Recommended timing gaps for different COVID-19 vaccines

Last updated: 5 May 2022

On this page: 

• First and second dose timing
• Second dose and booster timing
• 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

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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
Novavax	Novavax	3 weeks	18 and over
AstraZeneca	AstraZeneca	4 weeks	18 and over
Pfizer	AstraZeneca	4 weeks  Prescription needed	18 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

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Second dose and booster minimum gap 

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

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

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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

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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 AstraZeneca or 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 

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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.