Vaccine mixing deemed safe by medics

Monday 08 March 2021

Mixing covid vaccines should be allowed when the same manufacturer as an individual’s first dose is unavailable, Jersey’s senior medics have decided.

The measure will mostly apply to individuals who are vaccinated at home and who received the Pfizer vaccine for their first dose, and not those who receive their vaccines in Fort Regent.

Jersey’s Vaccination Lead, Becky Sherrington, explained: “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.” 

Video: The Oxford vaccine arriving in Jersey.

Deputy Medical Officer for Health Dr Ivan Muscat, Chief Pharmacist Paul McCabe and Associate Medical Director Dr Adrian Noon decided the measure was safe for islanders. It follows an endorsement of the approach by the UK’s Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation.

“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,” Dr Muscat said.

“It will help to protect our most vulnerable islanders while also maximising use of our vaccine supply, and therefore protecting our population.”