Pfizer versus AZ Vaccine.

I’m awaiting the comments eagerly. There is a feeling here that the az is lower quality. That is what we over 60 s were offered, no choice but it is hard to sort out facts from spin and I really don’t know.

I don’t think it is lower quality. If it is it’s only fractionally so. I was quite happy to have it and I’d be happy to have it again. I wish I knew the figures for which vaccine people who were doubly vaccinated but still caught covid were given.

MayBee70

I don’t think it is lower quality. If it is it’s only fractionally so. I was quite happy to have it and I’d be happy to have it again. I wish I knew the figures for which vaccine people who were doubly vaccinated but still caught covid were given.

Yes that's an interesting question MayBee70.
I'd like to know that too.

I was wondering about this also. I got the AZ jabs because I was 70+ and my dh got the Pfeizzer jabs being under 70. I understand the AZ is it being used for the boosters because of the rare chance of clots.

Different for us. DH is over 70 and had Pfizer I am under 70 and had AZ. Neither of us had side effects. We understand that we will be given Pfizer as a booster. We feel having read all we can that taking into account of health status (we both have significant health issues) that there us little difference for us and we are glad and grateful for both/either. We are going about a normal but cautious life out in public. Neither of us have to work and our socialising us largely outdoors on a golf club. Other than that we don't dwell on it.

I had Pfizer. It was the one for my age group. Everything has risks but I felt better about getting Pfizer.

On the News last night, Fergus (health reporter) implied that in future the AZ vaccine wouldn’t be used much here, it would be sent to other countries.

I’d assumed, maybe wrongly that it was as a result of the trials they did to ascertain effectiveness of the combinations, as they are different types of vaccines. The AZ vaccine is being updated to take account of the Delta variant, so maybe it isn’t yet ready for distribution?

It shouldn’t be a divide this is awful saying ones better than the other and all these rumours and counter rumours
They are equally safe they are equally helpful as any vaccine given in these unprecedented times can be
My friend in Africa had the China vaccine and was tremendously grateful there was none of this, mine might be 2 % less effective They took and were thankful
I think the rumours in Australia and other countries about AZ have been terrible be blooming glad we ve got what we ve got and think of all the countries that haven’t had a look in yet

I haven't been aware of any difference in which vaccine was given for certain ages. Here, our local centre had AZ one week and Pfizer the next.

I didn't understand why some people wanted a choice - and tried to weigh up the risks and benefits. I'm just happy to be offered a booster.

It could make all the difference when I catch it (as I think most of us will, sooner or later) by keeping me relatively well and out of hospital!

Calendargirl

On the News last night, Fergus (health reporter) implied that in future the AZ vaccine wouldn’t be used much here, it would be sent to other countries.

I was surprised when I heard that. I had AZ and it didn't worry me which I had but when I heard that it did make me wonder if they aren't telling us all they know. I wonder where he got that information from.

I don’t think there is anything sinister theworriedwell, as they are still giving AZ as the first dose to over 40s at vaccination centres in the UK.

I had the Pfizer vaccine, both DD had AZ, with no ill effects. We were grateful to get it, both have good efficacy against the virus. Those who are nit picking about one is better than the other , not really appropriate when many of the worlds population have not had the choice of either.

I've heard of a lot of people having auto immune conditions after Pfizer.

I had AZ and apart from being unwell for 24 hours it was fine.

So I'm surprised!

In my area the Pfizer vaccine was available first, and only in places where it could be kept at the required extra low temperature. So vaccination hubs at hospitals and a couple of GP practices.
A few weeks later the large scale vaccination centres opened giving AZ. I could book mine there or wait for GP surgery . Nothing to do with age really, just if you were higher up the list you got the first one available.
Both equally as effective, and whole thing very well organised here. Elderly people at home were given AZ by a group of retired GPs in a charitable organisation approved by the NHS trust.

VioletSky

I've heard of a lot of people having auto immune conditions after Pfizer.

I had AZ and apart from being unwell for 24 hours it was fine.

So I'm surprised!

I think this is fake news Smileless or at best coincidence and anecdotal.
No proven link between vaccines and autoimmune diseases exists.
The claim that vaccines can provoke autoimmune diseases predates the current pandemic and is a tactic long used by opponents to discredit vaccines.
Despite numerous studies looking for associations between the two, no vaccines have consistently been shown to cause autoimmune disease.

I understand the AZ is it being used for the boosters because of the rare chance of clots
I think you may have this the wrong way round Coolgran
Booster jabs are to be rolled out to all over 50s, younger adults with health conditions, and frontline health and care workers. The third dose will be offered six months after the second dose, with the Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna jab recommended. It will be rolled out from next week.

My apologies to Smileless - I meant VioletSky

I had the Pfizer, my similarly aged friend had the AZ at the same time, neither of us had any side effects, and as a non-scientist I am happy to follow medical advice as I have done all my life and ignore all this ill-informed speculation.

I am concerned because we had the Astra Zeneca vaccines. But the booster are not AZ I don’t like the idea of mixing the medication.

The AZ had bad publicity from the beginning, particularly abroad. People refused to have it and left the vaccination centre when told they would have the AZ, terrified at the thought of blood clots. In some countries it was then given to the older age group, as deemed less safe for younger people. We had it with no side effects whatsoever but obviously a bit nervous at the thought. After saying that you could not mix vaccines it now seems just what they intend to do.

I have 2 friends who claim this MayBeMaw one said the doctor backed her up and that there is research being done into it because there were many cases...

I'll take it with a pinch of salt though, I tend to take things at face value

Too much emphasis on pharmaceutical companies - what company makes the flu vaccine?

I think it worried me as I have Graves which is an autoimmune condition that upsets all your hormones. I had a really bad time with it and I am hoping to be in remission soon and worried that something could set it off again of we are having vaccines long term

vegansrock

Too much emphasis on pharmaceutical companies - what company makes the flu vaccine?

This - we happily take the flu vaccine every year with no concern about its effectiveness, side effects, technology or manufacturer.

Take what we're given and be grateful.