Under 40 vaccinated with AZ not eligible for booster

[Rainbowsandstorms]

Is anyone else double vaccinated with AZ, under 40 and not eligible for a booster? I had my vaccination early as an informal carer and I am not not eligible for a booster but will be at the six month mark shortly. Most people of my age were given Pfizer where the protection remains higher for longer or had AZ but qualify for the boosters. I’m aware that many EU countries have boosted anyone regardless of age who had AZ. I feel like I fall into a bit of a forgotten group and that there is no real information regarding how AZ performs post six months against more serious illness. Is anyone else in this situation or does anyone have any information regarding when we can expect late 30s to be boosted or any reassuring data regarding AZ post six months. I’ve been trying to put it to the back of my mind but now I’m post five months and there is no sign of being boosted I’m starting to feel nervous about what level of protection I’ll have.

My husband had AZ early and is under 40. He was volunteering with a charity at the time which was the reason.
He won't be boosted due to age and I guess must be coming up for 6 mths. He does a job where he comes into contact with the public everyday.
There will surely be lots of people in this position? Incidentally he and I are both anti boosters for young people as we feel vaccines should be sent to Covax anyway 🤷

I am under 40 and have managed to book as an unpaid carer - haven't had it yet but it let me book. Best chase it up op. It might be just the case of waiting until 6 month mark is up.

Are you no longer an unpaid career?
And under 40?

If so that's why you cannot access a booster just yet. If you were still an unpaid cater you could get one - even if the website wouldn't let you book one, once at six months, as an u paid cater, you could go to a walk in centre.

Some centres are more relaxed about eligibility than others, though not regarding the six months part.

For example Dh wasn't age eligible at the time but came with me when I had my booster - I'm CV. He'd managed to get his first vaccines early as he asked for, and was able to get, an end of day jab when vials were open and needed using. He was with me for my booster and when we asked they said he could have one as he lives with me - because I'm CV. Technically don't think he was eligible but they checked he was 6 months passed and jabbed him.

@wbmm that’s great news, I’m really pleased you’ve been able to get your booster. I’ll start looking into it properly once I hit the six month mark. It’s reassuring to hear that you were able to get yours at a walk in.

@Abraxan thank you, no I’m no longer an unpaid career I was supporting my FIL while my MIL was at work but she’s now retired, so I no longer meet the criteria.

I’m hoping having just watched the press conference that they’ll lower the age bracket by the time I reach six months as it seems they feel boosters are key to dealing with the new variant if current concerns are accurate.

I'm an unpaid carer who had both AZ and under 40. I have my booster next week.

In your circumstances I would just say I was still an unpaid carer

Yep I’m in this boat. Our local surgery offered school staff the vaccine earlier than we would have had it age wise which seemed great in March. Not so much now!

‘Luckily’ I had Covid a few weeks ago so figure I’ve got some extra immunity for a while at least.

@Bingbong21 how did you go about booking?

Have you tried booking here: www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/coronavirus-booster-vaccine/? It's not clear yet on the dates it's opening up for younger people and shorter booking periods, probably lots of logistics underway, but any walk-in should take you once you're at 6 months if you take your card.

It feels like a car crash again doesn’t it. The younger ones who have had AZ who have now reached 6 months and cannot get boosters because the group 6 criteria was changed particularly for asthma or they got it early for other reasons. I am assuming my DDs in their 20s won’t get their boosters for at least a couple of months still whilst the efficacy of the AZ vaccine is decreasing and they are already saying Pfizer / Moderna will provide better protection against the new variant

It feels like a car crash again doesn’t it.
Your expectations are much too high for reality. It wasn't a "car crash" the first time, and your DDs in their 20s with 2 doses are already protected, with a booster underway in a short period of time. You don't yet know dates because the roll-out logistics are only just starting. No need for dramatics.

I went to a walk in center yesterday and got my booster (I'm early 30s). I was 6 months post 2nd vax and has AZ for both of my initial vaccines. The rules are currently 6 months, regardless of age, or when you had your second dose. By this weekend it is being shortened to 3 months. You can have yours next week if you go to a walk in, or just wait for your doctor to contact you/ be eligible to book online.

Our walk-in centre is still doing only over 40s unless you have a letter from your GP etc.