Flu Jab 💉💉💉🦠🦠🦠

[EmmaF91]

Hi everyone

For those not eligible for the ‘oldies’ flu jab, the ‘young but sicklie’ one is about to be available within the next few weeks 😉.

Please remember however if you are going to get it (and please do) be aware of if you should delay it. If you are;

overtly unwell/uncontrolled,

on a higher dose of oral steroids than usual (ie higher than maintenance, or short course), or,

just out of hospital

please discuss with a medical professional before having your jab or delay having it until you’re doing better. Also anyone on biologicals please double check if there’s a ‘timeframe’ that needs to be followed (I was told for benra the isn’t one, but on mepo I was told 2 weeks post dose etc).

I personally fell down this hole last year - I went to my jab appt despite 40 pred, very symptomatic and 48hrs after an a&e trip, they stabbed my THEN asked if I was well ‘erm...’. I then landed in hosp for 5 days with a cold/virus/infection/flare (they couldn’t work out cause cause 1 day had bacterial infection markers and not the next 🙄).

So please get the jab as/when you can and if you’re concerned please talk to your AN or pharmacist.

AUK

asthma.org.uk/advice/inhale...

NHS Children

nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinati...

NHS adults (yes do have it)

nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinati...

NHS adult (no don’t have it)

nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinati...

[Wheezycat]

Last year the flu jabs were really late at our surgery, and there was a shortage. That worried me so I discussed it with the pharmacist who held on to one for me, including the then extra time I needed for reasons of unwellness and preds. So, if in any doubt discuss it with whoever in a timely fashion. They may well put your name on it and hold in to it until the timing is right, even if they are running short. I was grateful.

[Lysistrata Administrator Community Ambassador]

Can't emphasise this enough!! Thanks Emma for the reminder and the information about when to get it.

I got swine flu 10 years ago with very mild/almost unnoticeable asthma which I thought had just gone (in hindsight, it hadn't - don't fall into the 'grown out of it' trap and run around uni with no inhaler ignoring the episodes). After the swine flu it came back and got gradually worse with a side order of weirdness, and I'm now severe and a bit of a unicorn.

I couldn't have got the jab against the swine flu at the time as they didn't have one and when they did it was for high risk which I wasn't then. However, I used to think flu jabs were pointless and never got one - now I know even with mild asthma flu can be a serious issue and can affect your asthma, so please don't assume it's not needed even if your asthma is mild.

The jab isn't 100% effective of course, because strains can change and it's based on another country's flu season which may change for us - but it reduces your risk of getting flu and means that if you do get it, it's likely to be less serious. I haven't had flu since that swine flu and really, really don't want to - even colds mess with my lungs big time and I would very much prefer not to test what they would do with flu.

(On a lighter note: getting your jab reduces the risk you will turn into a moody, sparkly Twilight vampire )

[Junglechicken]

Thanks for the reminder EmmaF91. I don't usual go for the jabs but this year I've been poorly with the asthma, so I think I should. I have a real phobia of needles and I'm also terrified of being ill after it as my mum was very sick after she had hers. I'll talk with my nurse about it and see what she thinks.

[Singinglouder]

I'm now on my fourth surgery since I started having flu jabs, still not quite an oldie, but there's never been any distinction between oldies and sicklies in any of them - is that common? Have I just hit four places around the country that give them out to everyone when they arrive?

[EmmaF91 Community Ambassador in reply to Singinglouder]

They usually give out different types of jab depending on which category you’re in (child, adult, 65+)for example my new surgery has started vaccines but you need to see the nurse and atm they’re only catering for 65+ (as the younger vaccine isn’t in yet). My old practice the GPS would try to stab whoever walked in their room as soon as they had the relevant vaccines available to them.

Here’s a little on the different types vk.ovg.ox.ac.uk/vk/inactiva... (there’s a handing chart with the info imunder key vaccine facts)

[Singinglouder in reply to EmmaF91]

Interesting - no-one's ever mentioned that before, so I have no idea whether I've been getting the right vaccine for the last 22 years... And it turns out I'm not that close to being an oldie - more than 5 years to go! As far as I know, I've just been booked in to a normal flu clinic - and as I look younger than I am, I'm pretty sure they know I'm in on health grounds, even if the receptionist didn't notice my date of birth. Might ask when I go. Thanks for the info.

[Singinglouder in reply to Singinglouder]

Looking at the info in the link - seems the adjuvanted vaccine for 65+ was only introduced last year, which would explain why I hadn't heard of it.

[EmmaF91 Community Ambassador in reply to Singinglouder]

They’ll automatically give you the right one. Most surgeries won’t let you book/inform you when you can get it until ‘your’ type is actually in. My surgery hasn’t yet officially informed when when I can get it even tho the 65+ have been getting it the last couple of weeks. Some places do separate clinics others just do it ‘first come first serve’ when the drugs are available. On enquiry I’ve been told I can’t get mine at my GP until the end of Oct (GP was like yes you need it so ask reception if you can join the queue. Reception said only for 65+ so no 😅). however I can get the right one at boots next week (which I have booked for). Don’t worry too much about it. It seems to have worked so far for you 😉

[Junglechicken in reply to EmmaF91]

Are they free at boots or do you have to pay?

