Vaccine Megathread No 2 - Read OP before posting

WoollyRedHat · 29-06-2021 12:12AM

rm212 wrote: »

I’m in cohort 4 so obviously fully vaccinated with AZ already. My partner is 25 and we’d like to travel in late August if possible, but we are worried given that he isn’t vaccinated yet, both in terms of travel plans and possible extra measures depending on case numbers, and also with the delta variant being a bit more dangerous for him if unvaccinated.

Based on RTÉ saying NIAC will allow under 40s to get JnJ and the following, “ The Irish Pharmacy Union has said pharmacies could begin to administer the Johnson & Johnson vaccine to people under 40 "tomorrow".”, should my partner in theory just call the pharmacy in the morning and ask to be placed on a waiting list or something, pending the rule change coming?

Absolutely.

rm212 · 29-06-2021 12:20AM

WoollyRedHat wrote: »

Absolutely.

I see Boots have an online portal which says only to register if you’re over 50 otherwise it’ll be cancelled. I wonder if he should just fill that in with the rule change seemingly being imminent and maybe they’ll keep it on the system until it’s approved to give to him?

EDIT: just read and saw other people also booking with them. Just said f-it and booked one for this Friday. I wrote a note in the “extra info for the pharmacist” explaining that we booked it pending a potential change in the rules which RTÉ are reporting.

stephenjmcd · 29-06-2021 01:41AM

Some more details from Eamon Ryan on how things are likely to play out now in terms of rollout to younger ages

The opt in method some of us were calling for a long time ago

https://twitter.com/SeanDefoe/status/1409671808710680576?s=19

Strazdas · 29-06-2021 02:27AM

stephenjmcd wrote: »

Some more details from Eamon Ryan on how things are likely to play out now in terms of rollout to younger ages

The opt in method some of us were calling for a long time ago

https://twitter.com/SeanDefoe/status/1409671808710680576?s=19

The ones that want to go on a holiday abroad this year will be very tempted to go for the AZ or J & J option (they could go the PCR route but it's expensive and you have to be tested abroad as well).

SJFly · 29-06-2021 07:46AM

Strazdas wrote: »

The ones that want to go on a holiday abroad this year will be very tempted to go for the AZ or J & J option (they could go the PCR route but it's expensive and you have to be tested abroad as well).

Or maybe even go for a meal or a pint. I'd say there'll be no shortage of takers. I'm glad it's opt in though

WoollyRedHat · 29-06-2021 09:05AM

rm212 wrote: »

I see Boots have an online portal which says only to register if you’re over 50 otherwise it’ll be cancelled. I wonder if he should just fill that in with the rule change seemingly being imminent and maybe they’ll keep it on the system until it’s approved to give to him?

I would say it's worth a try, considering recommendation will be to provide AZ/ J and J as an opt-in to under-50s shortly.

29-06-2021 09:17AM

That's great news that it's opt-in. Best approach all round, the people who want a vaccine ASAP will have an option to get one much sooner, and the people who have genuine concerns around clotting won't feel like they're being pushed to take vaccine they're not comfortable with.

Some of us have been saying for months that choice was the obvious way around the AZ/J&J issues but were told it would be impossible to implement. Great to see it finally happening anyway.

kg703 · 29-06-2021 09:25AM

RavenBea17b wrote: »

How awful and scary. Hope you are feeling alot better. Understandably nervous, of course it is human nature. Def speak to your Dr. Also, please make sure that this is added and reported to the side effects list portal. The Doctor at the hospital commenting and querying is it Moderna - result of chemical event, needs to be more known. It is the first I have heard of and I am sure if more aware, people choosing to get hair highlights, coloured etc need to be aware as do hairdressers etc.

This now makes sense as to why my laser hair removal appointment have started sending me texts sayin if I get my vaccine in the two weeks before it I cant have my appointment. Nothing said for my patch test or booking but a flurry of emails and texts in the last few days.

WoollyRedHat · 29-06-2021 09:29AM

Doctor Jimbob wrote: »

I tried this last night, got a cancellation text this morning. Fair enough, was worth a go. It's worth emailing other local pharmacies as well, I got a response back from one this morning saying they expect to be offering the vaccine to under 40s shortly and will keep me updated.

Is this in the capital or down the country?

rm212 · 29-06-2021 09:30AM

Doctor Jimbob wrote: »

I tried this last night, got a cancellation text this morning. Fair enough, was worth a go. It's worth emailing other local pharmacies as well, I got a response back from one this morning saying they expect to be offering the vaccine to under 40s shortly and will keep me updated.

Yeah that's good advice, I was actually on a little hunt last night finding all the pharmacies within a reasonable radius and emailing all of them with expression of interest/asking to be added to a potential waiting list.

