Alternatives to AstraZeneca vaccine for under 40s “could be considered” amid rise in blood clots 2

[Whichjab]

Just starting another thread as so much information still coming out. Interesting that Germany have just allowed AZ for all that want it.

Note, this is not an Anti-Vaccs thread. It is just a discussion about alternatives.

Thanks for the new thread. The story continues!

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

This.

And thank you for the new thread! Looking forward to more discussions on here. Very happy for all you under 40s.

I’m 41 and booked in at one of the supposed to be Moderna sites for next Monday. Am I likelier to have AZ forced on me now? 🙁

I'm feeling relieved for the first time in ages! Keeping fingers crossed for the next age group up (that's me and not yet had first jab)

Looking forward to an announcement and more news tomorrow! The Telegraph is also now reporting it along with the Independent.

I'm feeling less relieved and more concerned now as a fit 43 year old!

@Schulte

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

This.

And thank you for the new thread! Looking forward to more discussions on here. Very happy for all you under 40s.

They're going to have to say they've looked over the data - and as a result will revise group 9 to include 40+.

I'm 41 and due mine on Monday which I'm sure will be AZ as in Scotland and our health bird didn't get any Moderna yet. I've had a hunch about AZ being an issue ever since the first chat of clots came out in Europe. My husband is just annoyed by my comments on this. He's 39 so may avoid AZ even though he doesn't care. I feel if it's a risk for him at 2 years younger and male then it's a bigger risk for me.

I just feel there is more to come on this. The rate is going up each week and if it's more common in the younger age group it will only go up as more get it and the lag with time from dose to clot, etc. For the first time they've talked on the gender bias which other countries mentioned months ago.

I was actually disappointed to get an appointment as I'd like to see another month of data before having it.

I think otherwise there's a good legal case for 40+. It's worth noting other countries started their vaccine priority from 40 or 45. Long Covid also appears to be higher risk for 40+, particularly women.

Thanks for starting a second thread. I know there are lots of knowledgeable people on here. Can anyone explain the purpose of the second dose? Is it to increase the percentage of people who develop antibodies or will immunity fall off a cliff at some point without the second dose? I’m aware that the Johnson and Johnson vaccine uses the same vector and is a one dose vaccination but has lower efficiency than some of the others. I’m in my 30s with no risk factors that I’m aware of and I’ve had my first dose but without more data regarding second doses I don’t feel confident at present regarding the second dose but I also want to be protected against covid. I really hope their raise the threshold for other vaccinations to the over 40s too.

I think we also need to know how effective AZ is against the UK, South African, and Indian strains. Unless it's already known? I've been busy the last couple of days and might've missed something. I saw a report today about efficacy against the UK strain but that was for Pfizer.

@Tealightsandd

I think otherwise there's a good legal case for 40+. It's worth noting other countries started their vaccine priority from 40 or 45. Long Covid also appears to be higher risk for 40+, particularly women.

Very interesting point and I do agree, but who would actually make that legal case (or are you just talking hypothetically)?

As a 45 year old I feel as though if they do say this, it’s like they’re admitting we have a higher risk from covid but that we are not enough of a priority to be considered part of group 9. A somewhat forgotten group.

BTW I did have AZ and am very grateful for it!

I'm in my 30s & had AZ, does anyone know if subsequent doses are ok if first dose was ok?

As a 41 year old who has had Covid recently I consider myself at extremely low risk from Covid. The risk of taking AstraZ is far greater than is reasonable for me even if it is still low.

Any over 40s here yet to have their jab?

Are there any stats about the actual percentage risk in each age group? Also, I’m assuming that the younger age groups are more likely to have comorbidities (more likely to be getting the vaccine early) and I wonder if this might skew things?

However I will admit that, as someone who cannot take the pill due to a higher risk of blood clotting, the constant refrain of “the pill is more risky” isn’t as reassuring as people think it might be!

That said, I’m 41 and had the jab willingly and happily last week as the chance of getting a blood clot with covid was still way higher and it was the only jab on offer to me.

@Iceniii

I'm feeling less relieved and more concerned now as a fit 43 year old!

The way I see it is this gives us more ammunition to justify our decision for wanting a choice!

I have deliberately put off getting vaccinated (am 43) as it has been clear from the EMA stats and the fact that every other country has stopped vaccinating under 50s with AZ or is offering them a choice that there are issues. In a low risk covid environment (U.K. at the moment), the risks of the vaccine outweigh the benefits for healthy, fit people in the age range 40-50 by 2.1 to 1 (in 100k, clots against death or ICU hospitalisation from covid) and those numbers appear to be increasing. Clearly, very, very unlikely for either to happen but on an individual basis, it is riskier at the moment to get the vaccine than not if you are under 50. And yes, for both cases the argument that “you’re more likely to have a crash on your next car journey” is true. For the past two weeks’ reports, U.K. stats show one person a day in the U.K. on average dying from one of these clots (most of these in the age range 40-60 as that’s the range that the stats will most likely cover with the reporting lag).

Are there any stats about the actual percentage risk in each age group?

I haven't see % but just the number of younger people vaccinated vs older people. I know young people who have had the jab without having health issues.

I’m 44 and not had mine yet. I am positive lupus anticoagulant so wanted to wait for more data and my area has v low covid levels at present.
When I spoke to my gp about waiting (back in March when the first clot data came out) she was very cross with me for being hesitant, but I feel like my hesitancy has been justified.

So angry. I’m 37 and just had AZ. They told me there was no alternative for my age group, the choice was have it or don’t. Now it turns out I’m entitled to a safer and more effective vaccine after all.

@Donitta

So angry. I’m 37 and just had AZ. They told me there was no alternative for my age group, the choice was have it or don’t. Now it turns out I’m entitled to a safer and more effective vaccine after all.

I think tomorrow when this story breaks there are going to be many who feel the same as you. It's so unfair.

www.independent.co.uk/news/health/covid-vaccine-astrazeneca-blood-clots-cases-latest-b1842455.html

Looks like we may be changing schedule now because of latest numbers

Like I have said women are NOT more likely to get clots than men

Also on the Germany thing. It is because the risks of covid in all age ranges are more than from the vaccine now. They are having a third wave and all that.

The general scientific opinion not just in the UK but around the world is still go for your AZ second doses. You are less likely to get a clot with second dose than first dose.

Of course they are continuing to watch this. Will obviously take action if data starts saying otherwise.

We've been discussing the independent article for the last two hours @TruelyWonder on the previous thread.