[EmmaF91 Community Ambassador in reply to Junglechicken]

If you eligible for a free one they are free. If you’re not but you want one you have to pay.

[Junglechicken in reply to EmmaF91]

I think asthmatics on preventer inhalers are eligible for free ones. Thank you.

[EmmaF91 Community Ambassador in reply to Junglechicken]

Best thing to do is go in and ask 😉

[Singinglouder in reply to EmmaF91]

Well yes, I'm still here! In fact, they think it was flu that triggered my diabetes and led to my asthma diagnosis (in retrospect, when I learned more about asthma, I'd actually had it for years - I just don't get a tight chest, so hadn't realised it could be asthma - but my chest got so bad after the flu they thought I might have TB). So I'm pretty keen to avoid getting it again.

[Wheezycat in reply to Singinglouder]

I think this differentiation is a recent-ish development. With us oldies no chances are taken, as we are at greater risk of complications and death - and that is before throwing asthma into the mix. . This year’s vaccine affected me - I woke up last Sunday with muscle ache, a general grump and couldn’t get going much all day. I felt frustrated and irritable mood. It was not until the evening it occurred to me it could be the vaccine. So relieved to find a reason for it! I think I have heard they really put a lot in to the vaccine for us oldies to stop the flu and its potential serious complications.

[MEZZ1 in reply to Wheezycat]

I'm sorry to say but people , who are classed at risk groups need their vaccine before a lot of the over 65 people who , do not suffer with chest infections , or breathing problems, and airway obstructions and any other lung conditions. If asthma is not treated properly a lack of oxygen can lead to heart problems and death. Yes some over 65 people are at risk but not all . My mother and mother in law , always have their flu vaccine. But their lungs and airways are perfect. Mine and a lot of other peoples are not,and we are just as much at risk of developing pneumonia as anyone over 65years.

[Wheezycat in reply to MEZZ1]

I was only meaning that people over 65 are regarded as more vulnerable than those under 65, generally. Everything is beginning to wear out. . Interestingly the oldies one has three strains in it, and also something to make the vaccine more effective as we oldies are less receptive to them, whereas under 65s get four strains. I have no idea why. But of course people with respiratory conditions, and other conditions are even more vulnerable! I am both, both over 65 and I have asthma. Maybe that was why I got called twice, both rather imperative. I assume I am on some special list. But I am also old.

[Junglechicken in reply to EmmaF91]

Liked the mental image of a GP “trying to stab whoever walked in their room”. That would be me running, arms stretched out in front screaming “get me outta here!” with a GP after me syringe in hand crying “get back here!”

[EmmaF91 Community Ambassador in reply to Junglechicken]

My old surgery basically kept them on the docs desk. Go in about xyz (bad back, med review etc etc), be offered the jab. I got my pneumococcal vaccine the same way. When in for one of the meningitis vaccines (was almost at age limit for it), got offered the pneumococcal one too as BOGOF 😂😂

[Lysistrata Administrator Community Ambassador in reply to Junglechicken]

LOL sorry about the needles but I do have a great mental image of you being chased round the surgery by the GP now...

My current surgery also does the 'stab if you turn up' - one time I wasn't even in the door and saying hello before the GP was asking me about flu jabs lol. They also do walk-in clinics - just had a text for this Sat.

[Junglechicken in reply to Lysistrata]

😂 “Stab if you turn up”. Love it!

[Js706 in reply to Junglechicken]

When I did my GP placement they operated a “stab on arrival” tactic 😂 as the lowly student I was often sent off on a mission to get more vaccines from the fridge mid clinic!

[Wheezycat in reply to Lysistrata]

We get called in for a certain date, normally a Saturday, and they are fast! But lots of people turn up. Last year people were queuing down the street. Not this year, thank goodness.

[Chip_y2kuk]

It's already available I had mine earlier in the week at boots they grabbed me to do it early while was collecting my prescriptions

[EmmaF91 Community Ambassador in reply to Chip_y2kuk]

Each store gets them at different times I think. Where I am they’re not in boots til next week...

[Chip_y2kuk in reply to EmmaF91]

My boots is a tiny little one in the back of the GP surgery it's been there since I was a kid and I'm 33 now it would surprise me if they got it early on

[EmmaF91 Community Ambassador in reply to Chip_y2kuk]

🤷‍♀️. It’s probably location based. Being on the north Norfolk coast I’m used to things being slower 😅. As I’ve said for me boots next week is the earliest I can get it. Can’t get it from my GP til the end of October... others on here seem to be able to get from their GP from as early as next week. Who knows 😅

[Singinglouder in reply to EmmaF91]

Just read in the paper - Sanofi Pasteur, which supplies a third of the 16-64 jabs, had a projected delivery date of 7th October (first batch), but 40% are going to be 1-2 weeks late, as will the second batch - third batch, due November, should be on schedule. So I suppose it depends whether your surgery is in the 60 or the 40 (or uses one of the other two suppliers!). Said to be manufacturing/packaging problems, not Brexit 🙂

[Lysistrata Administrator Community Ambassador in reply to Chip_y2kuk]

The Boots near my work isn't doing it till October, but other chains near me are (even small ones) and my GP has just started sending texts to those eligible. I really think it depends on location and probably various other factors, but not necessarily store size.

