No Pfizer 1st doses in London/Kent?

[User556677]

Does anyone know where in London/Kent am I likely to get Pfizer for 1st dose? Due to several blood clotting cases in the family (not vaccine related), I am very anxious about taking AZ.
I hear Pfizer vaccines are only for second doses now? Is that correct?

If you are medically at higher risk of blood clotting then I believe your GP will refer you onto the Pfizer pathway. If it’s just spurious family issues then I think you just need to have what is offered at the vaccine centres. As you are aware, basically all Pfizer doses have been reserved for 2nd doses / Pfizer pathway

DD was approved for Pfizer vaccination (added to group 6 because of my leukaemia when they re-instated immediate households of those with serious immune conditions).

That was over 3 weeks ago, and we’re still waiting to be able to book a Pfizer slot (she’s under 18 so it was always Pfizer only) and she’s in the highest category for Pfizer first shot (the only category getting first shots round here, according to hub staff, is those with urgent medical need who cannot have others)

So if they aren’t getting first shots into the arms of those who need it for medical reasons, I think you will have a very long wait to get it simply because you are disinclined to have AZ.

But do talk to your psych team about what you feel this is doing to your anxiety as they may be able to help, or make other adjustments to treatment for that. Or if not under psych, see GP.

But even with intervention, you may still have a long wait

Majority of Pfizer doses are allocated to second jabs at the moment. The small amount that remain are for those while have a medical need to have it above other available vaccines. If you believe you have a clinical need then you need to speak with your GP who can put you on the Pfizer pathway. If it’s family with possible grounds rather you though it’s highly unlikely and you’ll have to take what’s offered when you book yourself vaccination or wait to see what changes in the future.

My DC had to wait a month for their first Pfizer vaccine. You won't get it unless your GP refers you. That's how it works here any way.

Moderna is being used too so you might be offered it over AZ

If your gp says you should not have AZ they will refer you for Pfizer or moderna but you need a concrete reason or be under 30

I live in Warwickshire and some friends went to the local hospital yesterday and were given the choice between AZ and Pfeizer. They are in their 40s no underlying health problems so must depend on area

I went to St Thomas Hospital in London yesterday in the hope I would get Pfizer or Moderna but only AZ on offer. I accepted it anyhow.

No that’s not the case although I read that on here too.

I know someone who received Pfizer as a first dose a few days ago in the South East.

Had pfizer for my first dose on Thursday, they were doing both where I went (hospital in SE)

I have blood clotting issues, medically diagnosed. Was still told ok to have second dose.

Most of the the limited Pfizer where I live is being given for second doses only, otherwise it’s AZ.

Depending where you go then moderna is given, Mostly at mass vaccination centres I think, but there’s still no guarantees you’ll be offered that on the day

I thankfully managed to get Moderna, as like you didn’t want the AZ so had to travel to increase my chances, as I knew I would only be offered Az here.

@milkjetmum which hospital was that ?

I had the Pfizer at Ramsgate vaccination centre this morning. Didn't know what I was getting until I got there. Booked online

I had Pfizer at Guys hospital this morning

I think Guys are doing Pfizer/Moderna as well as Islington Design Centre. It's not all being kept for second doses.

Are you under 40? You don’t need any special requests if so, you’ll simply be able to book online for the alternative vaccine route once it goes live?

The government have ordered 60 million more doses of Pfizer, so the concerns of holding them back for 2nd doses is no longer needed as we have plenty to keep going until the next lot arrive in September/October, especially when you take the 17 million Moderna in current circulation in to account. Pfizer also believe boosters won't be needed this Autumn after all, as was thought might happen originally.

Pfizer in Horsham first dose

My husband and I have just had Pfizer first doses at our local GP in Oxfordshire, so not all areas are reserving them for second doses.