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Original poster

People Refusing Astra Zeneca - What Happens?

282 replies

Nootkah · 09/04/2021 08:40

I've seen an increasing number of people on here and on social media saying they'll go to their mass vaccination centre appointment but if it's Astea Zeneca, they'll refuse. I'm curious as to what actually happens next? They've had an appointment, been offered a vaccine that remains approved for their group, and have declined. Are they "ticked off" the list as "offered" or do they stay at the top of the list for upcoming appointments and continue to be invited?

OP posts:
CovidHalloween · 09/04/2021 08:51

It hasn’t happened before so I doubt anyone here will know.

bookworm1632 · 09/04/2021 08:54

If it was down to me, that would be it - their only option in future would be to pay to have the jab privately as they've wasted a perfectly good dose that someone else could have used, not to mention the time of the vaccine centre staff.

They will certainly put in measures to ensure that people cannot simply keep refusing the AZ vaccine until offered something else - there isn't enough Modern/Pfizer.

poppycat10 · 09/04/2021 08:56

I'd like to think they go to the back of the queue, but this government has decided that rather than vaccinating younger people who want to be vaccinated, they'd rather waste time to chase up the older ones continually.

MargaretThatcherMilkSnatcher · 09/04/2021 08:58

I'm the other way round. I went for my GP-offered jab recently, fully expecting it to be AZ. The GP was offering the 40-49 age group the jab. However, when I got there it was Pfizer which I can't have. So I am waiting to be called by the national vaccine booking service at our big hub, where all the vaccines are AZ apparently. It's a longer wait, as they are still vaccinating the over-50s, and giving second doses now.

However, in my case the vaccinator advised me against having that particular jab, which is a bit different to your scenario.

I expect you would be able to ask for Pfizer/Moderna, but would have to wait longer (or pay privately in due course). Given how fanatical the government is about EVERYONE having the jab, and the massive damage-limitation PR exercise they are currently engaged in, I expect they will have to come up with a solution if enough people start refusing the AZ jab.

Remmy123 · 09/04/2021 08:59

Someone I know went to centre refused the AZ then rebooked to another and got the Pfizer

XiCi · 09/04/2021 09:10

I think its ridiculous that you can't find out before you book which centres have which vaccines so you can make an informed choice. I had covid 2 weeks ago so can now go and get my vaccine. My local vaccination centre has temporarily stopped vaccinating so I'm wondering whether they are awaiting Moderna. The big vaccination hubs near me are still up and running with what I assume is AZ

PeasPeasPeas · 09/04/2021 09:10

I think I am going to ask when called and refuse if AZ, due to my medical history. I really hope this is taken into account and I won't just be marked as a refuser. I certainly won't be turning up and wasting appointments.

XiCi · 09/04/2021 09:13

You just get a text to book online though PeasPeasPeas. I dont think there's a way to find out until you get there

Summerofcontent · 09/04/2021 09:17

There is a shortage of first vaccines this month. The supply has reduced and they're concentrating on second jabs

PeasPeasPeas · 09/04/2021 09:18

In that case I guess I will just watch and wait until more information is available.

starfish4 · 09/04/2021 09:19

I guess they'll have to wait for a vaccine and who knows whether they'll be prioritized people over the next group, it takes a lot of time phoning around, letters, emails and checking acceptance. I'm any sure Moderna and Pfizer arriving in this country in a month or two will be earmarked for 25-30 as it'll be their turn soon. In the meantime, someone who is desperate for the vaccine will gladly have their dose.

Pumpkyumpkyumpkin · 09/04/2021 09:20

I called the number on my letter and was told they couldn't tell me in advance which would be offered, but that I should show up, and if for any reason at all I changed my mind / didn't feel comfortable i would be recorded as a cancellation and would be asked to rebook. She said the only way you are taken out of the system completely is if you tell them you do not want to be vaccinated at all and will refuse any jab offered.

