3rd jab anyone.: Big write up in today’s mail on... - CLL Support

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3rd jab anyone.

Mtk1 profile image
Mtk1
81 Replies

Big write up in today’s mail on Sunday, explains in detail for anyone still waiting for 3rd jab.

Dave

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Mtk1 profile image
Mtk1
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81 Replies
IanredUK profile image
IanredUK

I have just had my 3rd shot. I asked for it to be recorded as 3rd dose (pfizer initial 2 AZ) The card I was given states Booster, so queried. The nurse advised that this was s booster as 3rd dose not approved. I argued that this was incorrect and wad asked to wait for someone else to advise me. They took me to a third person who told me that the system doesn't allow them to enter 3rd dose only booster but they will trawl through their patients later to offer another jab in six months. Left and right hand as usual?

Mtk1 profile image
Mtk1 in reply to IanredUK

Couldn’t agree more, but article today says emergency email been sent out to inform GPS what they should already know.🤔

Newdawn profile image
NewdawnAdministrator in reply to Mtk1

Just reading this article which also has a suggestion from a transplant expert that the immunocompromised who can’t secure a 3rd vaccine, should try to ‘wangle a booster shot!’.

Seems like we have to try to obtain by any devious means possible our own protection because of a technological mess up! That’s not good enough! 🙄

Newdawn

Peggy4 profile image
Peggy4 in reply to Newdawn

Agree Newdawn. Unbelievable really. Also I read that letters are to be sent out to all GP surgeries in England. Not sure if even this applies to Wales! I’ve been fortunate to have the booster because of my job but have found the whole thing quite stressful. Why should we have to fight to be recognised?Peggy

Annie1920 profile image
Annie1920 in reply to Peggy4

Two letters have already been sent out.. They just haven't been read

Mtk1 profile image
Mtk1 in reply to Newdawn

Why should we try to wangle booster shot, has the message not got through, or are we dispensable, it seems like we have to fight for everything ourselves 😤😤😤

Qwerty77 profile image
Qwerty77 in reply to Newdawn

I’m not sure I follow......CEV received their 1st and 2nd vaccines starting around January 2021....so just by the 182 day limit.....you’ll be receiving your next vaccine now?

Mtk1 profile image
Mtk1 in reply to Qwerty77

That is a booster given 6 months after second jab, this is 3rd jab for immunosuppressed which can be given 8 weeks after 2nd dose.

Qwerty77 profile image
Qwerty77 in reply to Mtk1

I’m aware of that....but the vaccine is the same regardless of whether it is called Booster or 3rd vaccine.......given the JCVI has only recently released statements for CEV and Boosters (granted it is very unfortunate that they came out at very similar times), but surely the important point is that CEV are getting a 3rd vaccine now?

Plus, 8weeks after the 2nd vaccine would have been around May 21......months before the JCVI released their statement/recommendation?

Newdawn profile image
NewdawnAdministrator in reply to Qwerty77

If I was having the booster, it wouldn’t be due till the beginning of Nov but of course a third vaccine could be given now.

Newdawn

Qwerty77 profile image
Qwerty77 in reply to Newdawn

Ok - I understand; in our CCG CEV had received 2nd by end March/beginning of April 21......so this 3rd/Booster has been available for patients in cohorts 1 and 2 since the national protocols and guidelines were formalised by government

Newdawn profile image
NewdawnAdministrator in reply to Qwerty77

I didn’t receive mine until 5th June which was the earliest availability in my area. My surgery don’t seem to know about the 3rd vaccine programme but a GP there mentioned ‘the Federation’ were sorting those. In any case I wouldn’t feel well enough to have one at the moment I’m afraid 🤧

Newdawn

Qwerty77 profile image
Qwerty77 in reply to Newdawn

That seems very late.....as the ‘booster’ wouldn’t be due until 26 weeks later😮. I really hope you manage to get sorted.

The Federation liaises with CCG’s regarding vaccine rollout protocols (amongst other things) - in conjunction with regional and national vaccine teams.

Newdawn profile image
NewdawnAdministrator in reply to Qwerty77

I booked my vaccines at the first available opportunity so standard for my area it seems.

