Has anybody managed to get Pfizer instead of astra zeneca?

[Crovine]

If so, please share strategies.

I have a number of issues including sibling medical history that have led me to not want astra zeneca. None of these are on the list of official reasons to avoid it. But I don't want it. I went to my vaccination appointment today and explained this. They said I could have astra zeneca and that it was safe. They said they would not offer Pfizer (which people six feet away were having) because all the doses were allocated. I was advised to get a letter from my GP. However it was my GP who told me to go to the appointment and discuss at the centre. So I left without being vaccinated.

It seems like an impasse.

Has anybody managed to find a way through this?

Oh ffs, 3 threads on this today
Unless your GP arranges it, properly not just fobs you off, then no you cannot choose which vaccine
Just have it or don’t (preferably don’t)

Nope.

Sounds like you just need to keep booking and turning AZ down until a Pfizer is available or badger your GP to insist you get a Pfizer for a reason you have decided.

You don't have to have any vaccine offered.

preferably don't

And what the fuck does that mean?

Ok thanks @frozendaisy so I book another appointment for tomorrow then?

Yeah keep booking until they give you what you want, or you take what they have, or you give up.

It's an impasse you're creating though. If there is no clinical reason for you needing Pfizer you won't get it.

Damn, I just tried and it said I've had the vaccine. I haven't though. Fucksakes.

I got it but only because that was the one on offer that day. I would have taken either.

I'm not sure booking and refusing continuously is wise. Contact your GP again and ask to speak to a different doctor if needed maybe?

Try a different vaccine hub.
Drive to Wimbledon.
Tell the GP you are really really special above the normal medical recommendations.

Keep booking.
Book 10 appointments.

If your GP believes your need a certain vaccine for clinical reasons, they should be enabling this. As is being said time and time again, no there is no way you can influence what vaccine you get on "preference".

If there is no clinical reason for you needing Pfizer you won't get it.

Why not? Pfizer is there, so am I, arm ready to go. This is just stupid.

Pfizer's at present mostly for second jabs.
If you wait 3 months or whenever you might get one then.

So be patient.

Go back end of day see if there is a no show.

And there is a clinical reason. In that Pfizer will protect me from covid. If that's reason to have astra zeneca, it's reason to have Pfizer.

I think people who haven’t been offered any vaccine yet are a bit fed up with people who have being precious about which one they get given.
I would have thought that unless there is a reason from YOUR medical history (not your siblings) then you take what your offered or you don’t.
There are literally thousands of other people just in this country who will take the one you don’t want.
I really don’t think you get to choose.

@Crovine It may "be there" but being used for second doses. If your GP doesn't accept your interpretation of clinical reasons enough to sort out for you, then you are not going to be able to choose what vaccine you have.

The Pfizer that’s there will be allocated for second doses or people who have been advised that they can’t have AZ. Your best bet is to ask around and see if any where local ish has been offering other vaccinations as first doses and book in there though there are no guarantees as it could change again.

Well get your GP to write a letter saying that then.

I really don’t think you get to choose.

Why the actual fuck not though?

What you want doesn't matter. If you need a certain jab on clinical grounds your doctor will arrange it.

After that your options are take it or leave it.

Pfizer doses are quite rightly being prioritised for those getting their second Pfizer dose.

Please don't waste NHS time and resources by buggering about like you're ordering off a menu. Either wait until such a time as we can afford the luxury of choice or take what they offer.

All the vaccines protect you from COVID!
That’s not a clinical reason to choose one over the other!

Thank you @Rainbowsandstorms.

I want to find out how to do this.

@Crovine

I really don’t think you get to choose.

Why the actual fuck not though?

Because we're in crisis mode and the NHS doesn't have the ability to take everyone's orders like you're a particularly irritating hen do at Las Iguanas.

Supplies are bumpy. We don't have enough spare that people can pick and choose. Take what you can get, or wait.

What you want doesn't matter.

It does to me.

Is Moderna acceptable? A few hubs are giving that out at the moment.