If you choose to have 1 dose of Pfizer

[ZammoUK]

I read that 1 dose is 90% protective against Coronavirus, and this goes up to 95% with 2 doses. So if someone only wanted the 1 dose, is this allowed ? Reason I ask is because side effects tend to be worse on 2nd dose of Pfizer, so just having 1 jab if you want to avoid possible complications or side effects could be an option maybe, if 90% protective. I am anxious of vaccines anyway, so this would help against my chronic anxiety. Just wondered what it means as far as the doctors go ? Do they just shrug their shoulders and allow it ? Or is there some kind of rule you have to go back for 2nd shot ?

I not sure the effectiveness of one dose lasts as long as two doses?

You should have the second shot. I had no side effects on my second Pfizer shot.

No one or no rule can force you to have the second vaccine its entirely your choice but I doubt anyone would recommend it for you.
If you don't have the 2nd dose will your anxiety manifest in other ways such as potentially being susceptible to Covid again? If so I'd decide which of those scenarios are the lesser of 2 evils and take your decision from there

It would be "allowed" as in nobody could force you, but the doctors would probably silently judge you. Think of it this way, Pfizer is expensive. Would the nhs find two doses if they thought one was enough?

This is not minimising anxiety at all though. It's utterly crap to feel anxious. Do you have betablockers or something? It might be worth booking a phone appointment with your gp and explaining this and asking for something. I have found betablockers very effective for moments of extreme anxiety. It's short term, but they work. Long term, there are low dose antidepressants that help too, but they take a while to kick in and if you generally can cope, a one off tablet that helps you deal with the actual vaccination might be enough? But as you say chronic anxiety, please talk to your GP anyway about medication in general?

I had unpleasant side effects after dose one, and virtually nothing after dose 2. Pfizer. Far far outweighed by the huge sense of relief that I’d done everything possible to protect myself.

We know dose 2 boosts antibody levels significantly. It clearly is your decision but, if you only have one dose, you risk less immunity, more susceptibility to variants, and your immunity wearing off sooner. Is that worth it to avoid a day or two of feeling rough, which may nit even happen.

Think about what side effects are.
The vaccine: possible sore arm etc; you'd get those with either dose.
The immune system: possible headache, chills etc; you get those when your body is building long-term protection.

Side effects aren't fun, but they don't last long either. Immunity does last a long time though, quite probably for years given recent findings, but that's with two doses. Just get your second jab, you'll be pleased when you know it's done.

I was tired and a tiny bit achy after the first Pfizer. Didn’t even notice the second.

First dose gives most protection
Second dose gives longevity so you should still get second dose.

Obviously it's your choice but just to try ease your anxiety a little I will say I was very worried about side effects with both of mine as I have quite bad anxiety around medical things.

The first one I just had a dead arm, second I had a sore arm and just felt shivery - I'd been really worried after hearing the second dose had worst side effects.

@Wherediditgo as you said - the first dose effectiveness dwindles over/after 3 months the second dose boost the immunity &, to put it another way, puts it into the body's long term memory for immunity

I’d argue having both doses will ease your anxiety. If you leave it at one dose, you’ll forever wonder if you’ve got ‘full’ protection & how long that protection might last. Will you become susceptible to covid again? We don’t know that answer yet. Pfizer Boosters have been purchased for Autumn just in case vaccines only last a set period of time.

If you have your second jab, it’s what, a week of feeling rubbish at most? Then you can go about life knowing you’ve got the best, hopefully longer lasting immune response possible.

It seems quite likely we’ll need COVID shots every year like flu - are you not going to have those?

I think ppl might be thinking about it as two separate vaccines but I think it is really more like two parts of one complete vaccine.
So you wouldn't be having one vaccine you'd be having a partial vaccine.
The NHS is not one for handing out unnecessary vaccines to it's entire population so I rather think second part vital for success.

FWIW I had my second Pfizer yesterday with no side effects except a slightly tender arm.

Far rather a sore arm than dealing with Covid.

I had my second dose of Pfizer last week and have had no side effects. Get the second dose and be fully protected!

Ageee with pp that it’s about the duration of the response too. Also just bear in mind that this likely won’t be the last vaccine you need for COVID-19. There will be a winter booster programme at least this winter and probably for the future (like the flu jab).

Wouldn’t recommend I had covid the week I was due to return for second dose (so after the first!)

Finally got my second a month later and had no side effects. Had felt unwell for the day after the first

I had no side effects with either dose so I really wouldn't decline your second dose on the basis of expecting side effects!

You should have the second shot. It’s the best protection, and most likely we have to get used to booster shots.

I had no side effects on the first
On the second I had very mild flu feeling (slight headache, tired, bit sinus-y) for about 8 hours the following day. The only other person I know who has had both had no symptoms either time.

OP, as an anxiety sufferer you took the bug step and got the first one done, the second will make the best use if that initiative.

No one in my family had any after effects from the second Pfizer dose, and they feel liberated having had both shots.

They know that this gives them the highest protection, and also that it will be as long lasting as possible.

I feel the same about my AZ second dose, coming up next week.

Good luck.

I had second Pfizer last week. Got a mild headache the next day - sorted with paracetamol - and a slightly painful armpit for 3 days. In no way serious or significant side effects.

You need the second dose to make the immunity last longer. You really do need it. Just stock up on painkillers and plan a few quiet days after having it. Worst case scenario you feel a bit shit for a few days. Best is you have no side effects. Worst case scenario if you don't have it is your immunity doesn't last very long and you catch covid and feel shit (or worse) for much longer than a few days.

Neither my DH nor I had any side effects after either dose. I can't understand why you wouldn't have the second one.

I had no side effects with either of the Pfizer jabs. But I wouldn't have let that put me off having it done anyway.

I'm really suffering post second AZ vaccine. All it's doing is making me even more pleased I had it - a good reminder of why I had it! I would not want to feel worse than this for longer than this and potentially be hospitalised or die or have long covid and feel like it for months and months.

My first pfizer I had a numb arm, lasting less than 24 hours, it was the same for my husband. We both had our second dose the same day and this time we both had more of a sore arm for longer - maybe 48 hours. We both felt quite run down the next day, not ill, just really tired. We were quite lucky as we booked in on a Saturday so felt fine by the time we went back to work on Monday.

Obviously no-one is going to force you to have the second dose. I know we feel very lucky to have had ours, particularly as my husband travels around the country a lot with work. Could you try and arrange it when you are able to have a rest the next day if you need to?

My 84 year old dad had no side effects at all from the second Pfizer dose.

I'm really suffering post second AZ vaccine. All it's doing is making me even more pleased I had it - a good reminder of why I had it! I would not want to feel worse than this for longer than this and potentially be hospitalised or die or have long covid and feel like it for months and months.

Sorry to hear that you are suffering, but this is exactly how I feel. I will certainly be having my second AZ dose next month.