Statement about patient choice of Covid-19 vaccine

Residents and staff receiving their Covid vaccination in South-East London should kindly note that we are not able to offer a choice of the brand of vaccine at our vaccination sites.

Eligibility for an AZ alternative

For people who have been recommended by the Joint Committee for Vaccinations and Immunisations (JCVI) that an alternative vaccine to the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine should be offered, we will ensure that you are offered this alternative. These groups are:

  • people aged under 40 years old, including 16 and 17-year-olds who are eligible due to health conditions or being carers;
  • pregnant women;
  • people who had a severe allergic reaction to their first dose of AstraZeneca; and people who have recognised medical conditions that place them at higher risk of blood clots.

The alternative to AstraZeneca being provided in South-East London will most often be the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine but may be the Moderna vaccine.

Second doses

For people who received their first dose of AstraZeneca, having a different brand of vaccine for their second dose will only be considered in exceptional medical circumstances. Taking both doses of the vaccine is the best way to achieve the greatest level of protection from Covid-19 and we encourage everyone who has received a first dose to ensure they attend and are vaccinated at their second dose appointment.

Understanding your concerns

We appreciate that this may be disappointing for people who feel strongly that they would like a particular brand of vaccine. Please access our online resources or contact us for reliable information about the safety and efficacy of all three brands of vaccine that have been approved for use in the UK at:

Keeping you safe

We encourage all adults who are currently eligible and the remainder of younger adults who become eligible over coming weeks to take the vaccine. This is the best way to protect against Covid-19 and to help to keep yourself, your family and wider society safe, including helping to re-open after lockdown and return the UK closer to normality.