Those expecting to receive the second dose of the Covid-19 vaccine are now being told their appointments have been cancelled. 

People who have booked to have their second Covid vaccination in Blackburn with Darwen are being asked not to attend and to refrain from contacting their GP.

Blackburn with Darwen's Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) have said that due to a recent change in Government policy, the planned appointments have been cancelled, as medical advisers are now claiming the first dose 'offers sufficient protection for a few months'.

This means second jabs could be delayed for more than 10 weeks.

A spokesperson for the NHS Blackburn with Darwen CCG said: "IMPORTANT - If you have an appointment booked for your second Covid vaccination in Blackburn or Darwen from Monday January 11 onwards, please DO NOT attend or contact your local GP.

"The NHS will be in contact with you to rebook your appointment.

"Please accept our apologies for any confusion this may cause.

"Government and NHS policy has very recently changed; the planned appointments for the second dose that we expected to deliver now have to be cancelled.

"We have been assured by Government advisers that the first dose offers sufficient protection for a few months and the second dose can be safely delayed.

"We will contact you to arrange your second dose.

"If by any chance you have not been contacted by 10 weeks after your initial jab, please contact your surgery to arrange an appointment.

"Thank you for your patience as we deliver the most ambitious vaccination programme ever."

Those who have received their first injection are being asked to continue to follow Government advice to keep infection transmission low as the NHS state this is the best thing to do to keep yourself, your family and your community as safe as possible.