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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Where can I get non-AZ vaccine

57 replies

Landladymews2 · 14/04/2021 13:28

Hi

I’m in my 30s and eligible for the vaccine due to an underlying condition but upon discussion with the nurse I might not be suitable for AZ but I can’t find out where to get the other one. My GP said they can’t help me and 119 said they can’t help me. They keep referring me to each other! Any advice?

OP posts:
Belladonna12 · 15/04/2021 10:03

The very rare side effect of the Oxford/AZ vaccine appears to be due to an auto immune response and I don't think that there is any suggestion that those affected already had clotting conditions. It can happen with heparin too. Anyway, I would email your GP surgery about it. Your problem isn't unique in that everybody in group 6 that is under 30 cannot have the AZ vaccine. If they think you shouldn't have it they will arrange for you to have the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine.

Original poster
Landladymews2 · 15/04/2021 10:30

@Belladonna12 My GP surgery and 119 keep sending me back and forth to each other, both saying they can’t help me. It’s extremely frustrating. The condition I have can be triggered by covid (someone recently wrote a paper about a case of this) and episodes of this condition can put me at risk of having a stroke.

OP posts:
Belladonna12 · 15/04/2021 10:39

[quote Landladymews2]@Belladonna12 My GP surgery and 119 keep sending me back and forth to each other, both saying they can’t help me. It’s extremely frustrating. The condition I have can be triggered by covid (someone recently wrote a paper about a case of this) and episodes of this condition can put me at risk of having a stroke.[/quote]
Has the GP actually agreed that you shouldn't have the AZ vaccine or have you decided this yourself?

poppycat10 · 15/04/2021 10:42

If you can get to Reading, the centre at the football club has Moderna.

I think if you have a condition that precludes receiving a certain vaccine, you should be told where to go to get a different one. If people had certain bad allergies they'd be steered away from Pfizer, for example.

Original poster
Landladymews2 · 15/04/2021 10:46

@Belladonna12 The GP said they had never heard off my condition which is fair enough as it’s very rare but they agreed that from my description off it it sounds like it could be ‘risky’ for me to take AZ.

OP posts:
Belladonna12 · 15/04/2021 10:53

[quote Landladymews2]@Belladonna12 The GP said they had never heard off my condition which is fair enough as it’s very rare but they agreed that from my description off it it sounds like it could be ‘risky’ for me to take AZ.[/quote]
If you have discussed this with your GP, have you asked them could be on the list for the Pfizer vaccine or are you just talking to receptionists?

Notavegan · 15/04/2021 11:05

I had mine last week and was surprised it was pfizer. My health board we site even says noone else is getting it as first dose. But at the MVC the nurse said they only do pfizer.

Original poster
Landladymews2 · 15/04/2021 11:13

@Belladonna12 Yes I spoke to the GP and they said they aren’t being given supplies and only have Pfizer for those who need 2nd doses.

To be honest I didn’t realise my condition put me at risk for covid and I was quite happy to wait for the vaccine rollout for my age group. I went on the NHS website and it said I’m eligible, looked into my condition and links with covid and saw a recent research paper presenting a case study where the condition was triggered by the covid virus.

OP posts:
Marjoriesdoor · 15/04/2021 11:36

I think if it was me I would make an appointment at the Reading venue and if they only have AZ on the day, decline it. It does seem like they have Moderna there, though, so that is probably your best bet. The worst that will happen is that you will have a wasted trip which I know is a pain but I think if it was me I would take that on the chin to potentially be vaccinated.

Belladonna12 · 15/04/2021 11:40

[quote Landladymews2]@Belladonna12 Yes I spoke to the GP and they said they aren’t being given supplies and only have Pfizer for those who need 2nd doses.

To be honest I didn’t realise my condition put me at risk for covid and I was quite happy to wait for the vaccine rollout for my age group. I went on the NHS website and it said I’m eligible, looked into my condition and links with covid and saw a recent research paper presenting a case study where the condition was triggered by the covid virus.[/quote]
If there isn't enough stock of Pfizer you will just have to wait a while, I think. It will hopefully only be a couple of weeks.

Belladonna12 · 15/04/2021 11:41

@Marjoriesdoor

I think if it was me I would make an appointment at the Reading venue and if they only have AZ on the day, decline it. It does seem like they have Moderna there, though, so that is probably your best bet. The worst that will happen is that you will have a wasted trip which I know is a pain but I think if it was me I would take that on the chin to potentially be vaccinated.
It also means that an appointment which could have been given to another person is wasted.
CornishGem1975 · 15/04/2021 11:48

Seems to be luck of the draw, but my friend has Pfizer this morning.

Marjoriesdoor · 15/04/2021 12:18

"It also means that an appointment which could have been given to another person is wasted."

