Pfizer or AstraZeneca

[EveryDayIsADuvetDay]

I'm lucky enough to have been offered a choice (well not a direct choice of vaccine, but I can book at a large centre that I know is using Pfizer, or my GP which is AstraZeneca).

What would you prefer, and why?

Whichever centre is easier to get to.

If you can get to the large centre, I’d leave the gp appts for people who can’t get to the centre as easy.

I would have chosen AZ. But I received Pfizer

I went expecting to get Pfizer, but got AstraZeneca. A bit disappointed as the time, but now quite pleased as they've announced it definitely limits transmission - I have a lot of contact with two jobs so anything that reduces the risk of passing it to my family is good for me.

My mum went to the Centre for Life rather than the local centre and ended up,with the AZ vaccine she would have had at the local one. She picked the one that she could get the earliest appointment at.

I had the AZ one today. I’m happy with that. If it helps limit tramission that’s amazing. I would have happily had either though.

@PrincessOfAllOurTarts we are in the same region. My Mum had hers at a smaller vaccine centre in the North East last Saturday. She said she was going to refuse if it was the Pfizer. I told her respectfully not to dick people around. Turned out she received the Astra Zeneca.

No brainer, Pfizer. The RNA vaccines have an effectiveness of 99% after 2 doses. AZ is a traditional vaccine and there's a lot of debate around whether it's 50%-90%. Too huge a range for comfort.

In Europe AZ has not been approved for over 65 due to "lack of data" but many suspect it's because they are worried it's just not very effective and therefore mortality rate will remain high.

Pfizer, which I got. More effective and interesting new technology. Also colleagues had worse side effects with AZ.
I'm actually kind of hoping we run out of Pfizer before the second dose is due so I can have one of each! I have a (totally unproven) theory that will work out more effective.

I'd say you're more likely to get the same one for your second dose if you have AZ, as the supply should be less disrupted and we have more of it on order.

Right now, I'd get AZ as the 12 week window works well for it. The 12 week window is totally untested for Pfizer.

I had AstraZeneca. They had to ask me further questions when I said I had an anaphylaxis reaction to penicillin in the past and the nurse said the AZ is better for people who've had allergic reactions than Pfizer. I've had no side effects apart from a slightly warm feeling in my upper arm for about half an hour afterwards.

@MattTebbutsForearms my mam was just pleased to be in the town for the first time in a year.

@YorkshirePuddingsGreatestFan

I had AstraZeneca. They had to ask me further questions when I said I had an anaphylaxis reaction to penicillin in the past and the nurse said the AZ is better for people who've had allergic reactions than Pfizer. I've had no side effects apart from a slightly warm feeling in my upper arm for about half an hour afterwards.

Yes I was told the same thing - I also have a penicillin allergy and am allergic to some other things.

thanks everyone - I think I'm veering towards Pfizer - good point BruntOn about leaving GP slots for those that find that journey easier.
I'm in central London, so either location is within walking distance - I can't get it done until next week anyway, as you have to leave 28 days between a positive test and the vaccine.
Helpfully the GP receptionist said 15 January + 28 days is 15 Feb! duur that's 31? - also making me more in favour of booking online.

I would have preffered AZ only on the basis that I hope there is still availability for the second dose of the Pfizer which I received.

Interesting about the penecillian issue. Im taking my mum to her test. Presumably they csnt choose there but will have whatever that site has? She is really scared of a reaction.

I had Pfizer and was very pleased. Btw I'm allergic to penicillin but the decision was made to give me the vaccine (later saw the NHS guidance which said similar). Just had a sore arm like most people.

I’d like moderna

So it sounds like (Ceteris paribus obvs) the Pfizer one is favourite or is it too early to say 🤔

Don't be too sure you will definitely get the one you think you will. When I booked it clearly said Pfizer but I had Oxford-AZ and was told it simply depended on what got delivered.

Had AZ yesterday. Completely thrilled and grateful despite the fact it's given me what feels like a winter virus/temp/chills and put me off work for the day. Even though I WFH... small price to pay.

I had Pfizer. Quite pleased as it had just come out that it was 90% effective after 3 weeks of the first dose.

If kids go back to school, I will also be back working there so will feel safer with that one I think.

I'm hoping the transmission turns out to be true for all and that the 12 week window. Think mine is about 11 and the supply works out well.

I would prefer AZ. I like their technology better and want to have 2 of the same for sure. Also Pfizer seems stronger that why it’s more effective but that’s why it could be worse for people with allergies.

Pfizer. I had the Oxford and see that not very effective after 1st dose
and on those over 80. It seems pointless giving it to people over 80 as they are the most vulnerable.

Sorry I need to correct the above. It is Pfizer (after the first dose) which is not very effective in the over 80s not the Oxford one.
Wait another few weeks and see with the second doses