From Friday, people in the Netherlands who have had one dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine can opt for a second shot of Pfizer/Biontech.

The Dutch health council Gezondheidsraad said earlier it sees no objection to people who have had one dose of AstraZeneca having a second shot of the different vaccine because the combination of the two offers good protection against Covid-19.

British research has shown that a dose of AstraZeneca followed by Pfizer leads to the creation of more antibodies than two doses of AstraZeneca after a month. A Pfizer, followed by AstraZeneca combination, however, leads to the creation of fewer antibodies.

The council did not look at the usefulness of giving people who have been fully vaccinated a third vaccine dose, but director Bart-Jan Kullberg told NPO Radio last month that international research is underway into this option.

In the Netherlands, the AstraZeneca vaccine has been mainly given to people in their early 60s, who are less likely to be affected by potential health risks.

People who want to take advantage of the option for a second shot of the Pfizer vaccine can call 0800-7070 to make an appointment. The phone line is open for people born in 1956 or earlier on Friday.