Low platelets before vaccine

[Squiz81]

I know I should speak to my GP, but I know it will be a headache to try and get through to them and I don’t really expect them to know, so wondered if any of you knew...

Last time I had a blood test I had low platelets. I have no idea if they are still low. Does anyone know if an alternative to AZ is recommended if you already have low platelets? I’m 2 weeks off 40 so guessing I am now eligible for an alternative anyway - but there is no information about how you get one in practice!

Yes it is. I had my second AZ dose refused on Wednesday because I had low platelets at my recent blood test(age 42).

The vaccination centre Dr had a long chat with me, consulted his colleague and then told me they weren't comfortable giving it to me because of the potential increased risk. I was given a letter for my GP and am now waiting for them to refer me for Pfizer.

Thank you @Flev that’s helped me make up my mind about the issue.

@Flev out of interest did they say you'll be effectively restarting your vaccination with Pfizer (2 doses)? Or just given your second dose as pfizer. Just wondering what the alternative is for people who can't have their second dose AZ

I'd like to know this too

Opposite experience here. I have low platelets, and they gave me the AZ vaccine. Only last week, so since all the latest advice was published.

Hope they sort it for you one way or the other, OP

@Flev I think that's because the guidance says if you developed low platelets after the 1st (which you did I think if I remember right from another thread) they can't give you the second. I think it's less cut and dry for the 1st dose. I think it's an ask your GP thing.

I just had my first and they were giving 40ish and below moderna though, not sure if it's the same elsewhere.

Have you asked your gp @whataballbag ? I rang mine today and the receptionist called me back minutes later to say “the nurse says it’s fine you can have your vaccine” I don’t feel particularly reassured to be honest. But I have booked the jab. There’s a small chance it won’t be AstraZeneca and if it is I will mention the platelets to the nurse there.

@Squiz81

Have you asked your gp *@whataballbag* ? I rang mine today and the receptionist called me back minutes later to say “the nurse says it’s fine you can have your vaccine” I don’t feel particularly reassured to be honest. But I have booked the jab. There’s a small chance it won’t be AstraZeneca and if it is I will mention the platelets to the nurse there.

Hi @Squiz81 sorry my question was about whether vaccines will be mixed (one dose of each) as opposed to completely restarted!

Is there any way if you can find out beforehand what the centre is offering on your booking day?

Did the vaccine cause the low platelets? Or do you know what did?

In my my case @passmethemilk it’s nothing to do with the vaccine (I’ve not had the first shot yet) no idea what did cause them and it’s a few years since I had a blood test so I don’t even know if they’re still low.

I have had low platelets (ITP) for 26 years this September, and my count is about 32k. I have had AZ both times, with the medics knowing I had it.

It is worth reading the articles by Adrian Newland on the ITP Support Association website about the jabs, as he puts it into context.

I have thrombocytopenia and got the AZ

Thank you @thegcatsmother and @longcoffeebreak thats very reassuring. I will look those articles up now