Can I choose which vaccine I get? Can the vaccines be mixed? - Most commonly asked questions about the vaccines answered
The biggest vaccination programme in NHS history is being delivered at pace with more than 6.3 million people in the UK receiving their first dose of the covid-19 vaccine.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdMore centres, including the Nightingale in Sunderland have opened this week, which means there will soon be a network of 50 centres, more than 1,000 GP services and over 250 hospital sites offering vaccinations across the country.
However after concerns about patients turning down the Pfizer vaccine in favour of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has ruled both jabs are safe and effective in offering protection against the virus.
So can people actually choose which one they receive?
Can I choose which vaccine I get?
People are not able to choose which jab they want to receive.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdThe Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has ruled both jabs are safe and effective in offering protection against the virus.
The vaccine people are offered will be based on clinical judgement supported by the advise of the JCVI (Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation).
Which vaccine will I receive?
Both UK approved vaccines are over 90 percent effective so either one will deliver immunity to the disease.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdExperts have not specified that any one group should get a particular vaccine.
Can the vaccines be mixed?
Official guidance says everyone should receive the same vaccine.
But in very rare circumstances yes, they can be mixed “if the individual is likely to be at immediate high risk or is considered unlikely to attend again.”
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdAccording to Public Health England people who have received their first vaccine dose “and who attend for vaccination at a site where the same vaccine is not available, or if the first product received is unknown, it is reasonable to offer one dose of the locally available product to complete the schedule.”
Can I pay to be vaccinated sooner?
No - the vaccine is being rolled out free of charge by the NHS. It’s not possible to jump the queue by paying says Public Health England.