Vaccinations and Carers. Two Questions

[Fudge57]

Hi, I have COPD plus other conditions. I, come under being clinicly vulnerable. I am Disabled and house bound and 90% bed bound. I, am 64.

I, have 2 questions really.......

I, have a daily, agency Carer. I, have just had a letter from the NHS about having my Vaccination Firstly, I understand, I am to be offered the Oxford Vaccine. Despite what the World Health Organisation have just said.

I have read so much about the Oxford one. Not offering much protection against the new varients. That, makes me nervous. But, do we have any choice on the Vaccination we have?

My other question relates to all Carers. Care home Carers are being offered the Vaccine. And the Care in the community Carers.

BUT, it is not compulsory. So, what can the impact be of those who don't want it?? I do know of Carers that won't have it? Their jobs are not at risk. But, what about the risk to their clients?? I, suppose, we could choose to only have a Carer who, HAS HAD the Vaccination? Although, If it's a Family Carer. That raises another question.

I, also, heard yesterday, that in the future. Like having a flu jab. We can have a Covid vaccination as well.

[chubby2x22]

My daughter is my carer, unpaid, as she works full time in a very busy entertainment area, she calls every night to inject my blood thinner, we take all precautions, but would feel better if she had the vaccine. Numerous phone calls but as she is only 50, no vaccine yet. Jane

[Spacecat1 in reply to chubby2x22]

Have you had your vaccine yet? If not when they ring to book you in ask if you can book your daughter in as well. My surgery said if I had mentioned that hubby carer he could have been booked in. Luckily he had phone call Sunday just gone. For yesterday. If your daughter is down as carer she may get call soon.. my hubby unpaid. Too.

[chubby2x22 in reply to Spacecat1]

Hi, yes I had my covid jab last Monday and chemo yesterday, no effects just the usual. Asked about my daughter but was told she'll get a letter. Jane

[Spacecat1 in reply to chubby2x22]

The letters seem to be coming out now they seem to be get ahead. Wish they would hurry up and get to teachers( my daughter is one( has been in every lockdown . The school have now given them a test kit which she has to do every wednesday and Sunday and put into government website. But I'm a mum and just want her to be safe. So cannot wait til all key workers are done

[Aingeful in reply to Spacecat1]

My daughter is a teacher as well. She tests twice a week tooShe says it makes her feel easier if she comes to see me. However, I know what you mean.

[Spacecat1]

I have copd and had the phifer one which I read is better for people like us hubby had oxford yesterday had a few side affects today. Nurse said to him hubby his group having oxford one. He is carer to me.

[Fudge57 in reply to Spacecat1]

That's interesting. Thank you. Can you remember where you read that please??

[Spacecat1 in reply to Fudge57]

Online

[Fudge57 in reply to Spacecat1]

Thank you. Do you happen to have a link please? Or the name of the website, where you read it please?

[Annie31]

Firstly, I don't think we have a choice as to which vaccine we have. I think it's whatever is being used in your area, surgery etc.

As for variants, again as I understand it, viruses mutate and this is nothing unusual and listening to Professor Van Tam yesterday, the Oxford vaccine will be effective with Kent variant which is the dominant one in the UK. He said the African variant numbers were so low, 147 I believe, that they were not too concerned about this at this time, and for the future they will be investigating creating new vaccines to cope with variants as they happen.

As for your carer, I would think the best place to voice your concerns and questions would be to the Agency she works for. I don't know how they get over this one as it is not mandatory for them to have the jab to do the job. My carer is my husband and he had his jab yesterday but this was his decision and his alone.

The proposed covid vaccination for each year will be remodeled to cope with variance as do the flu jabs. Hope this helps and take care

[Fudge57 in reply to Annie31]

I, have been in touch with my care agency. And they basically, said the same as you

[Annie31 in reply to Fudge57]

The Caring Industry, whether it's public or private, in nursing homes or care in the community are not exactly renowned for being over-staffed and this isn't a new thing. A lot of carers have found themselves doing this kind of work because of the lack of other types of employment in their areas. This doesn't make them bad carers, on the contrary, it's the good ones that last and on poor salaries but others find this isn't the kind of work for them and soon leave and there is a shortage of good and dedicated staff. The government has no intention of making the jab mandatory, so if an agency were to try to make it so, which would be breaking the law, they may well find themselves short of a few of their work force. Hence that would leave people needing care without care. If your carer takes all reasonable precautions and has kept you safe until this point in time, then I would say she's done very well. It is her right to refuse the jab if she doesn't want it as much as it is your right to refuse having her attend you.

