Alternatives to AstraZeneca vaccine for under 40s “could be considered” amid rise in blood clots

[Whichjab]

www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/astrazeneca-vaccine-side-effects-blood-clots-under-40-b931498.html

This is concerning, especially as there is limited research into combining vaccinations. I feel that the trust in vaccination is being eroded. I have always been pro vacc but feeling much less so atm.
I'm not sure I will get my second jab now.

@Desari

Just saw this in the independent:

www.google.co.uk/amp/s/www.independent.co.uk/news/health/covid-vaccine-astrazeneca-blood-clots-cases-latest-b1842455.html%3famp

Looks like there is to be a change in policy.

Strange that they've not mentioned the 6 instances after second vaccines at all, and chose to say 'it doesn't happen'.

Despite the 45 to 59 age group having higher blood clots

Excellent news! I'm holding out for them to see sense and raise the age cut off even further. But it was always going to be one step at a time. Are they going to wait for more cases to pile up before doing the right thing?

Ahhh that is such a relief!

From the independent article:

'Government source insists policy change won't impact UK's target of offering a first vaccine dose to every adult by the end of July'

Perhaps the target is the reason for not raising to 50+

Great news! 🙏

I'm so happy for all you 30-40 year olds!! And no matter what anyone tells you, always listen to your gut.

This is good news. But I think it needs to go further, especially for women in their 40-50s

Thank you @AppleJane and to everyone on this thread who has been willing to discuss our legitimate concerns.

I’m hoping that my DH (43) can get an appointment at the same place as me so he can get an alternative too. I hope they change the age limit again or at least say that people can choose to wait.

They had this data before the bank holiday weekend, knowing hundreds would take up the AZ vaccine. This was discussed on this thread and others.

Why did they withhold this change until now?

Yet again zero press

I'm hopeful it will come. Even if we have to wait until they've hit their 'targets' of offering jabs.

@Bunbury952 fingers crossed your DH gets the vaccine he wants too!

Why did they withhold this change until now?
I personally believe they were sitting on it until the local election polls had closed. Boris was completely screwed a few months ago. It’s only the successful vaccine roll out that has saved him.
You don’t even need to be a massive conspiracy theorist to believe it was sat on. In Whitehall and the NHS they will justify the delay in announcement as following election “purdah” rules and because supposedly under 40s aren’t being vaxed yet (although we all know many who have been)

And the press aren’t reporting on it as the journalists are all terrified of being accused of whipping up anti vax views and being the next Andrew Wakefield

@Roonerspismed and @Carefulvulvadriver stall for bank holiday and bury during election, just as we predicted.

I've been lurking on this thread for ages and have really appreciated this discussion. I have been really, really stressed about this issue - it's the first time that I've ever felt unsure about a vaccination and it feels very unlike me! I just turned 40 a couple of months ago (and got my vaccine invite today), so technically the change for the 30s wont affect me, but I'm hoping that it might make it more likely I can get an alternative too. Whatever happens it's reinforced that that a 'wait-and-see' approach is right for me.

I agree they were sitting on it until the elections. I also think they were trying to vaccinate as many over 40s as possible with AZ while they could.

I wonder how are they going to justify the policy change without admitting the increased risk to those in their 40s and 50s

Welcome @QuietLurker to the Odd Group (as we've been called on other threads!)

Tomorrow should be an interesting day once news channels can report without affecting the election.

I’ve also been lurking and reading this thread every day. I’m 38 and hope this is true - trying to decide what to do re AZ has been causing me some anxiety. All my friends who are in their early 40’s have skipped off quite merrily to have their AZ vaccine - so grateful for this thread.

@Dementedswan

Despite the 45 to 59 age group having higher blood clots

They've made it clear throughout the pandemic that the 40-50 age group in particular can fuck off. Not included in first priority phase because apparently lower risk from Covid (despite data showing raised risk from 45). But then told they should have the less effective vaccine because they're apparently higher risk from Covid.... Either they're higher risk from Covid so should be in group 1-9 (i.e. for boosters), or lower risk so should be given alternative vaccine to AZ. Which is it, Boris?

I'll add that my personal suspicion is the under 40s are being offered an alternative not because of any increased side effect risk (as all the vaccines have rare risks) but because the Pfizer and Moderna might be more effective against the South African, UK, and Indian strains.

So happy to hear that this is being changed. Are there many people here who are now in an age group where it’s no longer recommended but are still due their second dose? I feel stuck between a rock and a hard place. There wasn’t sufficient data re the risk of the first dose when I had it and I don’t think there will be sufficient data regarding the risks of the second in my age group as it’s thankfully no longer recommended.

This thread is nearly full if @Whichjab or someone else would like to start a new one soon?

I turned 40 2 weeks ago and booked my 1st vaccine this morning....I wonder if there will be a cut off date for turning 40 or whether it will be your age on the day that determines which vaccine you get.

One thing's for certain. They definitely need to include 40-50s for priority for any booster shots. Given the advice on vaccines confirms the 40+ are higher risk from Covid.