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Original poster

What if I can't have Pfizer?

45 replies

Showchin2 · 13/11/2021 15:16

I feel devastated.

Been really careful throughout the pandemic - I'm 53, asthmatic and very fat (although losing weight)
Had two Pfizer jabs (last one in April) and was fully expecting to get my booster and 'get on with life' as the adverts say.

Unfortunately, I had a delayed allergic reaction to the second jab (slight lip swelling the following morning) and my doctor has told me categorically not to have a booster.

I asked for a second opinion, and spoke to another GP who announced that he himself is not having a booster as he feels protected enough just by being double jabbed! Confused

Is anyone in a similar situation? I feel like I've been stranded up shit creek without a paddle Sad
Will I have to distance myself until god knows when?
The UK government's plan just seems to be more and more Pfizer boosters! So fed up and scared of what the future will bring.

Any advice really welcome.

OP posts:
PAFMO · 13/11/2021 15:47

AFAIK all boosters will be Pfizer or Moderna.
I'd change surgery if I was advised by not one, but two healthcare professionals who were going against WHO advice.

liveforsummer · 13/11/2021 15:52

They are advising to go against the advice as the alternative could be a severe allergic reaction. Obviously more of a risk with Pfizer as I got my second AZ Last week and was allowed to go immediately however they were making the Pfizer people sit and wait for 15 minutes before they could go.

Original poster
Showchin2 · 13/11/2021 16:21

@PAFMO, @liveforsummer thank you for your replies.
Yes, I was really taken aback when they both point blank refused to consider any chance of me having a booster. I have no idea where to go from here - I've asked for a referral to test for what I'm allergic to, but the fact is that I've been left without any help at all by two GPs that I previously trusted.
Surely there must be some answer to this problem? I know it's not a common thing, but I can't be the only person in the UK that this has happened to (although I really feel like that at the moment). I'm at a loss 🥲

OP posts:
Mindymomo · 13/11/2021 16:31

My DH had his Pfizer booster last week at a walk in, they said they were alternating each week with Moderna, so maybe you can find somewhere where you can get this, a booster of Moderna is half a normal dose.

NotThatHomer · 13/11/2021 16:35

Where we live they are giving AZ as a booster if you can't have Pfizer for medical reasons. Is this an option?

Original poster
Showchin2 · 13/11/2021 16:42

@Mindymomo

My DH had his Pfizer booster last week at a walk in, they said they were alternating each week with Moderna, so maybe you can find somewhere where you can get this, a booster of Moderna is half a normal dose.
Thanks for replying @Mindymomo, yes, I hoped that Moderna would be an option (although it's quite scarce near me!) but I have found out that it's very similar to the Pfizer jab, so I'm afraid it may create a similar allergic response.
OP posts:
CorrBlimeyGG · 13/11/2021 16:45

GPs don't want to make a recommendation because they're scared of being held liable if you do have a reaction.

I'd go to one of the vaccine hubs, where there will be a doctor who can decide what is the best option for you. Look for one of the centres offering vaccines for under 16s, they'll have someone there that can help.

Original poster
Showchin2 · 13/11/2021 16:47

@NotThatHomer

Where we live they are giving AZ as a booster if you can't have Pfizer for medical reasons. Is this an option?
Thank you for replying @NotThatHomer, that sounds very promising - I wasn't aware that this was a possibility! I will have to try to find out whether I can access the AZ jab. Unfortunately, my doctors have left me to sort this out alone so I'm unsure where to enquire. I've tried 119 but they just tried to refer me back to my GP Hmm
OP posts:
nether · 13/11/2021 16:47

AZ is not recommended for the booster, but it can be given when there are compelling reasons to do so.

You need to go back to the GP and ask for either a referral to a consultant to discuss the allergic reaction and to make the decision on which jab to have and whether it should be administered in hospital, or a referrral to a clinic doing A

Original poster
Showchin2 · 13/11/2021 16:51

@CorrBlimeyGG

GPs don't want to make a recommendation because they're scared of being held liable if you do have a reaction.

I'd go to one of the vaccine hubs, where there will be a doctor who can decide what is the best option for you. Look for one of the centres offering vaccines for under 16s, they'll have someone there that can help.

