Is it possible to request Pfizer vaccine?

[yellowfeathereddress]

I would like the pfizer over moderna is it possible to request this before I get an appointment?
Already really stressed about it all as I know someone who was very ill from the AZ vaccine.
Thanks

Pfizer and Moderna are basically identical though..? Is it just that people feel happier with a better known brand?

My GP was extremely helpful/informative when I had questions, there is a vaccine specialist in the practice. Not sure what you do if your GP won;t help/discuss - have you tried speaking to a different doctor within the practice?

I'm getting confused - you have friends who had adverse reactions to the AZ.

The moderna and Pfizer are similar.

What's the problem with the moderna?

@yellowfeathereddress. Sorry, I misread and thought you were choosing between AZ not Moderna and Pfizer.

It may reassure you to know the trials for Moderna in Children have been ongoing since March, Pfizer were just quicker off the mark with theirs.

Thanks all you've been so helpful. I emailed my gp and at first they ignored my question. and kept saying I need to book through nhs website then it was I need to call 119 then it was a straight no they can't help me.
I rarely go to the gp so am a bit sad I can't get help when I feel I need it but I suppose perhaps a lot of people have been asking.

It’s a US article, but is about Moderna in children.
www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2021/05/25/moderna-covid-19-vaccine-safe-children-study/7422896002/

They are currently seeking approval in EU for use in children.

Reasons you can request Pfizer:

• between 16-17 yo
• previous history of clots, so increased risk with AZ.
• allergy to any of the ingredients in AZ

Otherwise, I think you have no choice.
I don't understand your comment about preferring Pfizer over Moderna - they use the same technology.

Oh and I had Moderna. My arm felt like I’d been hit by a baseball bat for a few days but other than that felt fine. I went for a 5 mile run the day after.

Can you make an appointment to discuss your anxiety around this? MY understating is that Pfizer and Moderna are very similar. It’s Az which works in a different way. Perhaps your doctor can explain better?

@yellowfeathereddress

Honestly I'm not saying there is a logical explanation other than as Pfizer has been approved for dc I feel better about it. I really don't intend to put anyone else off of anything. Just me being anxious!

It's only a matter of time though. Pfizer only approved for children because it was the first approved by the UK. If any of the other currently approved for adult have had trials in teens/children they too will be approved once the MHRA gets round to it.

DH and I had Moderna at the Brighton Centre a week or two after it first started. We had sore arms for a day or two, no other symptoms. We have two small children so having the jabs at the same time might have caused problems if we'd both been ill. But no problems at all.

You cannot specify a vaccine through the NHS website @Zing. If your friend's son is under 40 he could have been offered Pfizer or Moderna.

Thanks I will take a look at the moderna articles

If you are under 40 you will not now be offered AZ. The national booking system will ensure you are only offered a site doing Pfizer or Moderna.

There’s hardly any Moderna compared to Pfizer. Your chances of getting it are low. But local people should be able to tell you were it is being used. It’s about 20 sites nationally and in some pharmacies.

Have a look at your doctors surgery website. It might say where you'll be directed for your vaccine. If you're lucky that vaccination centre will say on their website what they're using. My DD's local centre has been constantly saying Pfizer.

@Freshprincess

Moderna is similar to Pfizer not AZ. But no, it’s a get what you’re given situation.

Is that you Camilla?

@VaxthePax

You cannot specify a vaccine through the NHS website *@Zing*. If your friend's son is under 40 he could have been offered Pfizer or Moderna.

thanks.

@yellowfeathereddress

Thank you for those understanding, I am terrified of any new drug because I've reacted badly to a few before and if I get sick only my dh who has health problems is there to help my young dc. I might still get sick but at least I chose this after looking into it all.

Moderna is not AZ. Why don't you want Moderna? It works the same as Pfizer

OP if you under 40 you won't get AZ anyway so there isn't a problem.

Oh I see you want Pfizer over Moderna. Well you're far more likely to get Pfizer, so I would say still no problem.

If you have a medical need you can request it, but you'd have to go through your GP. NHS booking app doesn't let you choose.

I don't have a medical need. I'm being a wimp and am scared. I have no one to look after my dc if I get sick so I'm just being extra cautious incredibly anxious

You do know it is a vaccine and not a cocktail list ?

@FinallyFluid I wouldn't have a problem choosing if it was a cocktail list!

@FinallyFluid Cool. Im assuming you will be offering your services and help to anyone who has a reaction. People are concerned for a reason. They tend to know their own bodies and have read up and informed themselves about whats better for them.

@ToxicPopularist I was taken off the Pill in my twenties due to the risk of a clot.