Different Second Vaccine Dose For Some Islanders

Monday, 8 March 2021 07:00

Some people in Jersey due to get their second dose of the Covid 19 vaccine won't necessarily get the same make as their first jab.

A review has concluded it is 'reasonable and safe' to use different vaccines when the same type is not available.

The approach is endorsed by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation.

The government says policy largely applies to those being vaccinated at home who could therefore receive the AstraZeneca vaccine for their second dose, if they received the Pfizer vaccine as their first dose, depending on supply availability.

It says it will used 'in low numbers in the community' and not at the Vaccination Centre at Fort Regent.

The recommendation has been made by Deputy Medical Officer of Health, Dr Ivan Muscat, Chief Pharmacist, Paul McCabe, and Associate Medical Director, Dr Adrian Noon.

The panel have agreed to use a vaccine from a different manufacturer for the second dose when appropriate.

The Head of the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme, Becky Sherrington, says it will make it easier where they need to inoculate people at home:

“The Pfizer vaccine was the first vaccine we received in December, when we started our vaccination roll out to residential and care homes.

“The Pfizer vaccine cannot be transported from one location to another once it is diluted and ready for use, which makes the AstraZeneca vaccine a more practical solution when vaccination teams are out delivering vaccine in Islanders’ homes.

“Having the option to give the AstraZeneca vaccine as an alternative second dose will provide much more flexibility, allowing us to easily transport vaccinations to people in their homes, preventing vaccine wastage, and fully protecting more Islanders.”

Dr Ivan Muscat, Deputy Medical Office of Health, says: “We need to vaccinate as many people as possible, as soon as possible, so being able to give a different second dose of the vaccine in the community, safely, is a positive step. It will help to protect our most vulnerable Islanders while also maximising use of our vaccine supply, and therefore protecting our population.”