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Booster and flu jab together

Murdy1 profile image
38 Replies

Slightly off topic, apologies, though I suffer from Pafib and don't want a flare up! I am due to have my booster on Saturday morning and know that they want to do the flu vaccination at the same time. To be honest I feel scared. I'm Eighty years old and not as confident as I used to be. Thanks in advance. Tom

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Murdy1
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38 Replies

Please don't hesitate to contact AF Association for support & information should you need it: info@afa.org.uk / 01789 867 502

Murdy1 profile image
Murdy1 in reply to

Thank you, Tom

baba profile image
baba

If you don't want them both together say so and make separate appointments.

Murdy1 profile image
Murdy1 in reply tobaba

Thanks for that advice baba, Tom x

meadfoot profile image
meadfoot

I didnt want two jabs on one day either so booked my flu jab back in September at Boots chemist, my covid booster at GP surgery end of November. Please do what feels right for you.

BobD profile image
BobDVolunteer

Had both mine a couple of weeks ago one in each arm.. Zero issues.

Murdy1 profile image
Murdy1 in reply toBobD

Thanks for that Bob, Tom

It shouldn’t be a problem but stagger them if you feel it’s best for you.

Murdy1 profile image
Murdy1 in reply to

Thanks for replying, Flapjack

HiloHairy profile image
HiloHairy

I have 14 to 20 hour AFib events about once a month. I had my first Moderna vaccination on the same day as my flu shot early this year. It was possibly the worst event I'd had in the 5 years I've had AFib. I had my second Moderna vaccination a few weeks later. No flu shot. It was even worse. What causes what? I have no idea. I'm going to get my booster next week and I'm going to wait a few weeks after that to have my next flu shot.

Cumbremar5 profile image
Cumbremar5

I'm 80 and have afib too had both yesterday no side effects but everyone is different. Did you have any side effects on previous vacs ? If be guided by that.

My cardiologist told me to stagger them. He said colleagues of his were off work after having two together so I asked for them separately just to be sure.

I spoke to a cardiac nurse on this topic and she said that it might be a good idea to have the flu jab a few weeks after the Covid jab (side effects from the latter generally appear within three weeks of vaccination). Having both together would be more likely to cause issues. They have had some reports of ectopics or AF from the booster, but were not able to give a figure. Like you I am a bit apprehensive about it, although most people who responded to a eecent thread here reported that they had been fine.

nettecologne profile image
nettecologne in reply to

This is very interesting, about the three weeks, as I had a delayed reaction to second Pfizer shot. Started at about two weeks after it and lasted for over six weeks. Then back to normal. I am absolutely pro-vaccine, getting the booster in two weeks, but most docs here tell you side effects come within 2 or 3 days.

Domino49 profile image
Domino49

Hi. I am 72 years old. Four weeks ago I had my Phizer booster in one arm and flu in the other. I had no problems at all except a small bruise in the “flu” arm! No after effects. But it’s important You just have what YOU feel happy with though as from my experience anxiety is not good for afib. Just make sure you have them both though at some time. Good luck

Cha275rL profile image
Cha275rL

I had both of mine together, one in each arm, two weeks ago, and had no problems apart from sore arms for a wee while. Was a bit apprehensive too, but have been ok so far. I’m 77.

DGET1 profile image
DGET1

I had both at the same time with no probs.

Tapanac profile image
Tapanac

I had the flu jab left arm and Covid vaccination right arm. I have afib and tachycardia and no problems. You will be fine I’m sure. All the best

purpleswimmer profile image
purpleswimmer

I too have paid well controlled with medication. I was double jabbed last Sunday and other than tender arms on Monday have been absolutely fine. I planned nit to do much on Monday and had a jammie day laying in bed and watching telly so perhaps that helped. I am 68yrs. Hope all goes well.

