinate in line with JCVI guidance which is clear that second doses should take place eight weeks after the first,” they added.
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) referred i to NHS England for comment on the issue of vaccine dose intervals.