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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?

OP posts:
Thread gallery
6
Silkiecats · 16/07/2021 13:07

Thanks very much Olliphant. I woke up feeling like I had been hit across the head with a hammer and feeling sick but taken some aspirin and after a couple of hours it has eased a bit. Hope you can get Pfizer. Here you have to have 2 the same but if I had waited another month I could have got Pfizer. I would have waited if I had known.

igelkott2021 · 16/07/2021 13:13

I'm over 40 and had the AZ vaccine. At the time I had my first dose they were saying the risk of the clot problem was 1 in 40,000. I decided I'd be one of the 39,999 and so it proved. Had the second dose about four weeks ago and have been fine as well.

There are side effects with Pfizer too, I'd just go with whatever you can get.

igelkott2021 · 16/07/2021 13:16

I do think "banning" Pfizer for over 40s is a bit stupid, given they were merrily giving everyone Pfizer at the start - the over 80s plus care and healthcare workers who could have been any age. Are they really so short of Pfizer?

IndigoC · 16/07/2021 13:20

@igelkott2021

I do think "banning" Pfizer for over 40s is a bit stupid, given they were merrily giving everyone Pfizer at the start - the over 80s plus care and healthcare workers who could have been any age. Are they really so short of Pfizer?
No, they’re not short at all any more due to low take up in the under 30s. Big influx of Moderna available too. When I was vaccinated at the BDC last week (Moderna) there was barely anyone there. Lots of staff hanging around with nothing to do.

Scotland’s policy is madness, and unfair given that anyone over 40 outside of Scotland can walk in and get what they want.

Indoctro · 18/07/2021 11:44

@treestump44 @Olliphant

today is the day to drive up for drop in Aberdeen

See attached photo

Alternatives to AstraZeneca (not an anti vax thread) - Thread 3
Indoctro · 18/07/2021 11:46

Seems you can request

Alternatives to AstraZeneca (not an anti vax thread) - Thread 3
Grellbunt · 18/07/2021 18:22

Did anyone manage to get a non-AZ vaccine today then? Would love to hear that they're loosening up on the policy...

treestump44 · 18/07/2021 18:45

@Grellbunt i wished it was as easy as just dropping everything and going somewhere 200 miles away on spec from where I live

Highlands is now advertising 4 days of 1st vaccine/Pfizer only drop in clinics in Inverness next week and whilst they have now taken down the 18-39 mention from their website it's still on the relevant FB post as 18-39. Interestlingly there is no mention of anybody over 39 possibly wanting one.

Will keep everybody posted

Grellbunt · 18/07/2021 19:05

I know @treestump44, it's not easy.

I'm a bit sceptical, I have to say...they're so inflexible.

It's infuriating.

Grellbunt · 18/07/2021 19:10

Certainly don't blame you not going "on spec".

Olliphant · 19/07/2021 10:20

@treestump44 if that happens in Inverness I will come and meet you and we can go in together....the two oldest unvaccinated women in Scotland!!..I'm on holiday at the moment so can't go to Aberdeen @Indoctro but thank you so much for thinking of us!!

Olliphant · 19/07/2021 10:38

Looking at the Inverness information it looks like you have ro be registered with a doctor there which is pants for me....@treestump44 it looks like this week coming there are pfizer only. How far away are you? I am passing through Inverness on my way home from holidays so might phone and ask if I need to be registered. How fabulous if it worked out...

treestump44 · 19/07/2021 10:48

@Olliphant yes I think they are quite strict that you can only go to your own Health authority area. The pants thing (or good thing?) about the Highlands is that all their drop ins this week are first dose/pfizer - because they clearly think only under 40s would need or want a first one anyway. I wonder if you are 40+ if they'd tell you to go to one of their second dose/AZ drop ins next week so you get the 'right one' for your age. Going to have another chat with the Scottish vaccine helpline today but so far they have always been utterly lost on advising anything.

Olliphant · 19/07/2021 10:50

I really hope you can get one!

Olliphant · 19/07/2021 10:51

@Grellbunt did you get a vaccine? Where are tou in Scotland? I'm in the Borders.

Grellbunt · 19/07/2021 11:28

I've given up on getting one in Scotland

I'm so angry with them

I have had covid so I feel safe enough in terms of the risk to me (I am not worried about the disease itself hence my refusal to take a vaccine with potentially fatal side effects) and I do tests every few days so that I am not endangering others

Grellbunt · 19/07/2021 11:31

@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.
Not for me

I've had covid and it was fine

Not risking catastrophic side effects for that

Olliphant · 19/07/2021 11:34

@Grellbunt I feel the same as you. Are you intending on going to London? I am sorry that you have had such a tough time. It is rubbish x

Grellbunt · 19/07/2021 11:46

I may have an option of getting it abroad st some point, luckily, but it's disgraceful for those who do not.

Olliphant · 19/07/2021 11:54

I keep waiting for it to go private but that may never happen. There cannot be too many over 40s who need their first jab and are waiting for pfizer, I wish they'd do a one day amnesty or something, I'd travel if I knew I'd definitely get vaccinated.

Grellbunt · 19/07/2021 12:16

Should we be contacting a consumer affairs programme? Or the organisation Which? Or some kind of Ombudsman?

Olliphant · 19/07/2021 15:38

That's what I wondered....it is age discrimination in Scotland for sure.

treestump44 · 22/07/2021 22:14

I'm glad to report that I had the 1st dose of Pfizer today at a drop in clinic in Inverness, which was a 2 hrs drive. It was one of those that were strictly 18-39 until last week, but they now removed any age restrictions. I'm glad I waited it out. My husband had his 2nd AZ locally to us today and the surgery told him they honestly had no spare Pfizers ever, because if they had they would probably have called around to those who were reluctant about AZ rather than throw them in the bin. Although they were told not to do that.
@Olliphant I hope you get the same result in your health board area.

Maybe one day, when travel is just something you do without too many worries we should still do a trip to London together, and remember this tale!

SparklingLime · 23/07/2021 15:00

That’s great news,@treestump44.

Grellbunt · 23/07/2021 19:49

@treestump44 I am sooooo happy for you! That's fantastic news. Finally, some common sense.... Hopefully no side effects for you and an easier path to the second dose, too.