Newdawn

AnneHill profile image
AnneHill in reply to Newdawn

I have yet another consultation with a gp tomorrow. The nurse called it the 3rd vaccination but no mention of when. Sounds like they havent got the vaccine yet.

My consultant said if moderna was given it needed to be the full dose as a booster would be half. I will get pfizer which others seem to be having. Anne uk

in reply to Newdawn

In the U.S. ‘wangle a booster shot’ would be considered AMA. 3rd shot & booster shot are the same thing, so let them record it how they want to record it. Here in the U.S., we do not have mandatory booster shots, but it is optional for those 65+. They advise checking with your physician. Please make informed decisions.

Annie1920 profile image
Annie1920 in reply to Mtk1

It's a very poor show that gps haven't read at least two official instructions from UK Centra l government

MickUK profile image
MickUK in reply to IanredUK

After nagging for weeks to get my 3rd jab, my appointment was eventually this morning and my experience was similar. I explained to the nurse that this should be recorded as a 3rd primary dose and she asked me to wait while she spoke to somebody about how to record it.

A guy came into the room saying that all blood cancer patients were not eligible to which I replied "yes, I know that, but I am". He insisted on continuing to show me how 'clever' he is for a few minutes before conceding that I was eligible. He did still check that it was six months since my 2nd jab - why???

When the computer operator asked how to record it he confirmed that there is no way and to record it as a booster and write in the notes section "3rd primary dose".

This plan was announced on 1st September. I find it unbelievable (disgraceful actually) that the programme has not been able to be amended after all this time.

I have made a diary note for 11th April 2022 to start chasing for my booster jab because I just don't trust them to get it right.

Annie1920 profile image
Annie1920 in reply to MickUK

Just what I have done.. Fully expecting it will be another fight sadly

Miggins60 profile image
Miggins60 in reply to MickUK

I was invited for a 3rd shot. Had it 1st October but was recorded as “booster”. Argued and changed card to “3rd shot”. Now had text from GP saying I am vulnerable and inviting me for a booster. What a shambles.

Qwerty77 profile image
Qwerty77 in reply to MickUK

Just a update.....IT has caught up with our booster/3rd vaccine administration programme and 3rd doses are recorded as ‘3rd dose’. This allows for an entry to be made for ‘4th dose’ as and when required.

MickUK profile image
MickUK in reply to Qwerty77

That's good news thank you. Sadly, if I look at my passport on the NHS app, I am still only showing two vaccinations although the 3 jabs are showing on my medicines tab.

Qwerty77 profile image
Qwerty77 in reply to IanredUK

As someone who works in the organisation of the COVID vaccines.....The 3rd dose and the ‘Booster’ dose are exactly the same product. In the UK we used a cascade of groups with CEV receiving their 1st and 2nd dose early I the process.

The 3rd/Booster dose can only be given after 182 days and for CEV this is around now.

It is a easier process to use the date of the last dose as a gauge of when to administer the 3rd.....

CEV will then receive a booster in 6 months time....

Currently the product used is licensed for booster doses, which allow easier administration via patient group directions - it’s more complicated to administer when using an unlicensed/emergency licensed product.

This is the quickest way to get the next dose into those CEV.

Potplant profile image
Potplant in reply to Qwerty77

I beg to differ but the advice states clearly that the 3rd dose must be 8 weeks after doses 1 & 2.

The third dose can be given as a priority to anyone aged 12 and over who is considered clinically immunocompromised at the time they were first vaccinated. The third dose must be 8 weeks or more after the second dose of the vaccine. The JCVI advice says this should include people with acute and chronic leukaemias, who are undergoing treatment, or who will not achieve a cure within 12 months. Also included is anyone who has had a stem cell transplant in the last 2 years and those who received immunosuppressive chemotherapy or radiotherapy in the 6 months prior to vaccination. Please check with your consultant or specialist nurse if you are unsure if this applies to you.

Qwerty77 profile image
Qwerty77 in reply to Potplant

It does......however, receiving a 3rd vaccine via the original cascade is quicker that trying to set up a different protocol to run along side.....What maybe should have happened is the 3rd dose/8 week gap advice should have been released in May 21......however, Delta was not widely around then, nor were any countries suggesting boosters etc were going to be needed.

