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Original poster

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

146 replies

Mixmeup · 09/07/2021 14:59

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 Angry )

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

How’s everyone doing?

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Rainbowsandstorms · 10/07/2021 11:37

Thanks for the new thread. I hope you’re doing ok @Mixmeup.

I’m so sorry about the situation in Scotland, it’s unbelievable that they still aren’t allowing an alternative for those of you who have waited this long. I really hope something changes.

I’m in my 30s and had my second dose of AZ 13 days ago. I cancelled a couple of appointments for my second dose but eventually went ahead. I didn’t have any side effects other than a sore arm and I’ve felt less anxious this time round but still worried. I’ve had a few headaches this week, nothing abnormal and I think they are most likely stress induced. I’ll be relieved once I’m past the peak risk period though.

It’s reassuring re second doses to see the risk remaining low and steady but that doesn’t help those of you faced with AZ as your only option for first doses. Have any of you explored what would happen if you travelled to England for a first dose? I know in my area there are some places offering Pfizer only for any age group.

Grellbunt · 10/07/2021 13:15

They haven't and won't release the risk rate for 40-49 females

Rainbowsandstorms · 10/07/2021 16:51

@Grellbunt it’s awful that they haven’t released the data by age bracket, especially as the U.K. have had one the largest role outs of AZ. Surely there is a duty to release this data so people can give informed consent and also to help guide other countries too.

BellaMontana · 10/07/2021 17:16

The heart inflammation linked to Pfizer and Moderna is very treatable , a few people have died but according to the statistics they have all been old and vulnerable. VITT is a lot more dangerous and harder to treat . The women who have been died after AZ have all been young and healthy. It is a very rare condition,but I understand why it makes people worried .

BellaMontana · 10/07/2021 17:19
  • Who have died I mean sorry ,my phone’s not cooperating 🙂
Olliphant · 10/07/2021 18:29

Interesting article above...but if you read it it says government will not abandon a.z and will keep it for the over 40s! So us in Scotland will have a dusty old vial of a.z when we turn up!

treestump44 · 10/07/2021 18:43

Yes I read that article too, but then hit that paragraph how they will still keep it for the 40+ ones. Sigh

@Rainbowsandstorms I think we could get it somewhere in England, especially in one of the clinics in London where they ask for no NHS number or address etc (although you wonder if they'd even add it to our records in Scotland if we got it that way). But it's about logistics and risks associated with travel too. In my case it would be a 1300 mile roundtrip x 2, possibly on public transport. Even having to consider that when probably somewhere every day a spare dose of Pfizer is thrown in the bin in Scotland makes me quite angry. Who knows, I/we may reach the point where that is the only option. Compared to some other countries vaccine hesitancy, for whatever reason, and how to address it, doesn't seem to be much on the agenda. I personally feel very invisible.

gamerchick · 10/07/2021 18:45

*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

This is actually boggling my head. Risk of heart problems from Pfizer which has made billionaires and it's not even registering. But the rare blood clot thing for a made at cost vaccine caused holy hell on.

People are weird Hmm

Rainbowsandstorms · 10/07/2021 19:26

@treestump44 it’s crazy isn’t it I’m assuming none of your local centres are able to put you on a list to be called if they have spare doses. I’m so sorry you’re in this position I completely understand you not being willing to take it.

BellaMontana · 10/07/2021 19:29

The Pfizer side effect mostly affects young men , the AZ side effect has affected a lot of women in their 40s. I don’t think that many young men are using Mumsnet. That’s why people here are more hesitant about AZ, they’re simply looking at the statistics,

Also the heart inflammation is a lot more treatable and less dangerous.

So many countries have stopped AZ completely or restricted it, the main reason why they haven’t done that here is that the government has failed to keep the cases down and because there’s a supply issue. That’s why they haven’t been able to stop the use of AZ. Not because it’s safe for over 40s.

It’s got nothing to do with which vaccine is the profit making one, people want the safest vaccine for their age group .

gamerchick · 10/07/2021 19:35

It’s got nothing to do with which vaccine is the profit making one, people want the safest vaccine for their age group

You just keep waving those Pfizer pom poms.

