AZ vaccine with family member with history of brain hemorrhage

[LadyStardust1]

Hi, I live abroad and will be eligible for vaccine very soon. I'm 52 and will be offered the AZ vaccine. Years ago direct family member suffered a subarachnoid hemorrhage and luckily survived. I have to book the vaccine online via our local NHS equivalent and then turn up at a drive in and will be injected through the car window. As I'm booking online I can't ask to have a different vaccine based on my family history. I have to answer questions about my own health but there's no where to write anything else.

Has anyone had the AZ vaccine with a family member who has a brain hemorrhage, or were you offered an alternative?

There is a far greater risk of clots from catching Covid at your age (not being rude - I'm older than you!). In fact subarachnoid haemorrhage is rather more common than you would think, and most people survive. It is highly unlikely, unless you have specific risk factors, that some genetics linked to a single family member alone would contraindicate the AZ vaccine, but if you are worried, then can you not speak to your family doctor?

Hi OP. My dad suffered a subarachnoid haemorrhage 4 years ago and survived. He had the AZ vaccine a couple of months ago and has been absolutely fine. I haven’t been offered one yet but it didn’t even occur to me to ask for something different tbh.

The odds of anything happening to you are so incredibly slim and I'm sure that in your heart of hearts, you know this. But then, there's that tiny window of risk, which becomes a gaping chasm when worries take over. And your reason for worrying is a valid one.
In your shoes, I'd talk to your GP and ask if he/she thinks it's worth putting you on the Pfizer list (for when it becomes available again). I think it's wise to be guided by a clinician at this point.

Just to add, both of my parents have had subarachnoid hemorrhages and I'm not having the AZ vaccine... but NOT for that reason at all. In fact, I hadn't even considered their history as a reason to worry. I have a clotting disorder and a disorder that affects my blood vessels and I'm a little worried about the AZ vaccination so I'll wait for Pfizer. Ironically, I was in a house full of covid over Christmas and into New Year (DH had covid). For some mad reason, I didn't get it. I might be less lucky next winter, so I do want the vaccine.

I would definitely talk to your gp first. My dad had two serious blood clots that could have killed him, so I really don't want the AZ vaccine. I know it would probably be fine, but I'd just prefer not to have it. I'll wait until there's an alternative where I am, but I'm curious to know my gp's thoughts...

My mum had a subarachnoid haemorrhage and survived, I have a blood clotting disorder and had a stroke induced by a blood clot on the brain. Both of us have had AZ

If you are worried about your family history talk to your doctor. Some poster on other threads have said that these things are not genetic. It is still ok to have the vaccine. However I think if you are concerned speak to a doctor before booking your jab.