Dr Hilary has explained the reason behind the decision to delay the second dose of the Pfizer vaccine.
Addressing concerns on Good Morning Britain, the doctor stated there is a "science" behind the decision to administer the second jab later than originally set out.
The explanation comes after patients were told to expect a delay in follow up COVID-19 jabs with tens of thousands of elderly and vulnerable patients having their appointments cancelled and rescheduled.
Doctors across the country have questioned the decision to delay the second dose with many appointments pushed back at short notice.
However, Dr Hilary Jones has shared the thinking behind the decision to delay the second dose. He said: “The situation changes rapidly and the new variant has undoubtedly changed the data and the thinking on this.
“If you’ve got two grandparents for example, is it better to vaccinate one twice and give them very very good protection and not to vaccinate the other one at all or is it better to give each of them one dose and give them both very good protection.
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GMB presenter Piers Morgan interrupted Dr Hilary halfway through his answer to ask about the safety of administering just the one jab initially.
He said: “How much protection are we actually talking about? Can I feel remotely safe having had one jab? What is the percentage?”
Dr Hilary was quick to respond. He added: “Yes you can [feel safe] and the data ranges anywhere between 75 to 89 percent with one dose, which is actually very good.
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“So by waiting the extra few weeks until you have the second dose you are able to protect far greater numbers of people with one dose and logically and scientifically that has to be right.
“It is hugely inconvenient and distressing for people to have their second dose cancelled, I understand that, it’s confusing but there is a science behind it.”
