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Coronavirus Vaccine: Islanders Face Second Dose Delays

Changes to national guidance means some Isle of Wight residents will have to wait longer than planned to get their second dose of the coronavirus vaccine.

The Government has extended the gap between the first and second dose of the vaccination from 21 days to 12 weeks.

Patients at Ventnor Medical Practice are among those who have had appointments postponed or rearranged.

The change is because of new advice from the UK Chief Medical Officers.

It states that the second dose of the vaccine remains effective when given up to 12 weeks after the first dose, and should be given towards the end of this 12 week period.

NHS England says two doses of the vaccine are still needed to get the best protection from the virus, but significant protection is still provided at 22 days after the first dose.

It insists there are no safety concerns in the new guidance where people have already had their second dose of the vaccine earlier than 12 weeks after their first dose.

For more information on the vaccine, please visit www.nhs.uk/covid-vaccination

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