Hopefully a couple of them come back and say they'll add to some list, particularly the independent ones might do something like this as they're usually a little more 'personal' than Boots say (not knocking Boots, still a great pharmacy, but just the nature of a large chain corp).

seamus · 29-06-2021 09:32AM

Flying Fox wrote: »

That's great news that it's opt-in. Best approach all round, the people who want a vaccine ASAP will have an option to get one much sooner, and the people who have genuine concerns around clotting won't feel like they're being pushed to take vaccine they're not comfortable with.

Some of us have been saying for months that choice was the obvious way around the AZ/J&J issues but were told it would be impossible to implement. Great to see it finally happening anyway.

I'm hoping that they move all the AZ & J&J to pharmacies, let the MVCs continue with Pfizer and Moderna.

This would simplify the process massively; if you want the former, book yourself in at a pharmacy. If you want the latter, register with the HSE.

Saves any messing with having to refuse appointments and wait for your preferred vaccine to come up.

SusanC10 · 29-06-2021 09:33AM

Strazdas wrote: »

I'm actually assuming that any person aged 40+ who has yet to receive a first dose is eligible to get any one of the four vaccines. Are we aware of any vaccine being prohibited to any age cohort at this point?

I thought I read that AZ and J&J will be offered to under-40s and currently J&J is available for 50+. Which leaves Ages 40-49 with either Pfizer or Moderna only. And then obviously EMA has approved Pfizer for Ages 12+ in EU (although Ireland is still 16+) but the other Vaccines are 18+.

duffman13 · 29-06-2021 09:36AM

Doctor Jimbob wrote: »

In the capital. I'd imagine branches down the country might be a bit more flexible.

Same rules apply, the vaccine portal is a little unforgiving so they won't do it until its approved. Funnily enough, the majority of pharmacies in Dublin haven't used their J&J stock whereas the country ones seemed to have faired better. Anecdotal statistics from work but id say you'll be well looked after once the guidance changes.

seamus · 29-06-2021 09:39AM

SusanC10 wrote: »

I thought I read that AZ and J&J will be offered to under-40s and currently J&J is available for 50+. Which leaves Ages 40-49 with either Pfizer or Moderna only. And then obviously EMA has approved Pfizer for Ages 12+ in EU (although Ireland is still 16+) but the other Vaccines are 18+.

The overall advice from NIAC was always that AZ/J&J were never banned for anyone, but that where possible the mRNA vaccines should be administered.

The caveat in the advice was always that there shouldn't be unused vaccines left on the shelf while there were unvaccinated adults waiting. Thus, if there were no mRNA available, the other vaccines could be used.

Delta has changed the risk profile slightly that favours more rapid vaccination over extreme caution. I expect AZ/J&J will be made available to all age groups.

zebastein · 29-06-2021 09:49AM

rm212 wrote: »

I’m in cohort 4 so obviously fully vaccinated with AZ already. My partner is 25 and we’d like to travel in late August if possible, but we are worried given that he isn’t vaccinated yet, both in terms of travel plans and possible extra measures depending on case numbers, and also with the delta variant being a bit more dangerous for him if unvaccinated.

Based on RTÉ saying NIAC will allow under 40s to get JnJ and the following, “ The Irish Pharmacy Union has said pharmacies could begin to administer the Johnson & Johnson vaccine to people under 40 "tomorrow".”, should my partner in theory just call the pharmacy in the morning and ask to be placed on a waiting list or something, pending the rule change coming?

The reality is that pharmacies will vaccinate at the same pace as MVCs. So if they are allowed to vaccinate under 50s, that will still be only for people 35+ as this is the age cohort done in the MVCs.

There will not be a vaccine available for anyone in pharmacies while the MVCs are doing age based cohorts

rm212 · 29-06-2021 10:01AM

zebastein wrote: »

The reality is that pharmacies will vaccinate at the same pace as MVCs. So if they are allowed to vaccinate under 50s, that will still be only for people 35+ as this is the age cohort done in the MVCs.

There will not be a vaccine available for anyone in pharmacies while the MVCs are doing age based cohorts

If there is sufficient stock of vaccines due to expire (there is currently an excess supply of AZ/JnJ in scheduled deliveries beyond the number of people due to be vaccinated with them and over 50s are not having a lot of uptake as they've mostly been vaccinated), then they absolutely will give it to younger cohorts.

Also it doesn't make any sense to say they'll only vaccinate at the same pace. If you're 35+ now, you can register through the vaccine portal and get an appointment for the largely preferred mRNA vaccines in a couple of weeks. Why would said people go to the pharmacy and get AZ or JnJ en masse? The primary use of these spares will be to allow people further down the queue to opt in to get a vaccine sooner, if they're happy with AZ/JnJ. Otherwise, they can wait for the mRNA vaccines through the HSE portal.