MarshaBradyo · 09/04/2021 09:21

@Remmy123

Someone I know went to centre refused the AZ then rebooked to another and got the Pfizer
What a waste of an appointment

Generally op people are turning up, asking questions but realise context and go ahead

According to info this am

MarshaBradyo · 09/04/2021 09:22

I’d still like to know which age group Moderna goes to when it comes in.

Still age order? So late 40 then down

bathmatty · 09/04/2021 09:23

I couldn't attend my first appointment as I had suspected covid & needed to wait a few wks. Despite informing GPs of this I get texts every other day to go to the clinic for my jab.

PeasPeasPeas · 09/04/2021 09:23

It's a shit situation. I don't want to refuse any vaccine at all but the news this week has really shaken me. It feels like a crappy time to be in the 30-49 group.

bathmatty · 09/04/2021 09:24

Once I was clear I just booked in.

bathmatty · 09/04/2021 09:25

I had the AZ in hindsight may have preferred another but too late now (mid 30s).

bookworm1632 · 09/04/2021 09:28

It feels like a crappy time to be in the 30-49 group.

After a year in which everyone over the age of 65 have been living with a constant and very real risk of death, this comment comes across as somewhat crass.

StrawberryLipstickStateOfMind · 09/04/2021 09:31

@MarshaBradyo that's what I'd like to know as well- obviously second doses should be taken into account but then I feel very strongly that they should stick to age order- IMO it's not right that if the available doses are moderna, they switch to vaccinating 18-29 ahead of people in their 40s and 30s. I'm really glad that younger people with underlying conditions have already been vaccinated, I also don't like that some people have criticised when younger people have benefitted from receiving spare doses etc- so much better that it goes to anyone rather than in the bin. But changing the order of vaccination would be so very wrong- someone in their 40s has a far higher risk of the virus itself.

Someone correct me if I'm wrong but I thought that 18-29 may still be offered AZ but have to option to choose a different vaccine if they prefer to do so?

PeasPeasPeas · 09/04/2021 09:33

@bookworm1632

It feels like a crappy time to be in the 30-49 group.

After a year in which everyone over the age of 65 have been living with a constant and very real risk of death, this comment comes across as somewhat crass.

I'm sorry it came across that way but I'm not alone in feeling like this (see other comments on this board). I watched my mum die from what was probably a brain bleed a few months ago, so the latest news of risk feels too close to home for me.

Many other countries are restricting the use of AZ for my age group, so it feels a bit shit that we aren't.

bathmatty · 09/04/2021 09:34

After a year in which everyone over the age of 65 have been living with a constant and very real risk of death, this comment comes across as somewhat crass.

Why is that crass? I had a inlaw die of covid but another relative in the age group referenced by that poster had to go private for a life saving op as the wait was too long on the NHS & a neighbour who was 40 died recently of cancer that was aggressive & picked up late.

MarshaBradyo · 09/04/2021 09:35

Peas we are still benefitting from using AZ in the age groups we are. Covid a greater risk individually and we have lower deaths than other countries, will be opening up soon

MarshaBradyo · 09/04/2021 09:37

[quote StrawberryLipstickStateOfMind]@MarshaBradyo that's what I'd like to know as well- obviously second doses should be taken into account but then I feel very strongly that they should stick to age order- IMO it's not right that if the available doses are moderna, they switch to vaccinating 18-29 ahead of people in their 40s and 30s. I'm really glad that younger people with underlying conditions have already been vaccinated, I also don't like that some people have criticised when younger people have benefitted from receiving spare doses etc- so much better that it goes to anyone rather than in the bin. But changing the order of vaccination would be so very wrong- someone in their 40s has a far higher risk of the virus itself.

Someone correct me if I'm wrong but I thought that 18-29 may still be offered AZ but have to option to choose a different vaccine if they prefer to do so? [/quote]
Me too. So far I’ve only seen vague comments but not a confirmation on what will happen.

PeasPeasPeas · 09/04/2021 09:37

I still see the benefit of AZ and am grateful that we have the opportunity to have it. If it weren't for my personal medical history, I would have it without hesitation.