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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?

OP posts:
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6
beattieedny · 14/07/2021 21:09

I'm glad to find this thread. I'm feeling quite angry and depressed about the whole situation with women (and men) being dismissed because 'most' people are fine. I was very unwell after my first AZ and no one took it seriously. I'm still not right. I've been checked over thoroughly and my GP reluctantly agreed is due to unusual vax side effects.
I'm an otherwise fit and healthy woman. I'd have appreciated knowing the possibility of side effects vs risks to me of covid.
I'm v pro vax, I have the flu vaccine every year with no issues. I was so happy to get the covid vaccine. I feel that the gov, NHS and wider society is so keen to get this rolled out, those of us who have suffered are being told we're stupid or neurotic.

Chocolategirl19791 · 14/07/2021 21:21

AZ dose 2 today for me. Cancelled dose 1 and went back and forth whether or not to get it (in Scotland) so zero choice.

Dose 2 felt like a lower risk and I'd got through one so might as well finish it. The vaccine centre were lovely as well after a dire experience last time - I was literally the only person in the place and the staff were almost fighting over who got to jab me!

Now for the wait - hoping it won't be a stressful as last time. Sore arm and a bit flu like so perfect excuse for chocolate and an early night.

Maggiesfarm · 14/07/2021 21:45

It is such a shame when people do have side effects (other than maybe feeling a bit hot and headachey), after the vaccine.

There's not much we can do about it except hope. Statistically the majority of us will be fine but there is still a small minority who will be very unwell indeed.

I've been OK, luckily. I hope I will be saying the same after second injection.

My nephew was quite ill after the Pfizer vaccine, first and second dose but particularly the first. He got over it but it was grim.

I hope you will soon be fit and well beatledrive. It's tough for you. The only consolation, which isn't much I grant you, is that Covid-19 is much worse for many people. I've known some who have had it and it was terrifying, leaving them with long term symptoms; others get over it quickly with no complications. It's not something anyone can predict.

Olliphant · 15/07/2021 12:47

@Beattieedny I am sorry to hear you had such a horrible reaction to your a.z jag, I hope you are starting to feel a bit better. Are you going to have your second jag ? You are spot on about sensible fears or questions getting dismissed as stupid or neurotic.

beattieedny · 15/07/2021 12:56

@Olliphant, many thanks for the reply. I'm not having it, no. My GP has asked that I be provided with an alternative but was told no! Unless I had a life threatening reaction such as a clot then it's basically tough luck.

Olliphant · 15/07/2021 13:07

@beattieedny are you in Scotland?

Indoctro · 15/07/2021 13:10

@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!
I'm in Scotland and everyone my age only got offered Pfizer

It's all Grampian has been offering for ages.

Olliphant · 15/07/2021 13:22

@indoctro really?!! I take it you are aged 40 to 50? That is news. There are quite a few of us, Scottish mumsnetters, who are wanting pfizer but have been refused and are trying to find places that only offer pfizer I the hope of receiving one.

Grellbunt · 15/07/2021 15:38

That's interesting with Grampian. perhaps an avenue for those further North?

beattieedny · 15/07/2021 17:09

@Olliphant I'm in Scotland and it's only AZ for my group 40 plus in this particular NHS region.

Grellbunt · 15/07/2021 18:28

Certainly Lothian was AZ only. Completely rigid.

Indoctro · 15/07/2021 21:39

@Olliphant yeah P&J live is only been offering Pfizer to everyone I know and advertising about it on Facebook

Yeah I'm 42 , husband 44

Out of a lot of friends I don't know anyone would has got AZ and I know 1 person who has had moderna

Check out nhs Grampian Facebook page

Indoctro · 15/07/2021 21:42

Looks like they do offer AZ I just personally don't know anyone who has had it.

Maybe just luck

Looks like that a shortage for walk in also .

Alternatives to AstraZeneca (not an anti vax thread) - Thread 3
Alternatives to AstraZeneca (not an anti vax thread) - Thread 3
Indoctro · 15/07/2021 21:45

Loads of places here are drop in and my friends and family have all received at different locations all around Aberdeenshire

I would drive up and trawl the drop in clinics if it really bothers you , you will definitely get offered it

treestump44 · 16/07/2021 00:19

@Indoctro were you or any of your friends asked for proof of address or anything like that?

I know there are people in some local authorities who were turned away in drop-in clinics in neighbouring NHS areas and all the Grampian ones do say they are for people living there, but of course they may not enforce it on the ground.

Indoctro · 16/07/2021 00:23

I had a appointment so I'm not sure

I don't know if I know anyone who has just dropped in,

But I assume they must ask your address as how do they link it back

Silkiecats · 16/07/2021 06:01

I've just had my 2nd az, wanted an alternative as still having stabbing pains after first, night sweats and blood spots. Told it was az or nothing and I was alive so I was fine and they said no-one had a blood clot after second and did I think I was more intelligent than medics. Really horrible and I was in tears, nurse with first was lovely. Had 2nd at lunch and feel very rough now and finger has been bleeding under nail, no idea why.

Grellbunt · 16/07/2021 07:43

Might have been prior to the rule change about under 40s. That's when they became stricter.

Indoctro · 16/07/2021 07:54

@Grellbunt

Might have been prior to the rule change about under 40s. That's when they became stricter.
Start of may was when me and my friends started getting vaccines x
Grellbunt · 16/07/2021 09:31

Aha.

Well that's annoying to know.

treestump44 · 16/07/2021 10:10

I did hear of Lanarkshire in May not being too fussy about what queues people joined but that was also before the change re under 40s so I think your theory @Grellbunt could be right.

I'll contact Grampian anyway because they have TONS of very flexible drop ins whilst Highlands have only 1 (!) and that is restricted to 18-39 in the rest of July, to find out if it's strictly for those living in the NHS Grampian region. Will see how communicative they are and if I can find out any more.

What is interesting is that the NHS Grampian website says the will run drop ins until the end of the vaccine program in September. This is the first t time I have read about an official 'end'.

Chocolategirl19791 · 16/07/2021 10:14

@treestump44 Lanarkshire are now really rigid as I have tried. Once the under 40s restriction came in it's been AZ or nothing and no negotiation and up until recently they only used 2 super centres so no way to avoid AZ.

Olliphant · 16/07/2021 10:22

@treestump44 let us know if you get anywhere with Grampian ...

Olliphant · 16/07/2021 10:22

@Silkiecats I hope you are doing ok. X

treestump44 · 16/07/2021 10:23

Yes that sadly ties in with my understanding that the Scottish government has banned them all from offering anything other than AZ to 40+ now