Alternatives to AstraZeneca vaccine for under 40s “will be considered” amid rise in blood clots Thread 3

[Whichjab]

New thread as the MRHA report is out today.

Note this is not an anti vaccination thread.

@Rainbowsandstorms

It’s been updated, finally! Can’t decide what to make of it re second doses. Those who have been following the situation re second doses what are your thoughts? Do you think it’ll be like the first doses where the numbers just go up and up. I’m so unsure whether to go ahead with my second dose. I felt more reassured after last week’s report.

I agree. Last week's report with just the one (or was it two?) new cases was reassuring. A jump of five, and now in the under-50s too I believe, is more of a worry. I don't know if that is something to do with the delay, or is that too tinfoil-hat territory?

It was about 12 weeks ago that cases really started to pick up. That’s my concern that I’ll go for my second dose then the same will happen. I was all geared up to go for it but I feel sick with anxiety again now. It feels so difficult to make a decision with the risk being unknown.

Wow. 13 cases in the 40-49 age group in just one week. And still the ‘advice remains unchanged’. Seriously? Unless they think the ship has sailed now because they have moved on to vaccinating younger age groups.

Also noteworthy that the risk is now stated as 1 in 50,000 in the under 50s. As some of us have been saying for literally weeks while the official line was four in a million

And I finally plucked up the courage to have my second one today. It’s going to be an anxious few weeks again. Literally feel like crying now 😫

@Bubalie it’s so hard isn’t it. You’ve made the decision though and the chances are you’ll be absolutely fine and fully protected in a few weeks. Try and focus on that as you can’t change having had it, step away from social media and look after yourself. So far it still seems to be that the risk is thought to be very small after the second dose so try and focus on that top. The anxiety is awful though isn’t it. I’ve just sobbed for half an hour as I have no idea what to do about my appointment this weekend. I’m scared of covid and terrified of the vaccination too I found the wait after my first horrendous. I think my husband thinks I’ve lost the plot as to his mind it’s a tiny risk, I wish I was as chilled as him. I’d just got to the point where like you I’d geared myself up to have it.

Has anyone noticed the new section called 'Menstrual disorders (period problems) and unexpected vaginal bleeding'?

They're trying to say the number of reports is low in relation to the number of women who have been vaccinated but we all know many women would not have reported it.

It's like they really don't want to admit any of these things are actually happening until the numbers are too big for them to ignore.

@Rainbowsandstorms thank you! I’m 8.5 weeks past my first one and have only just started relaxing when the second invite came through. In a way I am so proud of myself for having it because of how my anxiety is and I’ve been awake most nights worrying about it. I’m 45 and it looks the biggest increase in cases is 40-49 group. I made myself go today even though I was in two minds about it. My husband has had 2 doses already and he did not have any side effects at all and is 5 weeks past his second one. I have family members close to my age who have had both doses and have been ok. We just need to think positive. Be kind to yourself and don’t beat yourself up whatever you decide to do this weekend 😊

@AppleJane yes I’ve noticed that too. It takes so long for information to filter through doesn’t it. After my first one my period was a couple of days late. I had my second one today and am on first day of my period, will monitor to see if I can spot anything unusual!

@Rainbowsandstorms I think someone said the mixing trial results should be out in June. Do you think if you waited until they are confirmed that your GP would be able to get you pfizer for your second?

It's so hard for you because of your situation. My DP won't have his second dose but we don't have any contact with school age children etc so it's easier for him to make that decision.

Yes @AppleJane, the sheer number of women who've had some form of disruption to their menstrual cycle is unnerving. My period started immediately (within hours) of having the jab, two weeks early, and then nothing for two months. Nothing apart from the Pill and pregnancy has ever affected my period before.

I get the impression this adverse effect is seen as an inconvenience for women as opposed to anything more serious

Where do I find the latest figures?

Exactly @SheilaTakeABow they don't seem to understand that women could be concerned about long term effects. Like you said they're writing it off as a mere inconvenience.

I was actually on my period when I had pfizer and I'm due on when I get my second too so I'm not much help in spotting problems!

I've read so much anecdotal on MN about periods and jabs that it's obvious to us it's a thing. We need to know why. I'm especially concerned to hear women saying they've been through the menopause and started bleeding again. That is worrying. I'm too old to have babies now but it doesn't stop me worrying about other women!

@TulipVictory https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-vaccine-adverse-reactions/coronavirus-vaccine-summary-of-yellow-card-reporting

@AppleJane it had been my plan to wait until the mixing results were out and I felt comfortable pushing it to 16 weeks but now cases are rising and with my children in school / preschool and husband back in the office I’m feeling very exposed. I’d heard mid June too which makes me wonder wether to discuss with my GP and see if the results are published in the next week.

@Bubalie a huge well done to you. I also know quite a few people who have had their second doses and been absolutely fine too. Try and remember that the 40s age bracket had the highest use of AZ as alternatively were rarely available due to the change in cut off age. I’m not sure if you’ve seen Prof Markis’ latest tweet but I’ll attach a photo as it made me feel a little calmer. Numbers are rising again and at 45 you’re in that mid risk bracket and given things are opening up there are lots of positives to having had it too.

Whether even

@SheilaTakeABow not tin foil Hatty at all. I was thinking exactly the same

@Rainbowsandstorms this German study is interesting about following AZ with pfizer:

https://www.news-medical.net/news/20210609/Mix-and-match-COVID-19-vaccines-safe-and-effective-German-study.aspx

@Rainbowsandstorms yes I’ve been following professor Markis on Twitter, he calms me down somewhat but I always find reasons to worry 🙄! I was thinking earlier even if those 23 cases are not the real VITT they are still some sort of blood clotting disorders to be reported!

@AppleJane thank you that’s an interesting read. So very hard to know what to do. Mixing could potentially provide better protection with less risk but I’d really like to see a bit more data.

@Bubalie yes he’s felt like the voice of reason.

I know what you mean though.

@Rainbowsandstorms this scares me too 😫

@Bubalie absolutely. He’s just made a couple of pretty reassuring tweets. He’s also addressed your concern re the 23 cases still being clotting incidents even if they aren’t VITT apparently if they aren’t VITT they are much easier to treat.