Longer gap between jabs considered
A longer recommended gap between
Covid-19 Pfizer jabs is being considered by the Government.
Currently, a three-week schedule is being used in the country’s vaccine rollout but growing evidence suggested a longer gap between
Covid-19 jabs might be ‘‘even better’’. Dr Nikki Turner, the director of the Immunisation Advisory Centre, said the latest data showed longer spacing between jabs could potentially reduce side effects after the second dose.
Speaking purely from a scientific point of view, she explained a gap upwards of six weeks was usually not a problem, and a longer gap might be a ‘‘better schedule’’.
A pre-print study out of the United Kingdom earmarked eight weeks as the sweet spot to fight against the highly-infectious delta variant, while another recommended 11 to 12 weeks.
‘‘The data coming through shows that the vaccine is probably even better with a longer gap, and, potentially, you might get lower side effects with your second dose with a longer dose [gap],’’ Turner said.
Common side effects of the jab included pain or swelling at the injection site, fatigue, headaches, muscle aches or chills. Clinical trials of the vaccine found these reactions reported in every one in 10 and one in 100 people.
Turner clarified this new data didn’t diminish the efficacy of the three-week regime, and that there
was ‘‘nothing wrong’’ with this schedule.
‘‘The Pfizer vaccine is highly effective with a three-week gap, that was designed for a pandemic situation.
‘‘There’s no sign of waning immunity with a three-week gap.’’
Director-General of Health Dr
Ashley Bloomfield said yesterday he planned to talk to Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern about potentially extending the gap between Pfizer doses.
The Ministry of Health’s existing recommendations worked to a threeweek schedule.
Different timing had been used around the world. In the United Kingdom, Pfizer jabs had been administered 12 weeks apart to maximise available doses and ensure greater coverage.
In Australia, New South Wales Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant yesterday recommended a six-week window for the same reason.
Turner said longer schedules would be suitable for places where it wasn’t ‘‘imperative’’ full vaccinations be completed within three weeks.