Choosing a vaccine during booking

[Iwonder08]

Does anyone know how can you book a specific vaccine (pfizer, not AZ)? The booking website just gives a vague wording that if you are under a certain age the alternative will be offered if it is available.. But how do I know if it is available? What will happen if I turn up at my appointment and there is only AZ?

If you’re under 40 you can only book for non-AZ appointments. The system has been set up that way.

You pretty much get what they have available on the day. There is usually one alternative available but that's for folks who aren't able/aren't advised to get a certain vaccine rather than so people can choose which they'd prefer.

If you’re over 40, tick the box to say you’re pregnant and the non-AZ options will appear. You’ll then have to go back and say not pregnant, unless you are, then book at one of the sites that came up before.

You may still get AZ if the centre is doing that as well, but it increases your chances of not then if you just booked at an AZ hub.

The risk of a blood clot is lower with the AZ than if you take the contraceptive pill. Just have the AZ if that’s all they’ve got but they should have an alternative by now. I didn’t get a choice unless I’d rebooked and waited weeks. I had it done and it’s been fine.

You can always turn it down if it’s AZ. I’m booked for Sunday and I’m in two minds as to what to do if I’m presented with AZ. They’re definitely doing Pfizer at my local centre for the under 40s, so hoping that’s what I will actually be given on the day

Oh I assumed you’re under 40 in which case you’d be offered the alternative on the day but maybe you’re not? I’m 39 and went for my jab the day after they announced you should be offered an alternative and they said it was that or nothing as they hadn’t had time to arrange an alternative yet.

I could only book for the two days they were doing Pfizer. Dp had a much wider choice of days as he is 40, but booked on the Pfizer day and got that. When I got there they said they were only doing Pfizer that day.

I am under 40, does it mean the system knows they will have to provide an alternative to AZ if it is booked for under 40? There is nothing during the booking process that would indicate the alternative vaccine will be provided

I think as others have said above, you’re directed to sites that have Pfizer / moderna based on your age. That’s why I’d you’re over 40 it asks you if you’re pregnant - because then that narrows the options to Pfizer / moderna sites.

*if you’re over 40

My DH went yesterday (he’s 39) and the site he went to we’re only doing Pfizer

I’ve just been for mine I’m over 40 and the place I went was just Pfizer

Most 1st clinics now are likely to be Pfizer or moderna due to the age range vaccines are now open too

My 37 year old friend booked an appointment on Monday for the next day but when they got there they only had AZ so I'm not sure I 100% trust that there'll definitely be an alternative available so you may have to choose whether to accept it or go home and try again another time/venue