APPOINTMENTS for second Covid vaccinations may be changed for some patients due to changes in supply dates.

Patients of The Cranborne Practice who already have appointments for their second dose at the St Leonard's Hospital vaccination centre have been told the date may need to change.

But doctors have stressed it will make no difference to the immune response it provides.

A spokesman for the practice, in Penny's Lane, Cranborne, Wimborne, said: "Patients will be notified by letter with an appointment date and time for their second Covid-19 vaccination.

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"Some patients may already have follow up appointments booked which may need to be changed. We fully appreciate that this may be the second time an appointment time has been changed and that this can be frustrating.

"However, our local vaccination programme must respond to revised vaccine delivery dates required to meet the national vaccination programme. Your appointment for a second dose may be set for a few days later than a twelve-week interval.

"This is because appointment availability will be matched to the provision of vaccination supplies. However, please be assured our clinicians are confident this will make no difference to your immune response, and you will be adequately protected. Whatever date you are offered, it is essential to attend for this second dose to maximise your immune response."

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As well as delivering follow-up doses, the team at St Leonard's will also continue to work through first-time vaccinations for patients in other larger priority groups. So there is not the same flexibility in appointment slots as during the first waves.

The spokesman said the practice will be looking for patients available at short notice to ensure that no vaccines are wasted at the end of any day.

A statement from the Cranborne Practiice asks patients to call the community vaccination information line on 01202 283695 or visit www.myvaccination.co.uk for answers to frequently asked questions. Otherwise, contact them via email at Cranborne.reception@dorsetgp.nhs.uk.

These arrangements apply to those who have received their first vaccination at the St Leonards Hospital site, not patients who have attended at another vaccination site such as the Bournemouth International Centre (BIC).