Potplant profile image
Potplant in reply to Qwerty77

Agreed and unfortunately this lack of understanding has caused mass confusion that front-line workers are being unfairly blamed for. Please Everyone, don't blame your hard-working doctors and nurses - they're overwhelmed and drowning in directives.

Qwerty77 profile image
Qwerty77 in reply to Potplant

It should be remembered.....there has never been a vaccination programme on this scale ever before........the speed and logistics needed to get this up and running is immense........it’s truly terrifying the legal framework that is used to allow this to happen so quickly for all those at risk......Comirnaty is the licensed brand being used for this 3rd vaccine........previously the vaccine BNT162b2 was used under a temporary supply authorisation Reg 174.

IWVC profile image
IWVC in reply to Qwerty77

How is it that there was a CEV list existing in January and the JCVI statement included all those who were vaccinated as vulnerable the first time round to be prioritised for a 3rd primary dose. Yet now, no surgery seems to have a record of who was classed as CEV to work from? Have the surgeries / consultants had to start the process from scratch? As far as I can tell we are not short of vaccines and if the JCVI advice issue on the 1st September was followed I, and most of those in the group would have received the 3rd jab at least 6 weeks earlier than now expected.

Ian C

bennevisplace profile image
bennevisplace in reply to Qwerty77

Er, no.

Qwerty77 profile image
Qwerty77 in reply to bennevisplace

I’m not sure which part the ‘er no’ reply was aimed at; however, the information given is factual and is how the rollout is happening.The JCVI did not release its statement for CEV until September......the same month as it released its statement for Booster vaccines for ‘at risk’ groups...

Please also remember Corminaty is NOT licensed (as far as I’m aware) for a 3rd primary dose..?

bennevisplace profile image
bennevisplace in reply to Qwerty77

My"Er, no" comment was a polite response to your reply to lanreduk. Let me elaborate.

To conflate the Third Primary Dose programme with the Booster Vaccination programme. is unforgivably negligent of the priority needs of severely immunosuppressed individuals.

To say "The 3rd/Booster dose can only be given after 182 days" is scurrilous.

This nonsense seems to permeate every Primary Care Network in the land.

As for "The JCVI did not release its statement for CEV until September......the same month as it released its statement for Booster vaccines for ‘at risk’ groups..." I'm sure you know that the JCVI advises. NHS implements, and perhaps you should look more carefully at the date and content of directives C1399 and C1410, both from Professor Sir Keith Willett, SRO Vaccine Deployment, NHS England and NHS Improvement, and Dr Nikita Kanani, Medical Director for Primary Care, NHS England and NHS Improvement. You will see that they mandated GP practices, vaccination sites, et al "to begin vaccinating this group with a third dose as part of their primary vaccination course by 13 September 2021". Thus the Third Primary Dose programme should have already started two days before the Booster vaccination letter was sent out.

There is no ambiguity here. The two programmes are distinct. It's just that the one with higher priority, according to those two directives, has been widely ignored. The result is that the immunocompromised have had to struggle, often in vain, to get their third primary dose and, once they've managed to get it, to have it recorded as such (to ensure their eligibilty for a booster as and when).

It would be very surprising if "Corminaty is NOT licensed (as far as I’m aware) for a 3rd primary dose.." since C1399 states "For those aged 18 years and over, JCVI advises a preference for mRNA vaccines for the third primary dose" and "For those aged 12 to 17 years the Pfizer-BNT162b2 vaccine remains the preferred choice".

Qwerty77 profile image
Qwerty77 in reply to bennevisplace

The JCVI has nothing to do with Pfizer, not the MHRA.All countries are making different recommendations relating to boosters and 3rd jabs...

Medical
richardp profile image
richardp in reply to Qwerty77

Maybe I misread it but somewhere I thought I read that the third dose is a full dose but the booster vaccine is not a full dose. If that is true, then the implications of not clearly distinguishing between the two is enormous

Qwerty77 profile image
Qwerty77 in reply to richardp

The dose of Comirnaty (Pfizer) is 0.3mls for both Booster/3rd dose

in reply to richardp

If Moderna is given as a booster then its is a half dose

richardp profile image
richardp in reply to

That was the very point I was making but Qwerty77 seems to be implying that the only vaccine being used in the UK is Comirnaty( Pfizer)

Qwerty77 profile image
Qwerty77 in reply to richardp

Pfizer is to be used in the first instance......if Pfizer can’t be given the Moderna at half dose will be offered.......currently Moderna is not being used (yet), but there is the option if needed.....

