Flu vaccination availability for us - Endometriosis UK

Endometriosis UK

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Flu vaccination availability for us

luthien profile image
8 Replies

We all know that our endo has an effect on our immune system, that annoyingly this isn't recognised and classed the same as say Diabetes / Heart Problems / Asthma in regards to Flu vaccinations.

I always have colds around this time of the year and have always know it's due to my endo - I know some may relate to this - So last year I paid to have my flu jab around now - I thought why not - it's only about £12 to £19. It seemed to have kept me okay throughout winter; I didn't need to have time off sick and my endo flareups during the winter four months were almost non existent. I have had full blown influenza B a few years back and was hospitalised so I'm aware of how weak my immune system can be.

Fast forward to now and there seems to be a shortage of vaccinations in the UK which means we endo sufferers cannot have our vaccinations until January, after the colds have done their rounds. But it is well researched that a compromised immune system means you're more susceptible to any infections and it's researched that having colds etc can make you more susceptible to Covid.

So I guess my question is has anyone been able to get a vaccination through their GP? Private? As I'm required to be in work; there's some people there whom just seem to come in with the worst colds and spread them around; I really don't want to have that.

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luthien profile image
luthien
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8 Replies
plotments profile image
plotments

I was offered a flu jab last week by my doctor.........I've got endometriosis waiting to see specialist for bowel op but no other medical condition

Get yourself some echinacea tablets from health shop and start building your immune system up now ready for winter months I find these tablets a great help and if I do get a cold I can fight it off much more quickly.

Moon_maiden profile image
Moon_maiden

I was offered one last year and this but only because I’m down as a career. I was diagnosed with sleep apnoea last year as well as endo, plus LS this year, which is considered an autoimmune disease. I’ve never had one and don’t really want it and out of sheer principle I don’t want one as they aren’t considering my health only that if I’m ill they’d have to do more. On the day of my lap the other person needed a prescription, they knew what was happing and the support I had at the hospital had to leave me and go and pick up a script.

Whinge over 🤣, guess how well I slept last night!

Lindle profile image
Lindle

The reason that people with conditions such a diabetes, heart problems or asthma are on the flu jab list is that they are at high risk of getting severe complications should they get flu. I don't think there is any evidence of this with endo. Whilst we still know little about how endo is related to immune dysfunction it is known that it has many autoimmune characteristics and autoimmune related conditions are associated with an over active immune system including over reaction to our own body's proteins. Some vaccines (live ones) can actually be dangerous for those with autoimmunity. The flu jab is not live in the injectable form and even though there is no evidence as to safety for those with endo one way or the other I have always actively decided not to have the flu jab because I don't want my immune system over reacting to it. It is probably safe but I think this should be a decision to be made by each individual with their doctor. I am on the at risk list being well over 60 now but still have never had it and fortunately never had flu in the winter wave. I have put my name on the Boots list that you can access on their website to be informed when it is available but still don't know if I will have it as my immune system is so sensitive and is currently reacting overtime to allergens - probably moulds..

AllthatGlitters profile image
AllthatGlitters

I was told I wasn’t entitled to it although I have endo, adeno, fibromyalgia and bowel disease. I thought I would be as if I got the flu I would be totally floored for weeks I think. I hear Asda are doing it for £8! Don’t know if I am allowed to say a company name lol x

Shoesy profile image
Shoesy in reply to AllthatGlitters

Asda are doing it I got mine done there. They were very good. They put me on a waiting list and within the week they called to say come in!

AllthatGlitters profile image
AllthatGlitters in reply to Shoesy

That’s great 😀

Anastasia17 profile image
Anastasia17

I have used echinacea for the past 20 years and it is what helps me the most.

I am a bit weary about these flu jabs because the injected flu strain may not be the one that I could get...

Afrohair profile image
Afrohair

So sorry I know what it's like when your at work and everyone is buggy! I would speak to your g.p if you really want it ,its your decision if you have it as it's your body.You know it better than anyone else. ,any other persons opinion will be based on their experience of wether it's helped them or not.i personally don't seem to get it much but when I do dam right I can't get rid of it and usually end up with antibiotics. say exactly what you have told us. it can't hurt to ask.i got offered it but I'm currently pregnant.If they say you can't have it apparently it's cheap at Asda I know Superdrug usually do it as well x

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