Have you had the first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine in the last 6 weeks?

[JustineBMumsnet]

We’ve been asked by the Drug Safety Research Unit to find Mumsnet users who have had the first dose of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine in the last 6 weeks to take part in a project to monitor the effects of the vaccine. You can take part whether or not you’ve experienced any symptoms following the vaccine

Below you’ll find some information on the project from Dr Liz Lynn, Head of Scientific and Educational Development, Drug Safety Research Unit:

“Hi, I’m Liz, and I’m from an organisation called the Drug Safety Research Unit (DSRU). We’re an independent academic unit and registered charity, established in 1981 and based in Southampton. Whilst all medicines are subject to thorough testing for efficacy and safety before being made available, continued monitoring to gather information in ‘real life’ is always essential too. That’s where we come in.

We’re currently working on a project to monitor the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine. This study is supported by a consortium of doctors, pharmacists and scientists from 12 UK universities and NHS trusts. Data collected will be shared with the manufacturer, the UK’s regulating body, and the results will be publicly available too.

For the study, we’re asking anyone who has had their first dose of this vaccine within the last 6 weeks to sign up to this questionnaire-based study. The initial sign-up phase takes around 10 mins, and participants will then be contacted via chosen method (text, email or phone) for a few follow-up questions over the course of the next 18 months. Of course, opting out at any stage is possible.

People have stepped up to volunteer in so many ways during the course of the pandemic, but the fight continues and ongoing research is a vital part of this. We’ve been grateful to the thousands who have already signed up over the last few months but we need more! In total we’re looking for 20,000 UK volunteers to help us with the trial, before their short 6 week window has passed. Please help by signing up, or sharing with others who you know fit this description. You can sign up and find more information available here.

Thank you for playing your part!”

Please note this project is not being run by Mumsnet, and if you sign up you will be sharing your details with DSRU.

Thanks
MNHQ

[Streamside]

I've had repeat cold sores since having my first dose of AZ. Three weeks now and I've had cold sores in my nostrils, side of mouth and lips ever since.

[JustineBMumsnet]

Hi all, in response to a few of the comments on this thread, here’s a bit more information from the study team at the DSRU:

"- The DSRU is an independent unit and registered charity, not a pharmaceutical company or a government agency. We are commissioned by a wide range of parties to run ‘at arms-length’ studies, where we hold responsibility as study sponsor, which is independent to the study funder role. Our studies are subject to the highest level of scrutiny and standards, both in methodologies used and governance

- Studies to look at what is happening once medicines/ vaccines have been approved for use (so called ‘post-authorisation studies’) are an essential component of every drug’s development, and are just one part of the ongoing monitoring process (other measures include schemes like the MHRA’s yellow card reporting system and also medicines manufacturers will also run their own post-approval studies)

- This particular study has been designed with the unique aspects of COVID-19 in mind, where we know speed of data collection is vital. The study is designed so that any concerns regarding safety or efficacy can be detected and acted upon quickly, in near-real time

- Since January we have encouraged people to register their interest for this study before they have received the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine (and before they know which vaccine they will receive). Throughout the study we have requested that people take part whether or not they have experienced any suspected side effects since their vaccination.

- There’s lots more information available on our website about our organisation and the study details – //www.dsru.org. Apologies that we can’t provide everything on this thread! Thank you for helping to further our understanding of COVID-19 and the vaccine response."

[deepbreath]

Not me, I've had both within the last 8 weeks though (I'm 46, but was vaccinated early because I'm an unpaid carer).

[HomeSliceKnowsBest]

I'm only just recovering from the 2nd dose of AZ I received a fortnight ago. It completely floored me, exhausted to the point I felt like I'd melted to the bed, I've basically lost a week and a half of my life. I am having to fight through the utter exhaustion I still feel but can't remain on permanent bed rest. My first dose exhausted me for only one day, so be warned!

[Orpheline]

13 hours sleep after the 1st. looking forward to 13 hours after the 2nd.

[flowersfromheaven]

I am having my second jab on Saturday so fingers crossed that everything goes ok .

[Cryalot2]

4 of us have now had 2nd.
3 were ill after 1st one, same had next to no nothing with 2nd. 1 had no reaction to either.

[TheVoiceInMyHead]

Had my first dose yesterday morn. Felt rough in the evening, really woozy and feverish, but slept for 12 hours straight and feel back to normal now. Was fearing the worst as all my friends said it was worse on second day.

[Jessi1972]

@Orpheline, your comment made me really laugh out loud as I was just thinking the same!!

[oakleaffy]

Had first dose AZ a good 12 weeks ago, Painless needle entry and delivery of fluid...Slightly headachey/sweaty next day.

2nd dose last week.
More ''Feelable'' needle and delivery, slight headache/sweatiness and a more 'painful ' arm at needle site.

Nothing else to report.

[WilsonMilson]

A study funded by AZ themselves.

[SurferRona]

@WilsonMilson

A study funded by AZ themselves.

They - rightly- need to monitor vaccine impact in the population, who else do you think should be funding pharma monitoring? There is already a system in place to capture and report effects through the MHRA. Not sure what your is for?

[ClawedButler]

Meh. If I get side effects, I report them via yellowcard as per.

[Catawaul]

Why is this needed in addition to yellow card? I reported my side effects there.

[Katya213]

In getting mine on wednesday, just hope it goes easy on me as I'm a l one parent but am prepared for side effects.

[Wherearemymarbles]

I’ve had 2 doses of AZ.
I didn't even have as much as sore arm on either occasion.

Maybe is didnt work!!

[MancyNitford]

First dose six weeks ago. Ok the following day, but the day after I felt like I'd been hit by a truck. No fevers or chills, but I was so lethargic I just lay on the sofa all day. My second is in 3 weeks and I can't say I'm looking forward to it.

[HomeSliceKnowsBest]

I'm still ill from it now, slept for 10 hours yesterday then all night. It's ruining my life and there seems to be no end to this.

[TheYearOfSmallThings]

I really wonder about the value of this. I had no symptoms and probably won't be motivated to register and answer the questions. I would imagine the only people motivated to do so will be the minority who experience problematic symptoms.

[Retrievemysanity]

@TheYearOfSmallThings I had no symptoms but I’ve registered to do it.

[SakuraEdenSwan1]

There are enough needless deaths because of this unsafe vaccine and how this government are still allowing them to continue is unlawful and dam right disgusting,

[ReginaPhalangee]

I haven't had a period since my first jab. Like clockwork before.

[Sometimesfraught82]

@SakuraEdenSwan1

There are enough needless deaths because of this unsafe vaccine and how this government are still allowing them to continue is unlawful and dam right disgusting,

Where to start?

Probably best not to. Pour myself a camomile tea and head to bed to watch some Netflix

[Sometimesfraught82]

@SakuraEdenSwan1

There are enough needless deaths because of this unsafe vaccine and how this government are still allowing them to continue is unlawful and dam right disgusting,

I couldn’t resist searching your name
You are an nhs a&e nurse

[Germolenequeen]

First dose 2 week ago - bloody hurt but no side effects to speak of until til last week exhaustion & this week very sore arm & bruising