Corkyrissa profile image
Corkyrissa in reply to Qwerty77

Hi. I live in the US. Just got my 3 rd shot 10/9/21. When I asked the pharmacist if this was a 1/2 dose she said no it’s just the same as the other 2 shots you received. I questioned her a, as I had heard and read it would be a 1/2. She said to many different facts are being told to the public and assured it was a full dose and it was recorded that way.

I was Dx in 2010 with cll and have been on ibrutinib since 8/2016.

Numbers are all normal.

All are in my prayers. ❤️🙏🏻🙏🏻

in reply to Corkyrissa

I have been told repeatedly, and checked the vaccine documentation. Every dose is the same. They all get diluted the same.

Qwerty77 profile image
Qwerty77 in reply to IanredUK

GP’s would have to trawl through patients...EMIS/SystmOne can run a search very easily and this will be what they do

Annie1920 profile image
Annie1920 in reply to Qwerty77

Ha ha ha.. 'just run a search' when they couldn't 'just read' a government edict sent out twice.. I'm not holding my breath especially as not all CVE patients aren't eligible for the 4th jab😒

Qwerty77 profile image
Qwerty77 in reply to Annie1920

We do searches all the time....although, it does rely on GP’s coding the correct diagnosis.

Also, GP’s aren’t managing vaccine supply - it’s not logistically possible to do this and would lead to too much variability......it’s managed by NVOC and SVOC via the National Booking System. Ordering of vaccines can only take place via specific platforms - this then has to be linked to GP software to ensure data is uploaded correctly onto a patients record.

bennevisplace profile image
bennevisplace in reply to Qwerty77

Yes, but this is exactly what GP surgeries were clearly and unequivocally mandated to do by NHS bosses' letter dated 2 September.

Jake_Bullet profile image
Jake_Bullet in reply to IanredUK

I booked a third dose after a long explanation to my GP Practise. But it true fashion I then got two letters through the post dated a week apart, stating I could have a third vaccine and to just take the letter along to a walk in centre. That all worked well and they all understood that it was a third dose, but they could record it as anything other that a booster, no box to tick. Incidentally, I had quite a bad reaction to the Pfzier, first two doses where AZ.

FairweatherSailor profile image
FairweatherSailor in reply to IanredUK

It is definitely on the NHS system if they care to check. I forgot to take the letter from Marsden and they queried why it was less than 6 months and a 3rd dose. A quick check on their system (it was a vaccination centre) and they immediately confirmed what I had told them!

Floxxy profile image
Floxxy in reply to IanredUK

Yes, I was told that too. X

devonrr profile image
devonrr

Always said NHS doesn’t do joined up writing. Not going to stress about it as it made me so anxious trying to get the first jab appointment.

Not even been offered a flu jab yet! More worried about that. Yes, I looked at Boots/ pharmacy- appointments late November and few.

I await the latest excuse!

Newdawn profile image
NewdawnAdministrator in reply to devonrr

I managed to get my flu jab and now have a bad cold and cough 🙄Thankfully the lateral flow test is negative.

When the 3rd jab/booster will be offered, I have no idea.

Newdawn

Qwerty77 profile image
Qwerty77 in reply to Newdawn

What date did you have your 2nd vaccine......it will be 182 days from that.......so likely around now?

Mtk1 profile image
Mtk1 in reply to Qwerty77

Thank you for all your hard work with the vaccine roll out, but did you read article in mail?

Qwerty77 profile image
Qwerty77 in reply to Mtk1

No....I refuse to read Daily Fail or Express.....due to numerous inaccuracies and poor reporting.

If anyone feels that they should be having their 3rd dose (and it isn’t due at the sane time as a Booster would normally be), they need to contact their CCG.

Mtk1 profile image
Mtk1 in reply to Qwerty77

So can you not read the copy I have posted? I think you will find that what ever paper you read the truth is there somewhere.

