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Covid

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Original poster

Getting the "right" second vaccine

19 replies

Katie1784 · 13/02/2021 09:10

We've done so well with getting the first set of vaccines underway but given the government's track record on just about everything else Covid-related I can't help but to feel pessimistic about the rollout of second vaccines. It's all twice as complicated now, with not only a limited time slot to recall patients (within 12 weeks), but also the need to have the "correct" second vaccine for each person (AZ vs Pfizer) available on the day of the appointment. Any health professionals able to reassure me that planning for this is in hand? Will clinics have a stock of both? For first doses it feels like you get given whatever happened to be delivered that morning.
I've been reasonably relaxed about the delay between doses but I don't think I feel particularly comfortable at the prospect of having two completely different technologies injected into my arm, never tested in conjunction with each other, either for efficacy or inter-reactions.

OP posts:

Original poster

Katie1784 · 13/02/2021 12:18

Anyone?

OP posts:

Thatwentbadly · 13/02/2021 12:20

The government are doing trials to explore how effective it would be to mix the jabs to make the roll out quicker. The sub text of this is at the moment they will only give the same type of vaccine to each person.

CrunchyCarrot · 13/02/2021 12:20

Good question, OP, and I don't know the answer. I can see it posing logistical difficulties, though.

DinosaurDiana · 13/02/2021 12:22

When the vaccine is delivered and we know what we have got, the relevant people will be invited.
The vaccine is delivered at least one day ahead at my hub, so it is workable.
I know that there’s a trial to see if it’s advantageous to have one vaccine of each, rather than both the same.

borageforager · 13/02/2021 12:22

Yep. I’ve been wondering the same thing, and keep meaning to ask DH who is a GP if he has any insight. I’ll ask at lunchtime!

Scarby9 · 13/02/2021 12:24

I quite fancy mixed vaccinations. A single jab of either gives quite high protection anyway, so a mix could give added benefits from both.

DinosaurDiana · 13/02/2021 12:24

Also, I’m not sure how set in stone it is that you have the second one by 12 weeks. The research is on going, and I can see that changing in the future. But we will see. I’m giving the vaccines and I don’t know yet !

DenisetheMenace · 13/02/2021 12:24

I’ve heard various experts expressing their opinions that a combination is perfectly safe and potentially even more protective. I’m incredibly relaxed about what I have, they know their stuff, I don’t.

HelloThereMeHearties · 13/02/2021 12:24

Aside from the trial, it's really not that complicated. You have a code, which tells which jab you had. You get called back when that jab is available.

The NHS doles out complicated ongoig medications every day. Maybe have some faith?!

DinosaurDiana · 13/02/2021 12:24

@Scarby9

I quite fancy mixed vaccinations. A single jab of either gives quite high protection anyway, so a mix could give added benefits from both.

That what I think.

ancientgran · 13/02/2021 12:29

I'd be happy to have a different vaccine, I'm happy to have any vaccine.

ancientgran · 13/02/2021 12:30

@HelloThereMeHearties

Aside from the trial, it's really not that complicated. You have a code, which tells which jab you had. You get called back when that jab is available.

The NHS doles out complicated ongoig medications every day. Maybe have some faith?!

My husband had his jab nearly 2 weeks ago, he had an appointment for the 2nd dose at the same time he got the appointment for the first. Would that mean changing his appointment?

HelloThereMeHearties · 13/02/2021 12:37

It means they are confident of having the correct medication available on the day he has his second appt.

It's really not that complicated, OP

HalfDutchGirl · 13/02/2021 12:45

Everyone at the vaccine hub where I am volunteering is given the date of their second jab when they book their first, everyone given a card with the jab they have been given so they have a record as well as one being on the computer.

We update everyone's information on the website before and after each jab including the batch used and the arm injected.

Nobble · 13/02/2021 12:52

Im a nurse and had my vacvination late December, I have a card with the vacine brand and was rebooked in that day (then booked again to give a 12 week gap).
Vaccinations clinics where I am only have one brand so when you are rebooked there isnt confusion.
Eg on site hospital vaccination centre only doing Pfizer, football stadium only doing Oxford. I hope that helps!

CrackOpenTheGin · 13/02/2021 12:55

Is there anyway of knowing in advance which places are doing which vaccine? My parents went to a hospital hub 3 weeks apart. My dad got Pfizer so we presumed that was what my Mum would get but she got Oxford.

Original poster

Katie1784 · 13/02/2021 13:39

@CrackOpenTheGin

Yes, this is what is happening where we are. They are doing fantastically and are well ahead of schedule with first jabs, but vaccine hubs seem to have whatever they have - it's not like you book for one place if you want Pfizer or the other for AZ. I just hope there is a system for getting the "right" one the second time.

OP posts:

Flaunch · 13/02/2021 13:43

I had my first on Thursday and they give them the appointment for the second there and then so I think they’ve got it covered. It was remarkably well organised and efficient.

DinosaurDiana · 13/02/2021 14:14

We are not giving second appointments where I work.

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