Flu jab

[Bertie28]

What are your thoughts on having the flu jab

[benmaise]

I always have the flu jab. Never had any problems with it.

[CaroleF]

If you have AF and/or are over 65, then I'd have it. I have never had any problems with it and I sure don't want flu. I had a really bad cold a couple of weeks ago and that was bad enough!

Edited to add a couple of things:

1. People here (in UK) recently have reported shortages of the vaccine at the moment. I had mine late September - no problems then.

2. There have been a number of reports here recently that places like supermarket pharmacies have been refusing to give the flu jab to people taking an anti-coagulant. No problems at GP surgeries.

[seasider18 in reply to CaroleF]

Booked ours over a month ago for October 11th and it was cancelled as they were waiting for another deliver of vaccine. Was told to phone after the 28th as they were expecting a delivery. When I phoned this morning I got through on the 22nd attempt! I heard receptionist ask a colleague if she could book any more appointments. She then asked if we could come to an evening appointment on November 6th.

I don't like having my jab in September as I think that it is starting to wear off before the worst time for getting the bug.

[doodle68]

Hi Bertie I was first in the queue and had mine weeks ago, I am glad I did with stocks of vaccine being low in various parts of the country.

The vaccine will not prevent me from getting all strains of flu but for me it is better to have some protection than none . Also better to have a degree of immunity which may make my symptoms less severe should I get flu.

[BobD Volunteer]

Essential if you have any long term condition such as AF. There are no contraindications unless you are allergic to eggs.

[seasider18 in reply to BobD]

Some versions had Formaldehyde and that is one of my two allergies. I had wondered for years why I itched for weeks after Flu jabs. I then asked for a formaldehyde free version.

[Mary-miles in reply to BobD]

Do you have any idea why some pharmacies think they should not give the flu shot to people on an anticoagulant?I have not read anywhere where it’s contraindicated and any Dr.s in my area(Canada)say no problem as they have never heard of anyone with A Fib or anticoagulants have a reaction.

[CaroleF in reply to Mary-miles]

I think what some pharmacies (in the UK) are being ultra-cautious about is the possibility of someone taking an anti-coagulant bleeding heavily after the injection. I guess they are covering their backs in case anyone might think of suing them. Personally, I think this is nonsense. The injection is no more than a pin prick; I have never bled a drop and nor does anyone else here seem to if replies to a question about the flu jab a few weeks ago are anything to go by.

[Finvola]

I have mine each year with no problems . . . until this year. My surgery cannot give me any idea as to when I’ll be called and my local branch of a large chemist refused because I take an anticoagulant. ☹️

[pottypete1]

Have mine each year and have had no problems whatsoever and even more important no flu.

Pete

[Bertie28]

Thank you all for the advice

Regards

Bertie28

[jeanjeannie50]

This was discussed a few weeks ago, if you type flu into the Search Health Unlocked box at the top right of this page it should show you all the posts relating to it. Look for the AF related ones.

Jean

[mavisrich]

always have it no bad effects

[Roobydooby]

Have one every year & no side effects, this year was the first time I’d had it with Afib & again no problems, told practices nurse I was on anticoagulant & she said ok!