Recommended timing gaps for different COVID-19 vaccines

The interval gap (or ‘dosing interval’) is the minimum time between COVID-19 vaccines. Times vary depending on how many COVID-19 vaccinations you’ve already had, what vaccine type you’re getting, and if you’ve recently had COVID-19. Some vaccine combinations may also require a prescription. The interval gap is to ensure vaccine effectiveness and safety.

Last updated: 27 September 2022

On this page:

First and second dose timing
Second dose and first booster timing
First and second booster minimum gap
Second dose and third primary dose timing
How to get a prescription
Timings if you’re having non-COVID-19 vaccines

On another page:

Wait time if you’ve had COVID-19

First dose and second dose minimum gap

First dose	Second dose	Minimum gap	Age
Pfizer	Pfizer	3 weeks	12 and over
Pfizer paediatric (child)	Pfizer paediatric (child)	8 weeks * this gap can be shortened to 3 weeks in limited circumstances, such as prior to the initiation of significant immunosuppression or international travel	5 to 11
Pfizer paediatric (child)	Pfizer (adult)	8 weeks * this gap can be shortened to 3 weeks in limited circumstances, such as prior to the initiation of significant immunosuppression or international travel	11 to 12
Pfizer paediatric (child)	Novavax	8 weeks Prescription needed	11 to 12
Novavax	Novavax	3 weeks	12 and over
Pfizer	Novavax	4 weeks Prescription needed	18 and over
All other combinations		4 weeks Prescription may be needed – discuss with your GP or healthcare provider

Second dose and first booster minimum gap

*These interval times are the same if you’ve had a third primary dose and you’re getting a first booster.

Second dose	First  booster	Minimum gap	Age/eligibility
Pfizer	Pfizer	3 months	18 and over
Pfizer	Pfizer	6 months	16 or 17
Pfizer	Novavax	6 months	18 and over
Novavax	Novavax	6 months	18 and over
Novavax	Pfizer	6 months	18 and over
All other combinations		Prescription might be needed – discuss with your GP or healthcare provider

First and second booster minimum gap  

First booster	Second booster	Minimum gap		Age/eligibility
Pfizer	Pfizer	6 months		16 and over  See if you are eligible
Novavax	Novavax	6 months		18 and over See if you are eligible
All other combinations			6 months Prescription might be needed – discuss with your GP or healthcare provider

Second dose and third primary dose minimum gap

(Severely immunocompromised people only)

Second dose	Third primary dose	Minimum gap	Age
Pfizer	Pfizer	At least 8 weeks Prescription needed – discuss with your GP or healthcare provider	5 and over
All other combinations		Prescription needed – discuss with your GP or healthcare provider

How to get a prescription

If you need a prescription, prior to your appointment at the vaccination clinic, visit your preferred GP to discuss your options. Appointments to discuss COVID-19 vaccine options and obtain a prescription are free.

It's also possible to get a prescription at a vaccinating Novavax clinic when you arrive for your appointment – first, you’ll need to talk with the vaccination site’s clinical lead.

Severely immunocompromised people who wish to receive a third primary dose will need to get a prescription from their usual healthcare provider. We recommend you schedule a free appointment with your usual healthcare provider.

COVID-19 vaccine: Severely immunocompromised people

Non-COVID-19 vaccines

If you’re having a Zostavax shingles vaccine, a 7-day gap before or after a COVID-19 vaccine is recommended.

For Novavax, a 3-day gap is needed for if you’re having a Shingrix shingles vaccine, or the Fluad Quad flu vaccine.

All other vaccines may be administered before, after, or at the same time as any other COVID-19 vaccines.