Marcusm · 29-06-2021 10:06AM

SusanC10 wrote: »

I thought I read that AZ and J&J will be offered to under-40s and currently J&J is available for 50+. Which leaves Ages 40-49 with either Pfizer or Moderna only. And then obviously EMA has approved Pfizer for Ages 12+ in EU (although Ireland is still 16+) but the other Vaccines are 18+.

Most 40s will have already received at least a first dose unless they have chosen not to. AZ stocks will be used for second vaccinations for over 60s, HCW etc before becoming surplus in August and available alongside J&J for anyone who wants them. The local pharmacy is collating a waitlist for J&J jabs and promises to schedule appointments as soon as the guidance is updated. She had been on Irish Times and other outlets commenting that they found it difficult to get 5 together to open vials.

29-06-2021 10:17AM

rm212 wrote: »

If there is sufficient stock of vaccines due to expire (there is currently an excess supply of AZ/JnJ in scheduled deliveries beyond the number of people due to be vaccinated with them and over 50s are not having a lot of uptake as they've mostly been vaccinated), then they absolutely will give it to younger cohorts.

Also it doesn't make any sense to say they'll only vaccinate at the same pace. If you're 35+ now, you can register through the vaccine portal and get an appointment for the largely preferred mRNA vaccines in a couple of weeks. Why would said people go to the pharmacy and get AZ or JnJ en masse? The primary use of these spares will be to allow people further down the queue to opt in to get a vaccine sooner, if they're happy with AZ/JnJ. Otherwise, they can wait for the mRNA vaccines through the HSE portal.

The pharmacies are running in tandem with the HSE rollout, presumably that's all they're allowed to do. Look at the pharmacies that are offering Pfizer, they are only taking bookings from people who are 35+.

It still speeds up the rollout. When the next age group opens, a 34 y.o. could register on the portal and wait three weeks for a first dose, or they might be able to get a one dose J&J from a pharmacy within a few days.

zebastein · 29-06-2021 10:17AM

rm212 wrote: »

If there is sufficient stock of vaccines due to expire (there is currently an excess supply of AZ/JnJ in scheduled deliveries beyond the number of people due to be vaccinated with them and over 50s are not having a lot of uptake as they've mostly been vaccinated), then they absolutely will give it to younger cohorts.

Also it doesn't make any sense to say they'll only vaccinate at the same pace. If you're 35+ now, you can register through the vaccine portal and get an appointment for the largely preferred mRNA vaccines in a couple of weeks. Why would said people go to the pharmacy and get AZ or JnJ en masse? The primary use of these spares will be to allow people further down the queue to opt in to get a vaccine sooner, if they're happy with AZ/JnJ. Otherwise, they can wait for the mRNA vaccines through the HSE portal.

What you say is honestly what I wish it was, but that is not what the government planned for pharmacies.
Pharmacies who took part in this scheme are pharmacies for people that are too far from a MVC (>5km I think). The idea was to increase the vaccination uptake by giving a local option to people.

Alkers · 29-06-2021 10:17AM

SusanC10 wrote: »

I thought I read that AZ and J&J will be offered to under-40s and currently J&J is available for 50+. Which leaves Ages 40-49 with either Pfizer or Moderna only. And then obviously EMA has approved Pfizer for Ages 12+ in EU (although Ireland is still 16+) but the other Vaccines are 18+.

I've been trying to find a reliable source of which vaccines are approved in ireland for which age cohort and can't find anything on NIAC or otherwise - any ideas?

lucernarian · 29-06-2021 10:17AM

Marcusm wrote: »

Most 40s will have already received at least a first dose unless they have chosen not to. AZ stocks will be used for second vaccinations for over 60s, HCW etc before becoming surplus in August and available alongside J&J for anyone who wants them. The local pharmacy is collating a waitlist for J&J jabs and promises to schedule appointments as soon as the guidance is updated. She had been on Irish Times and other outlets commenting that they found it difficult to get 5 together to open vials.

Second vaccinations will be for people in their 50s also, I thought. And the HSE has said the AZ vaccine will become surplus in the middle of July under the current system.

rm212 · 29-06-2021 10:19AM

zebastein wrote: »

What you say is honestly what I wish it was, but that is not what the government planned for pharmacies.
Pharmacies who took part in this scheme are pharmacies for people that are too far from a MVC (>5km I think). The idea was to increase the vaccination uptake by giving a local option to people.

