DM not taking Pfizer vaccine, ‘waiting for AstraZeneca’

[Circumlocutious]

She says she was advised to do this by her GP. Is this plausible? She’s immunosuppressed, multiple health conditions, but no allergies.

I had the Pfizer and had absolutely no side effects. I'm so glad I took it!

There has been some talk in the press of AZ being more effective after just one dose, when compared to Pfizer. Can't see a GP advising anyone who is immunosuppressed to wait an unknown length of time for a different vaccine! Surely having any one of the approved vaccines is better than remaining totally vulnerable to it.

How old is she? Several countries are advising against the AZ vaccine in the over 70s group due to lack of data on efficacy - Ireland, Austrua, Germany, France. Switzerland has not approved it at all.
If her GP thinks theres a chance of her getting an alternative quite soon, they are probably right. I'd be quite happy about this.
www.rte.ie/news/coronavirus/2021/0204/1194946-covid-vaccine/

Oh sorry, I read your OP incorrectly. You mean she is being told not to take the Pfizer one. That seems very strange.

I’d be surprised if the GP had any opinion of which vaccine your mum should have. I wonder if she’s just saying that because her preference is AZ.

my nan's GP said she can't have Pfizer one due to contraindications with other conditions/medications she has (can't remember what though!). She wld happily get astra one which is being given at london O2 arena but she can't get there alone and she won't get in car with anyone (last but does frustrate me but can't really kidnap her!)

Yes, this is feasible as I know someone who has done this. She was contacted re having the Pfizer vaccine but declined it due to allergies, and her surgery put her on the list for the AZ vaccine. They've just recontacted her and given her an appointment to have the AZ jab instead. She is in her 70s.

OK thank, so there’s a mix of opinions

I know a couple of people who have been told the same.

My mum had a similar conversation with her oncology team. She’s on medication which has a weeks break so they said to try and get it on a week she has a break as well. But ultimately they said when it’s offered just take it regardless of which one!

I run a covid vaccine clinic. There were some initial concerns about giving Pfizer to ppl with history of allergies but those are now debunked. There is very little Pfizer stock in country at moment so much more likely to get AZ but I would chose Pfizer every time - higher efficacy and less side effects

Fewer