Booster vaccination

Marydoll There is more information about guidance in the following publication - (Page 20 is most relevant for immunocompromised).
www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-the-green-book-chapter-14a

Missedout, thank you for your informative post.

I read that if you had two AZ vaccines, it is more efficacious to have a different one for the third. However, I cannot remember where I found the article.
Maybee, why do you think all three should be the same? Have you evidence for it, I would be genually interested to read it. The more info I have the better.

The letter I had from Sajid Javid regarding the third primary vaccine for those still extremely vulnerable (I am immunocompromised) indicated that this should be a mRNA vaccine such as Pfizer or Moderna. My first 2 doses were Astra Zeneca but my third (primary) was Pfizer, which is a mRNA vaccine, AZ is not.

However, I think I have been lucky and the advice I have seen is to take whatever is on offer.

I made no antibodies to Covid after the first 2 vaccinations, I can't think why I should have developed any antibodies after the 3rd either but will pay for a private antibody test in a week or so to check.

I am going out very little and only spend time with close family. I wish I could count on others to be more cautious but it seems that many think the pandemic is finished!

I tend to think that Professor Van-Tam (on BBC this morning) is right and next spring will be better. I hope so.

I would have thought that it would make more sense to have three AZ vaccines followed by a Pfizer one as a booster. Or, if it was proved that the AZ one wasn’t working then two doses of Pfizer would be better. Again this is why I think we should all still be wearing masks to protect those amongst us that are immunosuppressed, at least for the next few months.

Rosie, I meant to say, Thanks.

Rosie that's worrying for you. I wouldn't be too chuffed, I'm sure you will be fine.
Months ago I posted on here that I needed a third vaccine and I had read it should be different from the other two.
I was told by some posters there was no difference between a third vaccine and a booster and dismissed as over reacting.As I said previously, the immunocompromised have been let down in Scotland. Thank goodness most of us are on the ball, or we would be up sh.. creek without a paddle, if we left it to others.

As I am immunosuppressed I was given my third vaccine dose (not the booster) on 1st October. The vaccinator said that my third dose had to be the same as my primary vaccine which was Astra Zeneca so was given that one again. I have now received a letter from the NHS Fife saying that I was given the wrong third dose and the immunosuppressed should have been given the Pfizer one. They have apologised and said I will still have good protection. Hope so! Maybe if you are immunosuppressed check you are given the correct vaccine.

Forgot the screen shot! Duh!!!

Double whammy. Got a call from my doctors offering me an appointment in two weeks which I accepted but then went to the walk in centre and have had one today. Must cancel the other one. Still quite quiet at the walk in centre. I don’t think many people know about it. Feeling very relieved tonight. Only blip was the lady sitting next to me taking her mask off in the 25 minute wait room but I just went and sat somewhere else! Good old NHS.

Marydoll Rascal

Your page should look like this, Rascal

rascal an asterisk first and last around a word, with no gaps highlights it.

Those with weakened immune systems are being offered a THIRD primary COVID-19 vaccination instead of just two doses.

The third vaccination is NOT the same as a booster.

It is a top up because while the first two doses will have offered some protection, they may not have generated a full immune response as they do in those who do not have weakened immune systems.

I'm completely confused about the difference between 3rd jab and booster - is there one, and if so, what is it?

Got a text from my GPs this morning and booked for walk-in jab next Friday (just over 6 months since 2nd).

Booked online today for Thursday, 6 months and 4 days after 2nd jab. Centre less than a mile away.

My blue letter arrived today with an appt in two weeks time. That’ll be seven months, although the letter also informs me that six months = 24 weeks!

My 93yo mum still hasn’t had hers.

DH got his blue envelope for his booster today, appointment 26 weeks to the day after his second dose. It was on a day when he was working, so before he arranged time off he though he'd try to see if he could get another appointment. Got one exactly 24 hours later. Both appointments were at a location about 15 minutes walk from our house.

I always think its worth sharing the good news as well as the bad.

Different link today sent and tested by dd (in case I am an idiot!) nearest centre now only 2.4 miles away and both dh and myself booked in for next Weds afternoon. The appointments were going fast though so lucky to get 2 only 5mins apart.

Oh dear Marydoll that's a worry for you having to have the third one then a booster one too. I have a lot of allergies too but fortunately so far seem to be bright eyed and bushy tailed! Just the upper arm where the jag went in is sore and stiff. I seem to be very tired even although I seem to be sleeping very well at the mo.
Positive thoughts on their way to you...
In a previous post I tried to put an open square bracket before and after your name but it didn't seem to make Marydoll in bold .

rascal, I was so ill after the first vaccination, that they were reluctant to give me the second. Aye right! I made such a fuss, that they eventually gave it to me. I was very unwell unwell again and had to report it to the yellow card scheme.
However, it was no surprise, as I have previous convictions, regarding allergies!

I will be prepared for this, after my third primary one. Better that than dead! ?

Yes Marydoll folks like us don't seem to have much protection. So far with all the vaccinations including the flu one I have had no reaction at all. I don't want a reaction anyway but most people I have spoken to have had some reaction. So I think with no reaction it's not giving full protection. But of course I could be wrong . Best of luck with getting your third jag!

DH had an appointment for his booster this morning. I was sitting in the car waiting for him when he phoned and said they would give me mine although it was five days early.
He feels fine, I have a very sore, achy arm.
I'm glad we have both had them.

NHS England says most people live within 10 miles of a walk-in booster centre. Ha ha!

Had my booster - super relieved ?!

Thank you so much, Rascal! You don't know how relieved I am hearing this. I knew I was coded immunocompromised on my CHI, but no-one could help me with my query. I tried the vaccine helpline and they were absolutely useless, the chap kept offering me a booster appointment!

I had a call from the hospital, when I queried the lack of letter and was told by the rhematology specialist nurse that none of their immunocompromised patients had received notification and that they were considering sending letters to them.

I had been researching this and on taking part in the Zoe webinar on the vaccine and the immunosuppressed last week, so I realised I was up the creek, without a paddle!!!
It seems that those of us who received the AZ vaccine, were in some cases only 40% covered. That's scary!!!