Wasn't that just for pharmacies who are administering vaccines to more remote rural areas? I've seen some pharmacies have a separate form for that on their website, I can't remember which one though. There was a dropdown option with one for rural vaccination and one for the Janssen vaccine. I was under the impression the the Janssen vaccine at pharmacies scheme is largely just to use up unused vaccines for people who are a bit more hesitant but who are more likely to take the vaccine given the convenience of one dose and a local pharmacy setting?

PCros · 29-06-2021 10:21AM

When you get the appointment text are you told what vaccine it will be?

Are AZ & J&J linked to clotting more so than Pfizer and Moderna? Only reason I ask is that there is evidence that I have a mild clotting condition, however I have always been fit enough to not worry about it. I eat well, don't smoke and take the necessary precautions like walking the cabin on long flights etc.

I get it that the risks are very minute but as I have been conscious of it over the years I’d like to continue to do so even if it delays me getting the vaccine.

29-06-2021 10:22AM

zebastein wrote: »

What you say is honestly what I wish it was, but that is not what the government planned for pharmacies.
Pharmacies who took part in this scheme are pharmacies for people that are too far from a MVC (>5km I think). The idea was to increase the vaccination uptake by giving a local option to people.

I believe Pfizer is mainly going to rural pharmacies but Janssen is much more widely available. Lots of Dublin pharmacies have it and will presumably open it up to 35-50 shortly.

bennyl10 · 29-06-2021 10:25AM

GP said i've been referred by them for a vaccine this week (Cohort 7 but in my late 20s)

Any idea how long its taking form referral for these people to be called to centres?

rm212 · 29-06-2021 10:26AM

Flying Fox wrote: »

I believe Pfizer is mainly going to rural pharmacies but Janssen is much more widely available. Lots of Dublin pharmacies have it and will presumably open it up to 35-50 shortly.

Yes and I believe that Pfizer vaccine scheme in pharmacies is the one which is limited to the same cohorts as the portal, as it wouldn't be fair otherwise. The Janssen vaccine in pharmacies is just to use up doses which will otherwise go unused, and I expect it will be open to anyone when it is approved for use in under 40s, as they will need the demand to use them up. The vast majority of people over 35 will wait the extra couple of weeks to get their mRNA via the portal, rather than going with a Janssen vaccine in the pharmacy.

Younger people in 20s who want to get protected, go on holiday without tests etc, however, would probably generate quite a bit of demand for Janssen and potentially AZ in a few weeks if available, as they'll likely be waiting probably until mid to late Sept at least to be fully vaccinated via the MVCs.

29-06-2021 10:39AM

rm212 wrote: »

Yes and I believe that Pfizer vaccine scheme in pharmacies is the one which is limited to the same cohorts as the portal, as it wouldn't be fair otherwise. The Janssen vaccine in pharmacies is just to use up doses which will otherwise go unused, and I expect it will be open to anyone when it is approved for use in under 40s, as they will need the demand to use them up. The vast majority of people over 35 will wait the extra couple of weeks to get their mRNA via the portal, rather than going with a Janssen vaccine in the pharmacy.

Younger people in 20s who want to get protected, go on holiday without tests etc, however, would probably generate quite a bit of demand for Janssen and potentially AZ in a few weeks if available, as they'll likely be waiting probably until mid to late Sept at least to be fully vaccinated via the MVCs.

I agree that this would make sense for Janssen, but the pharmacies can't do it unless they get the go ahead. Fingers crossed that will happen soon.

29-06-2021 10:42AM

There's a discussion on Claire Byrne now about how to convince young people to take AZ, with one contributor saying there can't be an element of choice. They seem to be ignoring what Eamon Ryan said last night about it being opt-in.

rm212 · 29-06-2021 10:45AM

Flying Fox wrote: »

I agree that this would make sense for Janssen, but the pharmacies can't do it unless they get the go ahead. Fingers crossed that will happen soon.

Oh absolutely it would have to be approved by gov first, yeah. I just hope they do the very reasonable thing of telling pharmacies, 'we want these vaccines used up and not expiring on shelves, manage your appointments and lists in a way you deem reasonable based on age, circumstances, risk etc and above all, give it to anyone you can rather than let it expire'.

Pharmacists are not stupid, government should take hands off and let them manage it as they see appropriate to maximise use of the spare Janssen jabs.

CIARAN_BOYLE · 29-06-2021 12:08PM

Flying Fox wrote: »

There's a discussion on Claire Byrne now about how to convince young people to take AZ, with one contributor saying there can't be an element of choice. They seem to be ignoring what Eamon Ryan said last night about it being opt-in.

Many young people wont want to choose AZ.

We've been told for months about how it isn't safe due to risk of blood clots.

We've also been told how it's best immune response is after 8 or 12 weeks.

We are now being offered 4 weeks gap between doses.

Vaccine Megathread No 2 - Read OP before posting

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