Qwerty77 profile image
Qwerty77 in reply to Mtk1

I read the first page......and it said ‘vaccines ineffective’.....which is a lie, scaremongering and negligent - creating unnecessary worry for people

Mtk1 profile image
Mtk1 in reply to Qwerty77

It said vaccine was ineffective on that person and is also ineffective on people with low immune system, and it also says on next page that a 3rd dose is effective on 60% of these people, are you saying the person who wrote the article is lying?

Fairee profile image
Fairee in reply to Mtk1

My brother-in-law, who previously got a liver transplant, had a fourth booster, and that finally seemed to show a good response.

Hazel33 profile image
Hazel33 in reply to devonrr

Perhaps you could try a different pharmacy. I walked into a local one and they offered me the flu jab straight away.

cartwheels profile image
cartwheels in reply to Hazel33

Can we get our flu jabs free via pharmacies or do we have to stick to our GPs

otonal profile image
otonal in reply to cartwheels

Our local pharmacy says Walk-in Flu jabs are available free to anyone over 50 and to clinically vulnerable people and their households. I’m waiting for the reaction from my 3rd Covid vax to subside first. 24 hours in bed 38.3 fever and a sore head and arm. Good Luck!

Mtk1 profile image
Mtk1 in reply to cartwheels

Book online at boots the chemist, or walk 8n.

Hazel33 profile image
Hazel33 in reply to cartwheels

Mine was free (over 65)

mrsjsmith profile image
mrsjsmith in reply to devonrr

It might be worth calling your surgery and asking. I called mine as I was surprised not to get the usual text mid September. They had already started bookings and the text arrived much later.Colette

devonrr profile image
devonrr in reply to mrsjsmith

Surgery website states flu and Covid jab will happen at the same time in October or November and not to bother them. Jabs not at the surgery but as part of an alliance at the sports hall. Sports hall still doing over 16s!!

Got to go for a blood test at the surgery on 27 October- will ask then. Plus telephone CLL consultation on the 1st November where I will express my views.

mrsjsmith profile image
mrsjsmith in reply to devonrr

Sadly it’s all been a complete nightmare for so many people. Yes face to face with someone in the surgery is the best idea. Good luck

Colette

Handley profile image
Handley

Hi Dave

Are you able to publish this Sunday Mail article? I can't get it (pay wall) and would be very obliged if anyone can publish it/scan it for us. Thanks - Handley

Mtk1 profile image
Mtk1 in reply to Handley

I will try.

Mtk1 profile image
Mtk1 in reply to Mtk1

Hi Handley I have posted 3 photos of mail article.

camper2 profile image
camper2

I got my 3rd jab (recorded as a booster) after numerous phone calls to the surgery and making a nuisance of myself. I had the Pfizer jab on Saturday and spent all yesterday in bed, sleeping on and off but feel a bit better now. I probably won’t have a single antibody to show for it (I’m on Acalabrutinib) but you have to try.

Annie1920 profile image
Annie1920

I have had a third vaccination (recorded as booster grr but hey ho I will agitate for a booster after 6 months) I also participated in nhs antibodies test. Results came back yesterday evening as no antibodies found. There was no advice as to if. I should be extra careful only to follow current government advice which is, as far as I can gather, go back to ordinary prexovid life.. Is this wise??

Qwerty77 profile image
Qwerty77 in reply to Annie1920

That’s a shame about the antibodies.....I’m on this site for a family member rather than me.I had a antibody test 1 month after my 2nd vaccine......and have no antibodies either......I’m not immunocompromised as you lovely people are and as far as I’m aware I don’t have an underlying condition - but it is still a bit disconcerting that after 2 vaccines I don’t have any antibodies!

I had a similar issue with measles......had all my original jabs as a child in the 70’s; no antibodies when tested for a job in 2008 - have had the whole MMR course again since - and still no antibodies.....no one can tell me why....

Shooey profile image
Shooey

After a week of stressing, making calls to my consultants office etc I finally received a text from my GP advising that I had been identified as immunosuppressed and therefore eligible for a 3rd dose, clinic date to be advised. Hopefully I will hear soon

wroxham-gb profile image
wroxham-gb in reply to Shooey

John's getting his 26/10.;I'm hoping to hear this Thurs. Re mine. Seems to be exactly 6 months after second jab. Will let you know.Suex

Suzieinwv profile image
Suzieinwv

Hi everyone. I live in the US, and I received my 3rd dose three days ago. It was my 3rd Moderna shot, and they specified it as the 3rd dose...not a booster.

