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Does anyone know if you can get Celvapan privately?

6 replies

westlondongirl · 21/10/2009 11:03

I have been researching the whole swine flu vaccine subject and have decided that if I am to be vaccinated I would rather it be with Celvapan. I contacted my surgery this morning and asked if pregnant ladies would be given the option of choosing Celvapan and was told very curtly no. They said they will only get pandemrix and it's up to me whether I take it or not. I don't want to be forced into taking a mercury containing vaccine if I don't want to . Does anyone know if it is possible to get Celvapan privately. I live in London. I don't want to have to pay but if that's the only way then I will do. Look at this page

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anusia · 21/10/2009 14:15

I have the same problem as you. I dont want to take Pandremix. I phoned my GP today and they dont even know which type of vaccine they will have avaiable. I dont want to harm my baby so I dont know what to do. I phoned private clinic and they told me that only GP and hospitals were given vaccine. I think I will wait and maybe Celvapan will be avaiable later.

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sazlocks · 22/10/2009 07:39

I have the same problem. I haven't decided whether I am going to have the vaccination yet but if I do then I will only have Celvapan. I am 26 weeks pregnant so am waiting for my GP letter but if necessary I am going to try and obtain a private prescription for Celvapan. I have a couple of friends and family members that are GPs so I will start there but I have no idea how to get a private prescription.

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lou031205 · 22/10/2009 11:24

"Private practices will not be able to obtain the vaccine from the Department of Health"

From here, so I guess not.

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Josie22 · 22/10/2009 11:42

I will be looking into this if my GP is only offering Pandemrix - will find out on Monday at my appointment. Am in London too so if anyone comes up with the name of a private practice that will offer this then would really appreciate it (and if I find one that does I will post too obviously!).

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Pinkjenny · 22/10/2009 11:46

I'm going to bring this up with my midwife this afternoon. I would bet my bottom dollar she has absolutely no idea what I'm talking about.

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westlondongirl · 22/10/2009 12:45

You are right about private practices - they won't get it till the NHS has vaccinated all the at risk groups. When I spoke to the nurse at my surgery this morning she couldn't understand why I wanted it instead of Pandemrix. I tried to explain but she shrugged me off and said that's all they will have. I just think it's outrageous that we aren't being given a choice. Surely if the World Health Organisation advises pregnant women to have Celvapan instead that should be enough! It seems to me that the NHS didn't order enough of it and I suspect it's due to cost.