Fact is Pfizer issues hasn't had half or even a quarter press attention. You make it sound as though it's only young men, who gives a toss.

BellaMontana · 10/07/2021 19:37

For young men it’s very treatable . What about that don’t you understand?

Cookerhood · 10/07/2021 19:44

The AZ vaccine has saved thousands of lives, which people seem to forget. Right now with cases rising it's much better to be vaccinated with AZ than not at all.

gamerchick · 10/07/2021 19:57

@BellaMontana

For young men it’s very treatable . What about that don’t you understand?
The attitude. Pfizer gives people heart issues and everyone minimises like it's no big deal.

The heart is pretty much one organ I wouldn't want to fuck with.

BellaMontana · 10/07/2021 20:36

Just want to send a big hug to everyone on this thread who’s worrying about AZ.❤️ Only you can make the decision whether to have it or not . If you haven’t got any of the known risk factors for covid the decision isn’t as black or white as some people make it sound.

I think in the near future all vaccines will be safer. Rumors say Novavax might have less dangerous side effects and there’s ongoing research about VITT and how to treat it and find it even earlier , and how to potentially avoid the reaction altogether by maybe changing something in the AZ formula. It’s not something scientists are taking lightly but nobody knows how long it’ll take to have the answers .

Best of luck no matter what you choose , and never ever feel guilty or apologize about feeling scared or worried, no matter if it’s about the vaccine or about covid xxx

Olliphant · 10/07/2021 20:55

Thank you Bellamontana. I cannot be bothered with the aggressive responses from some regarding the de

Olliphant · 10/07/2021 20:58

Apologies... I cannot be bothered with responses on here trying to minimise the very real worries of 40 - 50 yr old women who do not want a.z. We are here to support each other.

Original poster
Mixmeup · 10/07/2021 21:01

@Cookerhood

The AZ vaccine has saved thousands of lives, which people seem to forget. Right now with cases rising it's much better to be vaccinated with AZ than not at all.
But that isn't the choice we need people to be making in a country with a safer alternative vaccine.
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Original poster
Mixmeup · 10/07/2021 21:03

Lovely post, thank you @BellaMontana

I'm day 4 post 2nd AZ and the anxiety is really hard.

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colourchanginglipstick · 14/07/2021 12:29

I'm on day 5 and been feeling a bit headachey so I know the feeling @mixmeup but reminding myself I often get this type of headache (especially when I'm low on sleep) so it's probably nothing out of the ordinary.

Does anyone know where we find the batch numbers of the vaccines we've had?

MercyBooth · 14/07/2021 17:26

I spoke to someone yesterday who had AZ She said she was fine with the first dose but with the second her arm swelled and was so bad she couldnt get her arm up to brush her hair for over a week.
This might seem small to people who live in a nice house with an electric shower but i live in a social housing flat built in the 1970s with a bathroom to match (bath no shower) I wouldnt be able to get in and out of the bath. waits to be told to strip wash Why does no one seem bothered about the logistics of this for some of us. Are poorer communities just meant to suck it up as usual? The blood clots are rarer but still a worry as i was taken off the Pill for this reason.

dementedpixie · 14/07/2021 17:35

I got my second AZ on Saturday. I have had a sore arm for a few days but still managed to do a body pump and attack class on Tuesday so it's not so sore that it incapacitated me.

maddy68 · 14/07/2021 17:39

I'm in a different country. They banned AZ here for under 69s just after I had had my first dose they followed up with a Pfizer (no choice with that as that's what they did the research on) and while they don't say they offer a choice over other vaccines they kind of do. They give you choices of vaccination centres where one will be delivering the Jansen and another the Pfizer etc.

Maggiesfarm · 14/07/2021 17:40

I'm fine so far.

There are risk with every type of vaccine, AstraZeneca is no different.

I was just glad to have my first dose of vaccine because I had previously booked twice and had to cancel due to unforeseens.