@BlueSoop
The news reported on a vaccine centre in Berlin that was capable of doing 3800 AZ jabs per day, but only 200 people were turning up. The other appointments remained unfilled, people were turning up then leaving when they found out they’d be getting AZ. Because the EU has done such a good job of their smear campaign on AZ that people refuse to have it now.
True. The thing is, there are many, many people who’d still be happy to be offered AZ. The system is so slow and bureaucratic, that it can’t skip priority groups and go to the next person on the line who’d happily take AZ.
I must say it’s also public knowledge which centre offers which vaccine, so it’s a bit rude to turn up and leave without it. You know from the minute you confirm your appointment which one you’re getting. Refuse the appointment and let them invite someone else.
It’s also true that the numbers are so low, that people are happy to wait a few more months until they can get Pfizer. Vaccination hasn’t been presented as the magical solution here. And in Germany you always have the option to choose (and pay) for what you want, especially when it comes to healthcare. Most people want to choose their vaccine, that’s what they’re used to.
I’d personally prefer Pfizer. Would I turn down an AZ vaccine? If I was sure I could get Pfizer tomorrow instead, yes. If turning down AZ meant I’d have to wait 2-3 more months, probably not. I’m healthy and in my 20s though, I don’t urgently need a vaccine. My 72 year old neighbour was telling me yesterday he’d take anything that was offered, even AZ which he isn’t allowed to get. He just wants to not be scared anymore.