VENTNOR Medical Practice has cancelled appointments for those due a second dose of the Covid-19 vaccine at the start of next week.

Patients who were expecting to have their second dose of the vaccine on January 12, 13 or 14 have been told they will be contacted by the practice when it is able to offer a second dose.

It says those who have not had their first dose and are already on the waiting list will be contacted when the vaccine is available.

NHS England says the change is because of new advice from UK chief medical officers.

The new medical advice states the second dose of the vaccine remains effective when given up to 12 weeks after the first dose, and should be given toward the end of this 12-week period.

Two doses of the vaccine are still needed to get the best protection from the virus, but significant protection is still provided at 22 days after the first dose.

The new treatment regime will help ensure as many people as possible benefit from the first dose of the vaccine as soon as possible.

NHS England says there are no safety concerns for people who have already had their second dose of the vaccine earlier than 12 weeks after their first dose.

For more information on the vaccine, visit www.nhs.uk/covid-vaccination