Vaccine - how do I know I will be offered a choice?

[may626]

I’m late 30s and was sent a link yesterday to book my vaccine. There were loads of slots available and I’m all booked in for tomorrow, but how do I know which vaccine I will get? Will they just offer me a choice when I’m there?

@EatingApplesAndBananas

I'm 30 and have got mine booked for this afternoon. I got a link from my GP yesterday. Really hoping it's not AZ, but if it is then I think I'll accept it anyway... Feeling a bit nervous but also thankful that my turn has come. My area seem to be doing quite well.

You absolutely will not be given AZ. They will have an alternative in stock that they will give you. If they run out you will be asked to rebook. They can’t give you AZ.

I thought it was only "where possible" though, so could technically still get AZ.

@may626

Thanks. I thought under 40s were meant to be offered a choice - is that not the case in practice?

That's the SM version of what was said.

The position is still if there is an alternative available that will be offered to those under 30, or whatever the age is now. If there is no alternative you will be offered whichever vacccine the logistics sent to your centre

@Santastealer I am certain that the JVCI did NOT say that! The under 30s can be given AZ if that is what is available. They can refuse it, ask for information on an alternative.

Having said that, there has been a logistical effort to get Moderna and Pfizer out as far as possible prior to the under 30s being able to book online today.

www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2021/05/13/vaccine-priority-list-oxford-pfizer-who-next-covid-when-mine-appointment/

Officials said that while the intention is to administer Pfizer or Moderna, it was possible that some of those in younger groups might be offered AstraZeneca on the day, in the event of any delays in supplies.

@EatingApplesAndBananas

I thought it was only "where possible" though, so could technically still get AZ.

That's to cover exceptional circumstances, like hard to reach communities or people who are housebound. If you're booking a vaccine at a centre, you won't get AZ if you're over 40.

I was asked to confirm my age at the centre, before being taken to be vaccinated, I assume to be given the most appropriate vaccine.

I had an appointment booked through my GP practice for the 19th for what was described on the original text as "an AZ clinic". Just received a text today saying "Your practice has cancelled your appointment for 19/4. Please rebook for Pfizer clinic starting 25/4 via this link. Apologies". I'm early 40s. I'm assuming this means the whole clinic is shifting to Pfizer and they're rebooking late AZ appointments as Pfizer for several days later while this is set up? Can anyone who works in the system confirm why? Obviously I'm a bit relieved to have got this!