MILLIONS of Brits have already received a second dose of a coronavirus vaccine.
But when should you expect your second jab? Here's all you need to know.
When will I get my second jab?
Everyone over the age of 18 has now been invited to book their jabs, so you can get your second eight weeks after your first.
Do not book it for before then, because otherwise you won't be fully protected.
Some walk in centres are accepting people who have had their first jab only 21 days prior, but it's best to wait til eight weeks if you can.
Can I change the date of my second jab?
If you already have an appointment booked, but this date no longer suits, you can amend the date or time.
On the NHS website you can view your appointments, cancel your appointments and re-book appointments.
Do I book my second jab online?
If you booked your first jab on the NHS National Booking Service you should also book your second jab online.
You will need your NHS number and the service calculates when your second shot is due.
You can book eight weeks after your first injection – and can easily cancel and rebook if you need to.
Some people have already received a date for their second dose, why haven’t I?
The system for receiving a second date varies.
If you booked your first dose through the NHS website, you should have been able to book your second dose at the same time.
But if you were given your appointment through your GP, you probably have not received a date for your second yet.
If this applies to you, you will be contacted closer to the deadline to make an appointment.
However some vaccination centres have been giving Brits their second appointment at the time of their first dose.
If my wait between doses is more than 12 weeks, will my vaccination be less effective?
According to Dr Chris Smith, a clinical lecturer in virology at Cambridge University, the “optimal interval” between doses is not yet known.
He said: “For the average person, we're probably on reasonably firm ground if the booster date drifts a bit.
“The immune system has not evolved with a stopwatch in its hand. It doesn't stand tapping its foot and counting down the minutes to 12 weeks before declaring, Dragon's Den style, 'I'm out'.
“We have evolved to form long-lived immune memories that can be recalled far into the future to protect us from chance re-encounters with things we've met before.”
It is unlikely you will wait longer than 12 weeks now, unless you choose to. As the Government is encouraging people to book with an eight week gap where possible.
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