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.

Bother, an hour away.

It’s really got to me today. I can’t stop crying. Am positive lupus anticoagulant which seems to make me higher risk for covid clots and also AZ, but am only being offered AZ as am 43. Also v nervous of taking an mRNA Vax too. I just don’t know what to do.

Which area are you in @Swimbikerunmummy

Me too. I've just booked into a local hub for 26th but I know they will only give me AZ. It gives me time to think and look for something else but I just don't know what I'll do.

I actually feel sick thinking about it.

Thought I'd provide an update. I have had Moderna.
This was at Robertson House, Stevenage if it helps anyone else

I had Pfizer this weekend and am over 40. Keep ringing around until you find somewhere.

I've just turned 40 and had the AZ today.

There is a risk, but comfortable with the stats. It's a very personal thing though.

@Swimbikerunmummy

It’s really got to me today. I can’t stop crying. Am positive lupus anticoagulant which seems to make me higher risk for covid clots and also AZ, but am only being offered AZ as am 43. Also v nervous of taking an mRNA Vax too. I just don’t know what to do.

I think you are supposed to be offered Pfizer if you have antiphospholipid syndrome. I would speak to your GP as you will probably have to be booked in by your practice rather than the online booking site.

@Belladonna12 I’m not diagnosed with anti phospholipid syndrome, but have elevated lupus anticoagulant, which was found when I kept miscarrying. I took blood thinners through pregnancy, but don’t take anything day to day now which is why apparently I’m fine to have AZ. Sigh. Spoke to doctor back in late March when this all started to come out. Maybe I need to go back and try again.

swim are you in the Midlands?

I booked the 26th and then an email came in telling me I can book an appointment at a walkin clinc doing pfizer. Feels like a house sale e.g. Nothing for certain till you exchange.

@Iceniii I’m in the SW

I emailed many centres and I finally got a hit. Worth a try.

[quote Swimbikerunmummy]@Belladonna12 I’m not diagnosed with anti phospholipid syndrome, but have elevated lupus anticoagulant, which was found when I kept miscarrying. I took blood thinners through pregnancy, but don’t take anything day to day now which is why apparently I’m fine to have AZ. Sigh. Spoke to doctor back in late March when this all started to come out. Maybe I need to go back and try again.[/quote]
I would speak to them again as I thought the syndrome was defined by whether you have the antibodies not on whether or not you take anticoagulants. You probably aren't at increased risk but I'm pretty sure the MHRA advice is that you should have Pfizer rather than AZ as a precaution.

@lcenii

I emailed many centres and I finally got a hit. Worth a try.

Sorry if this is a stupid question, but where/how do you find contact details for centres? Especially those operating out of non-NHS places like sports halls etc. I didn't think it was possible to contact them directly.

A few from the appointment list I was offered, a few from suggestions on here, then a few from friends who had found some, and google for walkin clinics. Keep the search parameters with 24 hours.

You can narrow search terms in Google by "search term" to give an exact match to your search term.

Moderna today at reading madejski for 1st doses regardless of age and second doses AZ.

Update: got moderna this morning at St Helens Rugby Stadium. I'm just doing my 15 min wait. Think they're giving it for all first doses regardless of age there are definitely people here older than I am!

People need to be very clear now and say at centres or to their GPs - I am refusing AZ but will accept another vaccine. Can you please sort this as surely the NW (Bolton) situation shows it is better that I am vaccinated than unvaccinated.

I'm going tomorrow. They say pfizer but I am still nervous it won't be!

@QuietLurker

Update: got moderna this morning at St Helens Rugby Stadium. I'm just doing my 15 min wait. Think they're giving it for all first doses regardless of age there are definitely people here older than I am!

That's the same situation I had when I had mine yesterday. They did have AZ too and I was a bit worried I would be sent off to have that, but it turned out to only be for 2nd doses. There were people of quite a varied age getting Moderna.

Home now, and bricking it a bit about about whether side effects are going to kick in... but still very relieved to have got it done.

Refer back to my earlier reply to you- I've now had my first Pfizer jab through my GP surgery due to positive lupus anticoagulant. Ring your GP!