Thank you @CorrBlimeyGG Yes, that did cross my mind as a reason why they were so negative about me having a booster. Would you advise me to book an appointment at a hub in order to speak to their doctor? The hubs in my local area all seem to only carry Pfizer Confused
OP posts:
Original poster
Showchin2 · 13/11/2021 16:58

Thank you for your reply @nether, I agree that AZ seems to be a possible answer to my problem. I'll try to get my GP to sort out a referral and then go from there.

Thanks to all for your suggestions - I certainly feel a little more positive now about things - had visions of being left indoors while everyone got on with the rest of their lives! Blush

OP posts:
yikesanotherbooboo · 13/11/2021 17:18

What nether said.

Cookerhood · 13/11/2021 17:35

The Green book states that AZ should be given if the others aren't suitable, have a look here:
www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-the-green-book-chapter-14a
(Bottom of page 23 I think). Your GP should be aware of this.

Cookerhood · 13/11/2021 17:36

Yes you need to find somewhere giving AZ, I think you can search for that on the government website.

OchonAgusOchonOh · 13/11/2021 17:39

@Mindymomo

My DH had his Pfizer booster last week at a walk in, they said they were alternating each week with Moderna, so maybe you can find somewhere where you can get this, a booster of Moderna is half a normal dose.
It's half the normal dose but the normal dose is double the pfizer dose.
MakkaPakkas · 13/11/2021 17:41

Not rtft but could you have an antigen test? Might put your mind at rest

OchonAgusOchonOh · 13/11/2021 17:45

@MakkaPakkas

Not rtft but could you have an antigen test? Might put your mind at rest
An antigen test will only tell her if she is currently positive for covid. I don't think she's worried about being currently infected but rather having increased protection down the line.
Original poster
Showchin2 · 13/11/2021 18:08

@Cookerhood

The Green book states that AZ should be given if the others aren't suitable, have a look here: www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-the-green-book-chapter-14a (Bottom of page 23 I think). Your GP should be aware of this.
Thank you @Cookerhood, that's interesting to know. I'm not entirely surprised that the GPs weren't aware of using AZ - one tried to tell me that the vaccine makes no difference to transmission! Hmm

Thanks again to all for your replies. You've all been really helpful Smile

OP posts:
AwaAnBileYerHeid · 13/11/2021 18:32

In my local vaccination centre, there is lead clinician, usually a nurse, who vaccinators would consult with in cases such as yours. They can decide which vaccine, if any, you receive as a booster. You could try the drop in clinic and go from there.

Original poster
Showchin2 · 13/11/2021 18:47

@AwaAnBileYerHeid
Thank you for that.

OP posts:
marmiteonmykeyboard · 14/11/2021 12:19

I had an allergic reaction to my first pfizer. My second jab was therefore AZ. Moderna not available where I live so last week was given AZ as booster. I hope that helps.

Original poster
Showchin2 · 14/11/2021 12:58

Thanks @marmiteonmykeyboard, I've booked an appointment with a (hopefully more sympathetic) GP, so fingers crossed that they will allow AZ as my booster. I'd certainly feel a lot less anxious if they did!

OP posts:
Tomnooktoldmeto · 14/11/2021 22:28

Hi @Showchin2 I was in the original group who couldn’t have Pfizer and had AZ for my first two jabs

I was booked for my booster on Tuesday but when I arrived and explained why I was previously only allowed AZ. They decided that I could only have AZ for my booster

It meant I had to go back as they only have AZ twice a week but I had my booster yesterday and have been ok so, mild temp, bit itchy and slightly out of sorts

You just have to persevere and go to a main hub where a doctor can actually assess and make the decision and book you if necessary for a session when it’s available

MiniMaxi · 14/11/2021 22:34

AZ is definitely being given if you can’t have the mRNA ones - my Mum had it

Original poster
Showchin2 · 15/11/2021 00:04

Hi @Tomnooktoldmeto (love the user name!)
Thank you so much for that - it really sounds promising!
I'm resigned to the fact that AZ has more sude effects, but it's more than worth it to get a booster.

OP posts: