Why don’t I get a say in which vaccine I get?

There are no plans to offer the UK population a choice of Covid vaccines as government officials have confirmed the programme will continue to give patients whatever brand is in stock.

Ultimately, the UK Government could have seven different vaccines, after pre-ordering doses from the most promising options.

Three have so far been approved: Oxford/ Astrazeneca, Pfizerbiontech, and Moderna, though Tayside and Fife will have to wait for the latter.

Some countries have suspended use of Astrazeneca pending further investigation into possible side effects, raising fears others may be safer.

The concerns centre on research that shows the shot may have caused blood clots in a very small number of patients.

Independent regulators in the UK, however, have stressed the benefits “far outweigh” the risks.

Dunfermline resident June Simpson, who nearly died from a lung blood clot in 2019, says she has repeatedly asked for the Pfizer jag, without any luck.

“When my appointment came by post I contacted the number to ask if Astrazeneca or Pfizer would be on offer,” she said.

“I was told no one knew which vaccine would be at the clinic until it was opened that morning just prior to the clinic starting. I admit I found that rather strange. I couldn’t find out until I turned up?

“I will be 74 soon and by rights ought to have been immunised against Covid-19.

“I wasn’t and so remain at risk three months on.”

Lorraine Wilson, a 54-year-old journalist living in Monifieth, fell ill with Covid-19 in April last year and struggled with tiredness for months afterwards.

She received the Astrazeneca vaccine last month but it caused her to feel ill for a week.

She woke up feeling sick and with a severe headache the evening after her jag, with both lasting for days. She also struggled with tiredness.

“The fatigue, headache and nausea felt a little bit like the previous April when I was in bed for 10 days with Covid-19, which had the addition of the constant cough and abdominal pains,” she said.

Despite being unable to escape vaccine side-effects, she stressed her gratitude at being given further protection.

Lorraine, who is The Courier’s head of arts and entertainment, said: “To be honest, I didn’t do a lot of research on the vaccines and was happy to take what was offered.

“I’ve just been happy that we’ve been able to get through so many people so quickly.

“I know some people who have felt a bit off for a day but also others who have been absolutely fine with no reaction at all.

“My reaction was unusual, but it wasn’t as bad as having Covid.”

The majority of people receiving Astrazeneca, as well as the other vaccines, experience very few side effects.

It is understood authorities feel giving people a choice would suggest some are better than others.

Logistically, it would also add more layers of organisation to an already complex and rapid programme.

There’s also the issue of varying stock levels (the Moderna supply will only be enough for 8.5 million people).

So far, only the youngest will be able to choose.

The Joint Committee for Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has advised that it is preferable for people under 30 to have a vaccine other than Oxford/astrazeneca.

The NHS said those choosing to do this may have to wait to be protected.

A UK Government spokesperson said: “The Oxford/astrazeneca vaccine is safe, effective and has saved thousands of lives already.

“As the UK’S independent medicines regulator, the MHRA, and the JCVI, have said the benefits of the vaccine far exceed the risks for the vast majority of adults.”

“Benefits of the vaccine far exceed the risks for the majority of adults

NO CHOICE: June Simpson has repeatedly asked for the Pfizer vaccine but clinics don’t know what one they will be using on any given day.