Please shoot me: mixing and matching vaccines!??

[Hello2021bye2020]

After our gov completely messed the covid response beyond believe, they announced they will be using the Pfizer vaccine outside its license despite the evidence... somewhat understandable given the daily numbers...

Now, they are saying it is 'reasonable' to mix and match two vaccines with completely different modes of action/ingrédients etc (despite the science/instead of following the science)...

apple.news/AHepuDoHVSu-l0ZUGRyLYNQ

I am loosing the will to live, not because of the whole covid situation but because of the complete incompetence of bojo and his troop! 🤦🏻‍♀️

There are other threads already on this plus links to explanations etc. If you search they are easy to find.

Have you even read the link you've attached?

It's a contingency plan used in exceptional circumstances where having a second dose of a different vaccine would be less risky to that particular individual than not having a second dose of either.

Calm down OP 😳. It hasn't happened. Very very unlikely to happen. Just get your first vaccine over with before all the angst!

I am also following the initial thread on this now, thanks. Yes, read the link but even as a contingency strategy it just reflects how unprepared the gov is for mass vaccination... they just shouldn't be promoting off license use of vaccines at this early stage of the process. Or perhaps if they've put enough measures in place to control the numbers we wouldn't be in such desperate need to break the rules!

@Hello2021bye2020

I am also following the initial thread on this now, thanks. Yes, read the link but even as a contingency strategy it just reflects how unprepared the gov is for mass vaccination... they just shouldn't be promoting off license use of vaccines at this early stage of the process. Or perhaps if they've put enough measures in place to control the numbers we wouldn't be in such desperate need to break the rules!

It’s the opposite of unprepared, it shows that they identified a risk that might arise for some people and made provision for a mitigation. There are some people who through no fault of their own live chaotic lives. An example would be a homeless person with mental health issues. They are going to find it difficult to remember to keep a second appointment, may confuse another vaccination like flu with COVID and might not have a consistent registration history with a gp. In those circumstances what should a vaccinator do when they present. Do they refuse to vaccinate or use discretion and provide a vaccine.

What would your solution be ?

Mass vaccination is actually going pretty well here though. Germany has had a few problems with overdosing and ruined doses and US had a pharmacist actually deliberately try and ruin some batches( beggars belief!) but we are doing ok relatively speaking

I think other countries will likely follow our lead with the gap in doses etc. Ireland is looking at it. Fauci might regret his negative comments about it and backtrack if it starts to slow down the roll out in the US