Cally53 profile image
Cally53

I had both of mine together on Wednesday, no problem at all, apart from the usual sore arms.

clanmags profile image
clanmags

I didn't want to have my flu jab and my booster jab at the same time...just to be on the safe side after I was quite unwell from my first jab. The second one was OK, no ill effects. I went to my local Superdrug three weeks before my booster was due and they did my flu jab there and then. It seems, the flu jabs come in packs of 10 and they have to be used up quickly before they go 'off'. I was a little unwell the morning after my flu jab and I became more unwell as the days went by, culminating in a terrible cough and slight chest infection which cleared up quite quickly...but the cough lingered as did my lack of energy. On the morning of my booster jab, I didn't feel great but I didn't want to lose my appointment, so I didn't cancel it. At 5pm I went ahead and had the booster. I couldn't believe it when I started to feel much better that evening, and by the morning, much better. The next day, I was feeling even better and the day after that I was back to feeling like my usual self again. I'm convinced there was something in the booster that cleared up whatever it was in my body that had made me ill. I spoke to my friend the next day and she told me that someone she knew had the same thing happen to her. I have no idea what would have happened if I'd had the two jabs at the same time....maybe I would have been OK as the one jab counteracted the effects of the other. It's worth looking into.

Bawdy profile image
Bawdy

My God, I am overwhelmed with all this flu jab covid etc. We need to make informed decisions, OK someone says it's OK. Not for everyone. My husband had AZ vax and who knows as we will never know, but he has been seriously unwell, inflammation in feet and hands, blood ok, all ok, REALLY. No not ok. more xrays today and the nurse mentioned that she is seeing a lot of this unexplained inflammation in the body. Just because some breeze through this, others don't. That dosen't mean we are anti vac or just plain stupid, this is happening. my husband has not been able to play golf, on crutches etc, his GP advised not to have a second vax till after this has cleared up, but, don't have AZ. I have had a dose of Pfizer because of a gene regarding blood clots and I'm OK. Stay well everyone and it's OK to say how it is for you.

Bee-Honest profile image
Bee-Honest

I was apprehensive about having Covid Booster and Flu together, as previously any infections and injections put my heart into AF. However to my surprise I have been okay since receiving both together over a month ago. Good Luck

Jetcat profile image
Jetcat

Hi murdy, stagger them then you may not be as anxious about it mate. 👍

Rostom profile image
Rostom

I understand from a doctor that if 'elderly' which can be anything over 60(!), have your shots one week apart. I did this and was fine but obviously we are all different.

I would play safe if you can but do have both of them!

Rhea11 profile image
Rhea11

Don't do it .. that's all I can say. Be well.

Snowgirl65 profile image
Snowgirl65

From what I hear over here (US), the only reason it's not recommended is if you have a side effect, they can't determine which caused it, the vaccination or the flu jab. Otherwise, I read there's no problem.

Claer profile image
Claer

Hello from the other side of the pond ! The Cleveland Clinic (in the city where I live) recommends for everyone to receive the vaccines a MONTH apart. The drug store where I get these shots recommends two weeks. However, I will stick with the CC. I had a very strong reaction from my first Covid vaccine (Moderna), although it did not affect my heart (I also have PAF). I don't mean to add confusion to this decision process, but hope this helps. Ultimately, I know it is still up to the individual. Good luck and stay safe!

CDreamer profile image
CDreamer in reply toClaer

UK takes a different approach and offers COVID & Flu together but I’m waiting for a month after before having my flu jab.

baba profile image
baba in reply toCDreamer

I hope you are feeling better after recent covid infection.

I believe you can't have the booster for a period of 28 days after having covid.

CDreamer profile image
CDreamer in reply tobaba

Now past the 28 days so just booked for next week-end.

Coeurdelion profile image
Coeurdelion

I am 76 and had both jabs together 3 weeks ago with no problem, no reaction. I also had a smallpox jab the at same time. I have suffered pafib for 11 years.Hope this helps

LaceyLady profile image
LaceyLady

I won’t have them both together either. I was due a flu jab last Friday but went into AFib Thursday evening, husband asked dr and he said to cancel it 🤷🏼‍♀️ I’d never had it before. Had it the following Monday and no reaction, now waiting the booster Covid

eleanor--1941 profile image
eleanor--1941

My husband is 88 I am 80,No problem with the 2 Jabs at same time..One in each arm,now we know we are safe as can be.Eleanor.

Murdy1 profile image
Murdy1 in reply toeleanor--1941

Great news Eleanor, regards to you and hubby, stay safe and well. Tom

Ger12345 profile image
Ger12345

there is a new variant on the way murdy. Ba.4.6 so more jabs to add to the list.

Murdy1 profile image
Murdy1 in reply toGer12345

Not for me Ger, I've gone over to the Dark side😊... Good luck to all out there who are still in the game. I have folded my cards. I will have my flu jab as usual! Thanks for the update. Tom

Ger12345 profile image
Ger12345

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