Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Covid

Mumsnet doesn't verify the qualifications of users. If you have medical concerns, please consult a healthcare professional.

Original poster

Has anybody managed to get Pfizer instead of astra zeneca?

429 replies

Crovine · 29/04/2021 19:15

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?

OP posts:
nether · 29/04/2021 20:00

I have older teens who have been added to the immunisation list (CEV person in the household) who because of age can only have Pfizer as it is the only one licenced for 16 and 17 yos

We are still waiting, even with GP approval and discussion with hub, for a first jab appointment. We were told we are in the only category for which a Pfizer first would currently be available. And we don't know how much longer it's going to take.

Original poster
Crovine · 29/04/2021 20:01

I was literally told by staff at the vaccine hub to book another appointment and see what's available that day rather than walking six feet across the tent to get a jab this evening so I fail to see that I'm doing anything wrong by doing so. The reason I'm asking on here for an alternative plan is to avoid wasting mine and their time in this way. I didn't set this insane fucking system up.

OP posts:
MarshaBradyo · 29/04/2021 20:02

So now you can’t book again as it says you’ve had it?

Unicornish · 29/04/2021 20:03

Do you know how fantastically lucky you are to have been offered a vaccine? There are literally billions of people who would snatch it out of your hands if they could.

Take it or don't take it. Stop trying to game the system. It makes you seem like a selfish ignoramus, which I'm sure you're not. Wink

Unicornish · 29/04/2021 20:04

It isn't an "insane fucking system" - it is a system which has been working really well at getting jabs into arms.

Do you not understand that the Pfizer doses are all allocated for second jabs? Why do you think your snobbery about vaccines means that someone else should go without their second dose?

Original poster
Crovine · 29/04/2021 20:05

That's right @MarshaBradyo. Urgh it's so frustrating.

OP posts:
Doidontimmm · 29/04/2021 20:05

@AppleJane - no need for sarcasm, I didn’t care what I got, it was more in response to all the posts saying Pfizer is uncommon as a first jab.

Lockheart · 29/04/2021 20:06

@Crovine

I was literally told by staff at the vaccine hub to book another appointment and see what's available that day rather than walking six feet across the tent to get a jab this evening so I fail to see that I'm doing anything wrong by doing so. The reason I'm asking on here for an alternative plan is to avoid wasting mine and their time in this way. I didn't set this insane fucking system up.
It's a system that's been doing a bloody good job of getting the population vaccinated thus far, it's not that insane.

And the reason you couldn't just "walk six feet" and get it is because all of those jabs will already have been allocated to people who actually need them and will have had appointments for that day.

You're not so special you get to bump someone out of the queue.

Thisismyname77463 · 29/04/2021 20:06

I’m on your side.

Whether you have a “clinical” reason (which seems to really upset some folk on here) or not, it’s your personal preference.

You can and should have an alternative.

The alternative is available on the nhs, it is not available privately at this time. You may have to wait longer to receive it from the nhs though.

It is currently banned for under 60s in my home country, I will not be accepting the AZ.

Often when you go down the “clinical reason” route you will get talked out of it.

freeez · 29/04/2021 20:06

I hope you don't manage to keep booking appointments only to waste them once you get there. People are absolutely desperate to book their jabs - I was one of them. Please don't waste appointments.

EileenGC · 29/04/2021 20:08

If you’re so desperate for Pfizer, you’ll have to wait until they’re publicly available to everyone. Stop trying to re-book appointments because any Pfizer that they can get goes straight to second doses or high priority groups who are still waiting. Maybe towards the end of the summer they’ll have plenty for everyone who wants something else than offered.

EileenGC · 29/04/2021 20:09

Forgot to say, I also want Pfizer but luckily I get to choose in my country (not until June/July) so I will be waiting for when I can choose. I am not harassing my doctor or the national system trying to find something that’s very scarce at the moment (not saying you are!).

1forAll74 · 29/04/2021 20:10

I am due to have my second jab next Monday, I had the AZ one in March, but no idea which one I will get next week,probably the AZ one again, but who knows, I guess it must be safe to mix vaccines up, !

AppleJane · 29/04/2021 20:10

[quote Doidontimmm]@AppleJane - no need for sarcasm, I didn’t care what I got, it was more in response to all the posts saying Pfizer is uncommon as a first jab.[/quote]

I wasn't being sarcastic. I'm happy for anyone not having to risk AZ right now.

thiswaythat · 29/04/2021 20:12

Hi Op I had an appointment at a MVC turned up and it was only AZ on offer. The nurse couldn't have been kinder and said she totally understood my hesitancy and not to worry because they are phasing out the AZ and will be Pfizer in a couple of weeks so just rebook then
I'm in Wales though so probably doesn't help you. But absolutely if you don't want AZ don't feel pressured to get it

MarshaBradyo · 29/04/2021 20:12

@Thisismyname77463

I’m on your side.

Whether you have a “clinical” reason (which seems to really upset some folk on here) or not, it’s your personal preference.

You can and should have an alternative.

The alternative is available on the nhs, it is not available privately at this time. You may have to wait longer to receive it from the nhs though.

It is currently banned for under 60s in my home country, I will not be accepting the AZ.

Often when you go down the “clinical reason” route you will get talked out of it.

You can talk about not accepting it but here the op will have to wait.

It also seems that making an appointment and not accepting is a pain logistically.

Lockheart · 29/04/2021 20:12

I wasn't being sarcastic. I'm happy for anyone not having to risk AZ right now.

Tens of millions of people around the world have had AZ jabs.

It is extremely safe.

You make it sound like a trip through minefield. "Not having to risk AZ" indeed!

MarshaBradyo · 29/04/2021 20:14

I'm happy for anyone not having to risk AZ right now.

This site is crazy atm. Millions have had the AZ and it’s why were all benefitting from next stage.

So much fear and anxiety stirring.

EmmaOvary · 29/04/2021 20:14

You're more likely to get run over going to all these needless repeat appointments than developing a clot from the AZ vaccine.

Delatron · 29/04/2021 20:15

Brilliant point @EmmaOvary

Original poster
Crovine · 29/04/2021 20:16

Tell that to the vaccine hub staff @freeez. And the people who set the system up.

Thanks @Thisismyname77463 for getting it. I've worked out of home throughout this fucking situation and I'm tired of putting myself at risk.

OP posts:
worriedatthemoment · 29/04/2021 20:18

You can't have pfizer if its allocated for someone elses second jab , just because its there
Currently in this country we don't have a choice its as simple as that unless your GP can arrange properly and even then im not sure what criteria is

LeaveMyDamnJam · 29/04/2021 20:18

As someone who has worked in the pharmaceutical industry and have friends who have been involved directly in the development of the AZ vaccine, I am fed up of this AZ bashing. And yes, I’ve had my AZ jab and was delighted to do so.

Jessbow · 29/04/2021 20:19

@1forAll74

I am due to have my second jab next Monday, I had the AZ one in March, but no idea which one I will get next week,probably the AZ one again, but who knows, I guess it must be safe to mix vaccines up, !
Your appointment will have been arranged so that you will get a second dose of the same vaccine.