Is now my only chance to have the vaccine?

[Maddimoo]

I’ve had my first dose of AZ but have decided against my second dose.

I don’t want to remain partially vaccinated but am aware mixing vaccines is not yet approved (UK)
If it were I would happily accept a different one.

Does anyone know where this leaves me? Will I always just have to remain partially vaccinated?

What about if there’s boosters, will I not qualify because I’ve only had one dose?

How do you know you want the booster?

I don't know the answer to that but tbh that is why I got mine and will be getting my second (AZ) soon because I figured it would be easier than trying to get it done later.

However I suspect there will be lots of people in your situation so it wouldn't surprise me if they target those that only had their first later on in a drive to get everyone full vaccinated.

@TheQueef

How do you know you want the booster?

@TheQueef

I’m not sure I understand your question..

I don’t think anyone can answer that

I can tell you that there is evidence that it is the first shot of AZ that leads to blood clots so if you were fine with that you will be fine with the second one
And that no one knows how you will be if you get covid.

Have you spoken to your GP? It might be a good idea

The rumour is that Pfizer boosters will come in autumn, but that is just a rumour. I think were I part vaccinated I would get the second one because the variants are coming thick and fast. For AZ you really do need both doses.

I don't know exactly where it leaves you, OP. My DP is in a similar position (but probably not identical as he has also had Covid previously). He doesn't want a second dose of AZ, but would like either Pfizer or Moderna. My understanding is at this point it's not possible unless you've had a bad reaction to your first dose of AZ.

As for boosters, depends which vaccine it is. I know Pfizer is developing a booster, so it may well be that. If the current trials on vaccine mixing are favourable, then by autumn you may be able to get a Pfizer booster. But that's a lot of 'ifs' and 'maybes'.

Personally I dislike the term 'partially vaccinated'. You've been vaccinated and hopefully that will have given you a good level of immunity. Perhaps talk it over with your GP?

Boosters are currently planned to be the same vaccine. Mixing vaccines has proven from the trials to increase side effects, but once efficacy is confirmed it may be allowed. The gap between your doses by that point may or may not be a problem for confirming you as fully vaccinated. It's worth discussing with your GP if you're getting near to 12 weeks, as they may be able to give you some advice - rather than you making up your own medication regime.

Why have you decided against your second AZ. As I understand it, all the (very rare) instances of blood clots happened after the first dose and none after the second.

You need your second with the new variants. I'd rather not have it but there's no choice really and we're lucky to have it.

Two of my family are now not having their 2nd vaccine. They are both going to be getting advice from the doctor next week as they have an appointment booked.

@Wigeon

Why have you decided against your second AZ. As I understand it, all the (very rare) instances of blood clots happened after the first dose and none after the second.

@Wigeon

There have been cases after the second dose also.

If you wait longer for the booster than 12 weeks you will have to start afresh anyway

Yes sadly there have been clotting cases after the second dose.

@Elys3

If you wait longer for the booster than 12 weeks you will have to start afresh anyway

@Elys3

I know some people that have had their second doses at 13 weeks.

Having checked, there have been 8 blood clots after the second dose. Out of millions and millions of doses. reputable source here. You are at more risk of blood clots on a long haul flight than with your second AZ dose.

On the other hand, you continue to be at risk of Covid, long Covid, and importantly, even if you are relatively young and therefore your personal risk from Covid is relatively low, then, with only one dose of AZ, you are still able to transmit the virus to your more vulnerable friends and relations.

How many have died from clots following second dose?

@Wigeon

Having checked, there have been 8 blood clots after the second dose. Out of millions and millions of doses. reputable source here. You are at more risk of blood clots on a long haul flight than with your second AZ dose.

On the other hand, you continue to be at risk of Covid, long Covid, and importantly, even if you are relatively young and therefore your personal risk from Covid is relatively low, then, with only one dose of AZ, you are still able to transmit the virus to your more vulnerable friends and relations.

@Wigeon

There have been 18, not 8.

@Golden2021

How many have died from clots following second dose?

@Golden2021

I actually cannot find this information.
Only the total deaths from clots following vaccination.

8 cases after the second jab, with at death rate of 20% generally so at a guess 1-2 attributable deaths out of millions / tens of millions of second doses.
I’d be wary leaving more than 12 weeks between doses as there won’t be much data on the safety / efficacy especially if mixing vaccines. Also depending on if you’re likely to want to travel abroard, we don’t know yet what will count at ‘fully immunised’ internationally so if that will be a consideration for you I’d think about staying within the 12 week timeframe.

Sorry crossposted - if the 20% CFR holds then about 3-4 deaths I’d expect. That number will of course go up as more people are having their second jab.
Anecdotally I’m hearing concerns about increased side effects if mixing jabs, but if the efficacy is high enough the government might recommend some combinations. I can’t see this being a priority for now though while we are still limited by the number of vaccines available.

How old are you?

The second AZ is SOO much easier than the first!

I don’t think you’re making a rational decision here.

1 vaccine isn’t enough with the new variants

There have been zero deaths of clots after the second jab, that's why there are none listed.

So after your first vaccine you produce mainly short-lasting antibodies (IgM), after the second, most people produce more long lasting (IgG). There no sharp cut off point to when immunity ceases after one dose, it’s gradual and varies with the individual.

However, it’s very, very rare for blood clots to happen after the second dose. You are considerably more likely to get killed in a car accident on the way to the vaccination centre. You’re also more likely to get hit by lightening this year than have a blood clot.

I've tried to understand it, but I just don't follow some people's assessment of risk. That's fine, I don't want to try and convince anyone, it just makes me realise that irrational thoughts are so overpowering when it comes to risk and the chances of things happening.

Other countries are doing eg Pfizer after AZ. From memory, perhaps Germany.
A French friend who lives here had terrible AZ side effects and after speaking to the GP here is going to have 2nd Pfizer here (anecdotal, I know). She had just turned 40. Best to discuss with your GP assuming he/she is the helpful type. This friend of mine also has some health anxiety so I suspect the GP can override.