Pfizer second doses

[JS87]

Imagine worse case scenario and EU bans export of Pfizer vaccine. What do you think the government will do? Extend date of second dose past 12 weeks in the hope supply will restart? Leave people will one dose indefinitely or give a booster of a different vaccine (untested in clinical trials although I imagine probably will be effective).

Will there come a point in this situation where they stop giving first doses of Pfizer to stockpile for second dose for vaccines already given?

I think the leaflet given to patients says where the original vaccine isn’t available then a substitute would be used.

It would make sense to stop first Pfizer doses across the UK, and use all that we have now to give second doses. There may need to be some logistical swapping of Pfizer for AZ in some regions but maybe better to ensure second doses if there's a trade war.

I was thinking maybe they might allow export due for second doses?

@JS87

I was thinking maybe they might allow export due for second doses?

I'm not sure the EU are feeling conciliatory!

Some people who had their first dose of the Pfizer have already had their second. Some CCGs ignored the advice to give only the first dose and have given the second after three weeks. I'm guessing though that those people are in the minority. My step mother has had 2 doses of the Pfizer vaccine. She lives in Yorkshire.

I've had the Pfizer, I really don't want my second dose to be a different vaccine. Has that even been tested.

I think we should try and relax. If your have had the Pfizer it simply is a trigger to make antibodies against the spike protein. It is fine to them start the Oxford vaccine. It is simply about triggering an immune response.

I've just checked the information sheet upon which my informed consent was based, and it stated I would receive 2 doses of the Pfizer vaccine. You could argue that mixing and matching the vaccines (which is a completely untested approach) would invalidate the original informed consent. For that matter, it stated they would be 21 days apart...I was incredibly lucky and got my second dose. So many of my friends and colleagues have not. It is deeply worrying.

Use what we have for 2nd doses have to

Second dose is about longevity. We need to keep our heads and not descend into EU panic.

@cathyandclare

It would make sense to stop first Pfizer doses across the UK, and use all that we have now to give second doses. There may need to be some logistical swapping of Pfizer for AZ in some regions but maybe better to ensure second doses if there's a trade war.

This seems the most sensible solution. It's already chancing it a bit to extend the interval so much. Actually giving a different vaccine altogether is even more of an experiment.

I can't even go there for those that have had Pfizer. Had AstraZeneca and have my second appointment 11.5 weeks later.

I do so hope I get my second dose next month.

@Blessex

I think we should try and relax. If your have had the Pfizer it simply is a trigger to make antibodies against the spike protein. It is fine to them start the Oxford vaccine. It is simply about triggering an immune response.

Agree with this I've had the first Pfizer dose and not worried if I have to wait for a while to get a second dose - or even another vaccine.

@BBCONEANDTWO agree. We need to calm. All vaccines do is promote your body to produce antibodies against the spike protein. One dose of Pfizer is already amazing. If you don’t get a second dose to back that up then a. You will eventually b. You will have a different vaccine to promote those same antibodies.

Do we know how much we already have in the country?

[quote Blessex]@BBCONEANDTWO agree. We need to calm. All vaccines do is promote your body to produce antibodies against the spike protein. One dose of Pfizer is already amazing. If you don’t get a second dose to back that up then a. You will eventually b. You will have a different vaccine to promote those same antibodies.[/quote]
The other thing I'm thinking is that it might be we end up just getting a vaccination each year like the flu jab. I think we have to feel really lucky that the vaccination roll out is going so well.

A key component of the Pfizer vaccine is made in Yorkshire.
www.yorkpress.co.uk/news/18925837.covid-vaccine-yorkshire-firm-croda-make-key-parts-jab/

I would agree with using the current supply to vaccinate 2nd dose of Pfizer and AZ being the main one for February until novax is ready.

@lunar1

I've had the Pfizer, I really don't want my second dose to be a different vaccine. Has that even been tested.

Same here, I had my first pfizer and am not going to mix vaccines. It's not like it's the same drug just different brands, it's a different vaccine altogether.

The Oxford vaccine is in circulation. There is plenty of the Pfizer at the moment, why worry?

The Oxford vaccine is in circulation. There is plenty of the Pfizer at the moment, why worry?

Because there might not be plenty of the Pfizer in 10-12 weeks when people are due to get their second doses.. that's why people are concerned now (which I completely understand). I wouldn't want a different vaccine for the second dose.

I’m a bit worried. My 2nd dose isn’t until late March.

I don’t mind then having an Oxford one if I can’t get a Pzifer booster but I don’t want that to count as my 2nd injection. Surely I’d then need a 2nd Oxford one 12 weeks after that?

@covetingthepreciousthings

The Oxford vaccine is in circulation. There is plenty of the Pfizer at the moment, why worry?

Because there might not be plenty of the Pfizer in 10-12 weeks when people are due to get their second doses.. that's why people are concerned now (which I completely understand). I wouldn't want a different vaccine for the second dose.

Neither would I (unless I was quite sure it was safe), but I think it is unlikely that will happen so it seems pointless to worry about it in advance. What will be will be, worrying won't change anything.

Personally I’m not worried to mix and match but it is untested and others may not be happy about it. I’m intrigued what the government strategy would be.