What I find interesting is the news that there are many carers in whatever sector refusing the jab and why? You would think what most have seen over the last year would encourage them to be first in line!

[Hidden]

In your case Fudge57 I would be consulting with your GP or cosultant being housebound and mostly bed bound, to discuss having the vaccine at home, if you are considered well enough to have the vaccine.

Discuss with your home carer Management that you do not wish any carer attending who refuses to have the vaccine, check that they are having the covid clear test daily.

BLF helpline may be able to help you further on this.

Generally in UK we do not get a choice which vaccine we have but again this is something you may wish to clarify with your doctor/s

We have not yet reached the point of annual revaccination as we have the flu jab. Most are still waiting for 2nd part of the vaccine and some still waiting for the 1st part. The news is indicating that there is a possibility that covid vaccination will become an annual event.

[Sandrute2]

Why do you have Copd is it smoking?

[garshe in reply to Sandrute2]

You can have COPD even if you never smoked.

[ninelives in reply to garshe]

That is so true.I have never smoked but worked night shift years ago where in the common room folk chain smoked on their breaks and the air was thick with it.

I have COPD and severe asthma now....

[garshe in reply to ninelives]

That is so unfair. My Grandfather died of lung cancer Never smoked in his life. He used to play the piano in cinemas and pubs where everyone smoked. Such a shame. Same happened to Roy Castle. You have my sincere sympathy. Sending Welsh cwtches ( hugs) xxSheila 💕💕

[ninelives in reply to garshe]

Bless you cariad

[Karenanne61 in reply to Sandrute2]

COPD is an umbrella term used to cover various lung diseases. There are knowledgeable people on here who can explain. The diseases have many causes, smoking is high risk but not the only cause.

[Sandrute2 in reply to Karenanne61]

Yes I saw on internet written about . I think smoking coused Copd is very bad. It is direct smoke. It is not like air polution which is cleand by air.

[peege]

I had the Astrazeneca, I'm not worried about the South African varient - there are only 147 known cases in the whole of UK.

The WHO (World Health Organisation) today announced they reccomend Az jab for all ages. In my opinion if enough patients call on their care provider to supply only vaccinated carers then they will then vet their future staff. At the moment it's a tricky one as it smacks of discrimination. P

[Patk1]

U could ask caret to wear a mask + antibac hands on arfarrival. They dont give us a choice of vaccine

[Fudge57 in reply to Patk1]

My Carer Washes her hands when she gets here then wears gloves and changes them frequently. And wears a disposable apron. And she has regular covid tests done also

[Daffodil51]

Where I live, there have been a high number of cases. I’m a family carer for my husband who has cancer. My local council have asked that all carers, including family carers receive the vaccine. I registered with with my local carers centre and they emailed me a letter from the council. When my husband had his appointment I went with him and showed the letter. They checked whether there were any spare vaccines and there were. I got it at the same time as my husband. I’ve heard of people waiting at vaccine centres at the end of the day and getting the vaccine with no appointment because they don’t want them to be wasted.

[ninelives in reply to Daffodil51]

So glad you were able to be vaccinated with your hubby.Very nice the centre were helpful

[Aingeful]

My carers wear masks,anti bac their hands etc and have been told by their employers that they must be vaccinated to come into our homes. Carers are high on the priority list.

[Response]

Vam Tam (I believe it was him but if not it was another reputable) scientist said to take the first vaccine you are offered (unless you have some reason why it would impact your illness badly) because getting safety first is more important (especially as you're having people come into your house to care.)

Perhaps first find out if your specific carers are going to be vaccinated.