Second dose delay vow

NHS bosses insist a vaccine shortage will not trigger second-dose delays after a cancer patient of 91 was forced to wait more than the promised three months.

Other pensioners said they struggled to get an appointment within the time frame recommended by scientists.

AgeUK described the reports of delays as “concerning”.

Cancer patient Thomas Sims should have had his second Pfizer jab by April 3, but he was unable to get an appointment until Friday – one week and six days late.

Mr Sims, from Stainforth, South Yorks, said: “I was getting a bit concerned.”

Prof Christina Pagel, who sits on Independent SAGE, said it was “important to honour second-dose promises”.

The NHS suggested the delays were the result of isolated local issues.