What happens if you can’t have the Pfizer jab?

[Florelei]

If you turn up on the day and they don’t have the Oxford vaccine - do you go to the back of the queue?

If it makes any difference the patient is going to a major vaccine hub.

Thanks in advance!

Is it a hospital/GP hub? I have heard that the large hubs in other places such as shopping centres, arenas, etc, are more likely to be using the AZ one, because it's easier to transport.

The only reasons i know of for why you can't have Pfizer is a) if you're under 16 and so not being vaccinated, b) pregnant and so highly unlikely to be in the groups currently being vaccinated, or c) have severe allergies in which case you shouldn't have the Oxford vaccine either.

This is a question which would best be directed to the vaccine centre they're attending.

My dad went to a GP hub, couldn't receive Pfizer for medical reasons. They didn't have any AZ but he was immediately rebooked for five days later to receive it (and has now had it). I must admit I was quite relieved as I assumed it could be a long wait until they got AZ in stock.

My aunt (87) couldn't have the Pfizer one due to a penicillin allergy. She was contacted a couple of weeks by her GP and given the AZ one.

The problem is an allergy to one of the ingredients in the Pfizer jab (PEG). This isn’t an ingredient in the Oxford one as far as I am aware.

The appointment is at the centre for life in Newcastle which is a national vaccine hub.

Thanks for your replies.

You should be able to find out in advance which vaccines they are offering.

@Lockheart
You don’t need to rely on what you know, you can easily check other contraindications...

www.gov.uk/government/publications/regulatory-approval-of-pfizer-biontech-vaccine-for-covid-19/information-for-uk-recipients-on-pfizerbiontech-covid-19-vaccine

1. What you need to know before you receive COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine BNT162b2

COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine BNT162b2 should not be given

if you are allergic to the active substance or any of the other ingredients of this medicine, listed in section 6. Signs of an allergic reaction may include itchy skin rash, shortness of breath and swelling of the face or tongue. Contact your doctor or healthcare professional immediately or go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away if you have an allergic reaction. It can be life-threatening.

Warnings and precautions
Talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse before you are given the vaccine if you have:

ever had a severe allergic reaction or breathing problems after any other vaccine injection or after you were given COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine BNT162b2 in the past.
a severe illness with high fever
however, a mild fever or upper airway infection, like a cold, are not reasons to delay vaccination.

a weakened immune system, such as due to HIV infection, or are on a medicine that affects your immune system

a bleeding problem, bruise easily or use a medicine to inhibit blood clotting

As with any vaccine, COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine BNT162b2 may not fully protect all those who receive it. No data are currently available in individuals with a weakened immune system or who are taking chronic treatment that suppresses or prevents immune responses.

Thanks @MiaMc, thats useful to have! I'll save that for my parents.

My dad has a penicillin allergy and is due to be vaccinated tomorrow. I am very concerned as he is not going to tell them about his allergy. He’s so worried about Covid that he is not thinking rationally.

Thanks @MiaMc that is very helpful.

@BunsyGirl - that’s so worrying. Will they have access to his medical records?

@Florelei I don’t think so as it’s a GP hub rather than his own GP practice. I am taking him as I am so worried but I know that I won’t be allowed in the building with him so I won’t be able to raise my concerns with the vaccinator.

I would insist upon accompanying him if it was in any way possible. I don’t know what the procedure is though.

I hope it all works out ok.

@Florilei my Mum had hers at the Centre for Life on Tuesday. It was the AZ one

Thanks so much @gingercat02! Hopefully there’ll be some AZ ones there next week as well!

Come to think of it though, they must have both at the C4L because people are booking their second jab for 12 weeks time and they need to make sure they get the same jab type don’t they?

@Florelei Thanks. Fingers crossed. I don’t think I am going to be able to sleep tonight.

Can you not have the Pfizer if allergic to penicillin? I hadn't realised that....

There are no contraindications to penicillin in any of the vaccines so they are perfectly safe according to the experts.

My mum is allergic to penicillin and has had the Pfizer jab. She was not advised she shouldn't and has been fine.

[quote BunsyGirl]@Florelei I don’t think so as it’s a GP hub rather than his own GP practice. I am taking him as I am so worried but I know that I won’t be allowed in the building with him so I won’t be able to raise my concerns with the vaccinator.[/quote]
Yes you will, my mum took a friend with mild dementia and went in with her.

You can still have the Pfizer jab with penicillin allergy. The only people who can't have it are those that are allergic to peg.

The advice has been, and is being, regularly updated since the report of allergic reactions early in the vaccine roll-out.

The Pfizer vaccine is now regarded as safe for those with a penicillin allergy. The main problem remaining is allergy to polyethylene glycol (PEG) also known as macrogol, which is in the MRNA vaccines (currently Pfizer and Moderna) and anybody with this allergy should not have these vaccines.

OP has stated that in this case it is PEG causing the problem. It is not a component of the AstraZeneca vaccine.

You can have the pfizer and the oxford vaccine if you have a penicillin allergy.

Information available on Allergy Uk
www.allergyuk.org/about/latest-news/1374-allergy-and-the-coronavirus-covid19-vaccine

**1) I am allergic to penicillin. Can I have a COVID-19 vaccination? Yes, allergy to penicillins is not a contraindication to the Pfizer/BioNTech or AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine or Moderna vaccine.

My Mum has a penicillin allergy and had the Pfizer vaccine yesterday.

I had this situation yesterday, and the GP had arranged for the patient to go where they knew there would be Astra Zeneca.
Try asking the GP.

[quote BunsyGirl]@Florelei I don’t think so as it’s a GP hub rather than his own GP practice. I am taking him as I am so worried but I know that I won’t be allowed in the building with him so I won’t be able to raise my concerns with the vaccinator.[/quote]
Penicillin allergy is not a contraindication.
We are allowing a person in to accompany if they want.

Thanks @DinosaurDiana!