[Snowdrop27]

Thanks for the reminder about the flu jab. I had started thinking about it and thought it would be time for the jab soon.

I rang my doctor's this afternoon and ask if they were booking appointment yet and they were. So mines book in for 19th October. Bit of a sore arm last time but it was okay.

[Js706]

Going to add my own personal plea for everyone who is eligible to get their flu jab!!

I currently can’t have it due to a previous reaction and my asthma being too unstable (nobody wants to risk it at the moment 😂) but also have an immune deficiency so I really rely on other people being protected!

Also last winter I caught flu in hospital and despite fairly prompt treatment by my GP it turned into pneumonia and I broke 2 ribs coughing! Not an experience I would recommend!!

[lucy_felton in reply to Js706]

Really good point about it not just about one's own health. Luckily I've never had a notable reaction in over a decade of the flu jab and what's more, it reassures me that I'll be less contagious around those whose health is worse than mine.

[Snowdrop27]

I agree with you totally. My husband caught flu in Jan 18 from a work. He works with a team of 6 people in an office and every single one went down with it. He was really poorly with it. (he isn't eligible for the flu Jab) It took him a good 3 weeks to recover from the after effects of it.

I am very grateful I didn't catch it as I was obviously protected by the jab I had. I think if I had got it I would have been really ill with it. I think it would in all probability trigger an asthma attack in me. As a simple cold has made my asthma worse and I had an asthma attack.

[Hidden]

I'm allergic to egg and the flu vaccine is produced using egg so I don't have it.

[EmmaF91 Community Ambassador in reply to Hidden]

Sorry to hear this.

If you’re like me (or anyone else is), and has an egg intolerance rather than allergy there is an option with ‘less’ egg/egg free apparently (according to my old GP/the NHS page anyway). This is the one I usually get.

That being said I’ve never had anaphylaxis from egg; on ‘bad/allergic’ days/large doses I may get an eczema flare, urticaria/angiodema flare and it can affect my asthma. However for me, a little egg in a big thing I’m usually ok with (ie on ‘good’ days I can eat cake/brownies/brioche etc, on bad days I can’t).

Hope that helps anyone in a similar situation to me. From memory I may get a few ‘bad’ days afterward vaccination so avoid foods with more egg in, but other than that and occasionally getting a mild flare of the above I’ve been fine.

Those like my with egg intoleranc as well as those with true egg allergy, it’s worth discussing with your pharmacist/GP etc as the ‘adults who shouldn’t have it’ NHS page suggests.

Hope that helps those who want to look into things further.

[Hidden in reply to EmmaF91]

Thanks for the info Emma.

[dawnhaycock]

My 18 year old daughter had her vaccination late last year as she was so unwell and on high dose steroids until January. Does it last a year, so she shouldn’t have it until January or should she have it once it’s out?

Thanks

[EmmaF91 Community Ambassador in reply to dawnhaycock]

You want to have it once it’s out and available. Flu viruses adapt and change over the year and so they change to vaccine a little too (UK look at the Aussie flu season and work with those strain usually I think). UK flu season is typically is Dec to March but can be as early as October so you don’t want to wait unless you really have too.

I hope that helps and that your daughters doing better this year

[444nM]

l developed autoimmune asthma and autoimmune thrombocytopenia purpura as the result of a flu jab in 1984. l found the official document for the vaccine and it stated that this was possible. A case of vaccine induced disease. Every medical condition that l have has been caused by the medical profession.

[Blue-Breeze]

I was due mine today. Sickly not old. I went to the receptionist to cancel in the week as was on oral steroids again and had increased my Symbicort. I just said "can I cancel please, you need to be well?" To be meet with raised eyebrows and the don't believe look face . I rescheduled anyway with a polite you do....

[emmasue]

I had my flu jab less than a week after coming home from hospital. Fortunately, I haven't had any ill effects. I just went to see the GP as a follow up appointment after being in hospital and I came home having had the flu jab! At least that's sorted for another year.

[WhiteFalcon2017]

We (my husband also has asthma) book the flu jab as soon as we get the letter or text. It does make me smile though when we get to the med centre there are notices telling us to take off our coats. Really? I never would have known

[Hidden]

Thanks for the info, both my husband & I get it free as I have heart as well as asthma & he has just heart related

[ALUK_Nurses Partner Administrator ALUK Asthma Nurse]

Dear All

Please see the below link to the Asthma UK Flu vaccine page.

asthma.org.uk/advice/inhale...

Asthma Uk