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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:
worriedatthemoment · 29/04/2021 20:21

Well you do fail to see how can you walk across 6 ft to get another jab that is allocated to someone else

Helenluvsrob · 29/04/2021 20:22

Nope. Pfizer doses are allocated as 2nd round here. We get them for the same people who had Pfizer 11 weeks ago.

If you had AZ first Pfizer now I suspect there will not be any allocated 2nd dose in 11 weeks as the supply is not there

Helenluvsrob · 29/04/2021 20:23

Sorry if you had A first Pfizer now there would not be any 2nd dose available

MadeOfStarStuff · 29/04/2021 20:23

You’re being ridiculous, can’t believe you actually think it’s okay to waste appointments and practically stamp your feet like a child. If you don’t want AZ when it’s offered then you should give up your opportunity.

Turn on the news and watch how many people are currently dying in India who would love the opportunity to have any vaccine at all, and start being bloody grateful you’re being offered a jab in the first place!

Frequentflier · 29/04/2021 20:23

Just astonished at how terribly furious you seem to be to get a vaccine that yes, people worldwide would probably kill for. It's like the NHS is forcing cyanide down your throat. Wait for Pfizer then.

QueenOfPain · 29/04/2021 20:24

Yes, made sure to book my vaccine appt at one of the hospital based vaccine centres where they’ve got Pfizer storage facilities.

Crazycatlady83 · 29/04/2021 20:25

I got the Pfizer first dose on Tuesday. I'm pregnant - have you thought of doing that? Takes long term commitment but guaranteed to get the jab you want

AwaAnBileYerHeid · 29/04/2021 20:25

@Crovine

I really don’t think you get to choose.

Why the actual fuck not though?

Because it is being used for second doses and also kept for those in clinical need of specifically the pfizer vaccine. If it's being used up by people who just want that vaccine, then those, who for medical reasons, can only get the pfizer/those who need it for a second dose, will miss out. That's why the fuck not.
joyam · 29/04/2021 20:26

I think this might be one of the most entitled and embarrassing things I've ever read.

Doidontimmm · 29/04/2021 20:27

@AppleJane apologies!

takemetomars · 29/04/2021 20:27

@Crovine

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.

You don't have the right to demand the treatment you want on the NHS. You are entitled to the treatment you are offered. Stop fucking about and decide
Lockheart · 29/04/2021 20:29

@AppleJane

[[https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-vaccine-adverse-reactions/coronavirus-vaccine-summary-of-yellow-card-reporting]]

4 cases now relating to the second jab.

And remind me out of how many millions of second jabs did those 4 cases occur?

There is no such thing as a no-risk medication. You take a risk every time you swallow a paracetamol or ibuprofen. You could be the next person to suffer a fatal reaction to your aspirin.

The rates of severe side effects in all of the covid vaccines so far are very, very low. These are extremely safe vaccines.

takemetomars · 29/04/2021 20:29

@Crovine

I really don’t think you get to choose.

Why the actual fuck not though?

Because this is the NHS not private fucking medicine
LemonRoses · 29/04/2021 20:29

If you believe there is a clinical reason to reject the AZ, then do an econsult form for your GP. They can arrange an alternative, if necessary, far more effectively than MN.
I had AZ first and was booked for a AZ second but because of a very specific risk, my GP advised swapping and starting again with Pfizer. My Pfizer was given that day. I’ve had one of each now and will have a second Pfizer.
Don’t waste appointments or just throw your toys out of the prom, use the proper route for clinical concerns.

rogueone · 29/04/2021 20:31

Well I have had pfizer and everyone of my family and friends have had Astra. Just hope that if you get covid your not one who ends up in hospital and ventilated. My DH got hospital aquired covid and nearly died. He has terminal cancer and he took the astra vaccine after discharge. So take the vaccine available or dont.... personally i would take any that is offered..

Hyacinth88 · 29/04/2021 20:33

I've worked as a vaccinator and I have only ever heard and seen it happen the other way around due to a history of anaphylaxis.
I cannot think why you would need Pfizer not AZ

Florelei · 29/04/2021 20:37

@EmmaOvary

You're more likely to get run over going to all these needless repeat appointments than developing a clot from the AZ vaccine.
I wish there was a like button.
Mandalay246 · 29/04/2021 20:37

I really don’t think you get to choose.

Why the actual fuck not though?

I am lost for words!! What makes you think you are so special that you get to choose while others take what they are offered and are grateful? As for constantly booking on the off-chance you might get Pfizer - just don't.

Thisismyname77463 · 29/04/2021 20:37

The covid-19 vaccine isn’t available privately in the U.K though is it, so the NHS will need to be offering up alternatives when they carry the stock. Which they are starting to do already.

Florelei · 29/04/2021 20:38

@MNHQ I accidentally reported @EmmaOvary post instead of quoting it. Please disregard. I’ve had too much Wine tonight. 🤦‍♀️ sorry!

Wellbythebloodyhell · 29/04/2021 20:38

Honestly these threads are actually getting embarrassing now Shock and to the poster who suggested to keep making appointments and declining until you get offered your vaccine of choice.......wow just wow I'm literally gobsmacked anyone would even consider doing this Angry

Mandalay246 · 29/04/2021 20:38

I think this might be one of the most entitled and embarrassing things I've ever read.

Agree - in fact I was going to write exactly this, and then I saw your post.

MarshaBradyo · 29/04/2021 20:43

@frozendaisy

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.

Luckily this isn’t possible.

Stupid advice.

TheLODstinkyunderpassAKATits · 29/04/2021 20:52

@Crazycatlady83

I got the Pfizer first dose on Tuesday. I'm pregnant - have you thought of doing that? Takes long term commitment but guaranteed to get the jab you want
You win!! Well we'll get to see just how determined OP is won't we Grin
Canyouexplainhowthatis · 29/04/2021 20:53

Other countries offer a choice. You’re not being unreasonable.