New advice is to book in second Covid jab at first

Queenslanders are being urged to book in their second dose of Pfizer when they are having their first as concerns rise over Pfizer supplies.

Queenslanders are being urged to book in their second dose of Pfizer when they are having their first as concerns rise over Pfizer supplies.

While the optimal gap between shots is three weeks, Queensland Health confirms that the second dose can be pushed out to six weeks.

A gap of up to 42 days is allowed by the nation’s expert advisory body on vaccines the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI). However some people interstate, booking in for the Pfizer vaccine, are being given appointments seven weeks apart.

One of Queensland’s top general practitioners report that Queenslanders are being forced to shop around for their second dose of the Pfizer vaccine due to supply issues. “I’ve heard of people having to go hunting for their follow up shot,” Dr Bruce Willett, Queensland chair of Royal Australian College of General Practitioners said.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk reported on Monday that Queenslanders may have to wait until October for their first jab.

A masked man walks outside a COVID-19 vaccine and testing clinic in Brisbane. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Dan Peled

The Federal Government has started sending doses of Pfizer to 500 GP clinics.

“GPs will do what they did with the AstraZeneca vaccine. They will book patients in for their second shot when they come for their first and will be a priority. That’s the plan and we are hopeful we will have enough supplies by then,” he said.

Queensland Health has confirmed they will be prioritising anyone due for a second Pfizer dose as well as those in Phase1a and 1b of the national rollout strategy.

“The second dose does not need to be given at exactly 21 days after the first dose. There is a window in which you can receive your second dose. The second dose of the COVID-19 Pfizer vaccine is recommended to be administered as close to the 21 to 42 day window (3-6 weeks) after your first vaccination,” a spokesman said.

Queensland Health encourages people to book their second dose appointment at their first dose appointment.

News Corp was told that last month Simon spent three days trying to get an appointment for a Pfizer shot and finally secured an appointment at Sydney’s mass vaccination site at Homebush on July 15. However, he was shocked to discover he had to wait until September 1 for his second inoculation.

“I feel exposed,” the self- employed 58 year old said.

“I won’t be fully protected for ten weeks and Covid is circulating all around Sydney,” he said