Alternatives to AstraZeneca (not an anti vax thread) - Thread 3

[Mixmeup]

Just thought I’d start a new one as the last one is full and everyone on it was so kind and helpful.

After much soul searching I had my second AZ shot this week. I’m really anxious now as I’m in the ‘risk period’ but so far not as bad as last time because it feels like a steadier situation. Last time I had it was just before they stopped using it in various countries for under 60ish people and then here for my age group. I’m still scared though.

Latest MHRA report is out and seems to show things as pretty steady. I suppose most people now are getting second dose AZ or Pfizer if younger (eg my age )

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

How’s everyone doing?

Thank you for doing this. I am in Scotland and if you are over 40 have no chance of the pfizer vaccine. So many 40 aged women are just unvaccinated despite wanting to be!

That’s so wrong. You should get a choice. It’s not like you’re just refusing to be vaccinated just asking for a safer one.

They've just added serious but rare side effects to Pfizer. With increasing infections far better to be vaccinated with AZ than nothing. All vaccines have risks but the risk of infection is way higher.

Thank you @mixmeup !

Good to have another thread. The last one was so good for me as I turned down the vaccine original (age 41 in Scotland so zero options). I did in the end get it after much sole searching, tears and heart ache. Second dose is on Wednesday. Should have been tomorrow but didn't want to risk feeling ill on Sunday as needed to do a 6 hour drive. The second dose data doesn't seem to be changing the risk much which is comforting considering a one point every week brought worse and worse stats for the first dose.

Hopefully dose 2 is ok, didn't feel great for the first 3 weeks last time but potentially some was anxiety about what could happen in that time. I will just be so glad to be 4 weeks post this dose and done with it. I don't think I could put myself through another dose as part of a booster for it.

So glad to find this thread! I'm another 40+ Scottish woman in limbo.

Chocolategirl, glad you are well....I am also considering just having the az although my dh thinks I should just wait...it's so frustrating! In England you can more or less pick which jag you want...

I'm 47 in Scotland and have had my first dose of AZ. Only side effect was a sore arm for a few days. Getting my 2nd dose tomorrow. I'm not worried

Check out the yellow card scheme for data on side effects

@Olliphant

Thank you for doing this. I am in Scotland and if you are over 40 have no chance of the pfizer vaccine. So many 40 aged women are just unvaccinated despite wanting to be!

There’s walk in jab buses with Moderna for anyone this week!

They must have changed the rules then because I and many others have been refused anything but AZ as we are over 40 - they were being mega mega strict....

Good to see a new thread. No news on my Highlands front, as it happens it seems I could not even change my mind on AZ as there are simply no clinics offering it. Lots of drop-ins strictly for 18-39 year olds. Which will no doubt not always use the last Pfizer dose in the vial each day but throwing it away seems the fairer option to them I guess

From what I've read the moderna bus is for those age 18-39, not older people

Thisismyname77463 where are the walk in modena buses for all ages? Sounds interesting.

No walk in moderna buses in my part of Scotland either. Had my second AZ today so another four weeks of worry! DH got Pfizer as he's not quite 40 and I'm so jealous!

The moderna buses seem to have been in Glasgow and Edinburgh but only for age 18-39

I just googled the buses and they have modern and a.z so if you are over 40 you will only get the a.z. oh well!

Well done @Mixmeup

@Cookerhood see the thing is that’s true on a public health level but it’s just not true for every individual. I’ve now had Covid twice, the first time I felt a bit grotty for a couple of hours one afternoon, wouldn’t have known if DH hadn’t got it much worse. The second time asymptomatic only picked up because it was going round my kids class and I got tested because I was a close contact of one of the kids. I will get a vaccine eventually but it has to at least be at a point where I know I don’t have antibodies anymore to make it worth the risk for me. I’m following what the risks are in as much detail as possible so I can try to make the right decision at the right time.

Thanks for the new thread I meant to say. I’ve found the others v helpful reading

I'm sure you will make the right decision for you. It is thought that the vaccine will offer better long term protection (T cells etc) but hopefully you are protected by your antibodies for now.

@Cookerhood

They've just added serious but rare side effects to Pfizer. With increasing infections far better to be vaccinated with AZ than nothing. All vaccines have risks but the risk of infection is way higher.

No one seems arsed about them as they make loads of money, it's hardly been reported. AZ the not for profit though the global media has managed to whip up a nice little storm haven't they.

I know, it's incredible the difference.

post.parliament.uk/covid-19-vaccines-safety-and-blood-clots/
The overall risk of VITT following a dose of the University of Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine is 10.9 per million doses. This varies according to age groups and it is estimated to be around 1 in 100,000 for people over 50 and 1 in 50,000 for people aged between 18 and 49 years.Following an age-based risk-benefit analysis, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) concluded that people aged under 40 should be offered an alternative to the University of Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine.

This illustrates why those over 40 are scared!

Yep, the 40-49 group aren't considered at risk enough to be prioritised but are at risk enough for AZ to be acceptable!