That is true and speaking as someone who is gagging for any vaccine at all then I hate the idea of appointments being wasted but she is eligible for a vaccine and no one in the health service seems to be able to help her - bearing in mind the media are reporting that a particular type of vaccine is being offered at a centre near her, I think it is reasonable for her to make an appointment there and go for it.

It does seem silly that neither her GP or the vaccine helpline are able to just answer what is a very straightforward question. There must be a way for them to find out what deliveries are being made to the centres and then direct her accordingly. It's not rocket science.

I don't advocate for people picking and choosing the vaccine without good reason but her doctor has agreed with her that it might be risky for her to have the AZ so I do understand her preference in this case.

Zilla1 · 15/04/2021 12:30

If you are in England then ask to speak to the local PCN vaccination centre's clinical lead. Explain your condition and ask to be put on the equivalent of the arm or bin list for Pfizer second dose. In our PCN, we're declining to continue with vaccinations beyond finishing current second doses due to government onerous and unreasonable conditions and are using AZ for home visits and Pfizer or AZ for follow up second doses. We try and make sure we get the maximum doses and use all doses so try and use when patients DNA for second does. Good luck.

Zilla1 · 15/04/2021 12:31

Happy to explain using English when have time if the above doesn't make sense.

Original poster
Landladymews2 · 15/04/2021 12:37

@Zilla1 I called my PCN and they said it’s nothing to do with them and I need to speak to my GP or 119. I think I need to be added to the Pfizer list. My Gp is normally very helpful so I imagine there is some valid reason why they can’t add me to it.

OP posts:
Didiplanthis · 15/04/2021 12:46

Your gp may not have a Pfizer list. Ours just gets told when there are are appointments to allocate at our pcn center and dont have any control over what vaccine is available. . We are too small to have Pfizer storage.

Zilla1 · 15/04/2021 12:46

Hi OP, I suppose it depends what the 'it' is that is nothing to do with them. Are the PCN having no role in vaccinations or just trying to filter vaccine 'tourists't to the relevant GP member. If the PCN is doing no vaccinations then it sounds like another conversation with your GP. If the PCN is vaccinating then ask to speak to the clinical lead who will know when they are getting Pfizer in for second doses and speak to them rather than someone between who might just be trying to filter out vaccine 'tourists' - from January, we've had people with no clinical reason trying to insist on AZ for reasons like patriotism or Pfizer because 'Dave down the pub said' as well as all the calls from people who were not currently eligible wanting a vaccination so they can go on holiday - you might imagine..... You won't be surprised this arguably more legitimate vaccine preference has increased with the new clinical guidance and with all the news and other nation states making decisions. When we've finished second doses, we're absenting our PCN from vaccinating for the remaining clinical groups and the Regional centres will be doing it on their own. AFAIK, our PCNs have delivered c95+% of vaccines in our area so they'll have quite an increase in volumes. Good luck.

Zilla1 · 15/04/2021 12:56

FWIW, OP, in our practice, we've on several times had conversations concerning patients with rare conditions, taking consultant advice and such like and have vaccinated at risk younger people where appropriate so what you are expecting isn't unusual, though your specific condition may be itself.

Original poster
Landladymews2 · 15/04/2021 13:40

@Zilla1 Thank you, that’s helpful. I’m in Richmond. The PCN obviously have some involvement: swlondonccg.nhs.uk/covid/where-can-you-get-vaccinated/

I’ll try again and hopefully they won’t dismiss me as a vaccine tourist!

OP posts:
Isaidnope · 15/04/2021 13:54

I’d like to know this too. I’m just waiting for under 30s to be called although DH told me they only have to offer an alternative ‘if one is available’ apparently Hmm. I’m not having the AZ.

Original poster
Landladymews2 · 15/04/2021 14:34

Yeah I would previously have been happy to wait but now that I know covid can trigger my condition and I’m starting to have more outside exposure as restrictions are lifted I would now like to get it done as soon as possible

OP posts:
Confusedandshaken · 15/04/2021 15:02

Make an appointment ASAP . Turn up for it and see what the specialist staff at the vaccination centre advise. Follow their advice.

Belladonna12 · 15/04/2021 17:32

@Confusedandshaken

Make an appointment ASAP . Turn up for it and see what the specialist staff at the vaccination centre advise. Follow their advice.
What "specialist staff"? OP has already been advised that the AZ vaccine could potentially be risky. What are the staff at the vaccination centre going to add? If it somewhere where they only do AZ, they won't be able to help.
Belladonna12 · 15/04/2021 17:33

@Landladymews2

Yeah I would previously have been happy to wait but now that I know covid can trigger my condition and I’m starting to have more outside exposure as restrictions are lifted I would now like to get it done as soon as possible
Yes, but people needing second vaccinations will get priority if there are limited Pfizer vaccines in your area as suggested by the GP.
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