Information for people requesting a different second dose Covid-19 vaccine

What we know about COVID-19 vaccines:

• All Covid vaccines can have side effects. These include pain at injection site, tiredness, headache, muscle pain, chills, joint pain and fever. These side effects often occur less frequently with the second dose of AZ and this should not be a reason to have a different vaccine for the second dose.
• The national recommendation is that first and second dose vaccines should be of the same vaccine type.
• The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (independent experts) have reviewed the risks and benefits of the current vaccines and have recommended that ‘Individuals who have received a first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine should complete the course with the same vaccine, with the exception of those who experience an episode of thrombosis combined with thrombocytopaenia’ associated with the first dose of the vaccine.

Why do scientists suggest that you should stick with the same vaccine for your second dose?

• Whilst there have been no changes to national guidance, there is emerging evidence that having an alternate second dose is both safe and effective.
• We do not know yet the effectiveness of mixing vaccine types for first and second dose.
• We have good trial and real-life data that two doses of the same vaccine brand produce high rates of immunity and good protection from catching Covid-19, protection from hospitalisation and death, and also of reducing spread of the disease to others.
• Real life data shows two doses of vaccine are necessary to get the levels of immunity needed to provide good protection against the latest Covid19 virus variant that originated in India.

We are required to administer vaccines in line with these national recommendations and vaccine availability and cannot routinely offer alternative vaccines as a second dose unless the above exceptional circumstance has occurred.

• If, having considered the above advice, you chose to decline the recommended vaccine we will endeavour to contact you to offer you an alternative. However, this is dependent on there being supply of the alternative brand available before the scheduled date of your second vaccine. In making this personal choice you accept the risk that we may not be able to provide an alternative and understand that there is currently limited evidence on the reactivity and effectiveness of a mixed dose schedule.
• While you are waiting for an alternative vaccine brand to your first dose, please continue to consider the national advice. If you change your mind and wish to accept your recommended second dose, please contact your vaccine centre.

Submit a request form

Taking all above advice into consideration, if you still choose to request an alternative please complete the form below. This document will be forwarded to your GP and maintained in your confidential medical record. 

Please note: this form is for registered patients only. Applications for non-registered patients will not be processed.