My doctor recommended that I get the third dose, based on the diagnosis of CLL and Sjogrens Syndrome. However, I wasn't required to have a doctor's order or provide proof of my diagnosis at the time I received the shot.

I had very few side affects with the first two shots, so I didn't make very many antibodies. The third shot, however??? 😳 I felt like I'd been run over by a truck...twice. I had a headache, fever, chills, and awful body aches. I couldn't stay awake the entire 2nd day, & I was unable to lift my arm until the 3rd day. I'll take it! I'll take every side effect, if it means I made a decent amount of antibodies!

RosettaClapp profile image
RosettaClapp in reply to Suzieinwv

There is a Q&A doc nailed up here that says any or no reaction to a jab does not signify that antibodies have been made sadly

Suzieinwv profile image
Suzieinwv in reply to RosettaClapp

Yes, I agree. I was commenting based on my experience.

GRMat158 profile image
GRMat158

Clearly experiences differ, however I was contacted by my GP surgery during last week to tell me that I should have a 3rd primary dose, they made an appointment (for yesterday) and told me to let them know when I arrived that I was there for a 3rd dose not a booster as they were doing a booster clinic throughout the day.

When I arrived, I duly said "I'm here for a 3rd primary dose" and they asked my name - were clearly expecting me - and there was also a list of around half a dozen people who were separate from the overall "booster" list. All went smoothly (so far just a bit of a sore arm) and although I have no idea what was recorded on the "system" on the notes they put on the paperwork I received it clearly states booster due after 10/4/22.

Very happy with the local effort.

Hazel33 profile image
Hazel33 in reply to GRMat158

Well done. I received text from gp for 3rd dose (not booster). I phoned to confirm. When I attended I was rudely told that this did not apply to me and everyone got a booster. Give up!

Frodo21 profile image
Frodo21

Had my 3rd dose last week. Sore arm for 2 days apart from that no other side effects. Live in Scotland

Shefflass profile image
Shefflass

My GP surgery said they had never heard of 3rd jab either. On 4th October asked my CLL Specialist Nurse about it as I had read that hospitals had been told on 30th September to notify any relevant patients by 11th October, as the GP system for it had obviously failed. I received a letter from her immediately which I took to a pharmacist led vaccination drop in centre and showed them the letter. The pharmacist knew about the 3rd jab. On the IT system there was no facilty to record 3rd jab but there was an alert telling them about them. They recorded mine as a booster with a note attached saying they had seen a hospital letter and it was really my 3rd jab. It was definitely the best route to getting a 3rd jab!

Sunnyleither profile image
Sunnyleither

I had my 3rd dose last week in Edinburgh. NHS Scotland invite letter wasn't clear on it being a booster or 3rd dose so I asked the nurse. She was very clear it was a 3rd dose and a booster would follow in 6 months and I was also given the flu vac at the same time for good measure. I got the Moderna vac this time (AZ for 1 and 2) but after effects were horrendous. Felt terrible for 2 days after but them's the breaks I suppose after feeling nothing after 1 and 2, best wishes everyone.

SERVrider profile image
SERVrider

I got the invitation e-mail, booked my 3rd vaccination and had it this morning. It was written on my card as "3rd" and was the standard 0.3ml Pfizer dose (having had O-AZ for my first two). I don't give a toss what they call it, I just want the protection. When I told the St John's volunteer that I was on Acalbrutinib, he went off to check with the pharmacist; it turned out he had been part of the research team on acal doing his Master's degree 10 years ago and was interested to hear how I had found its effects. He passed me as fit to be vaccinated. Back home now and will see what the effects, if any, are. In 3 weeks' time I shall send my blood samples off to Birmingham. We'll see what the anonymised results are in due course.

SofiaDeo profile image
SofiaDeo

I had my 3rd shot Saturday, and like the other 2 I only had a sore arm for a day or so. I am on the BCL2 inhibitor venetoclax.

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