Flu Jab Differences

[loopy-lou]

I realise there are two types of flu jabs this year. One for under 65's and a different one for over 65's. I am off for my flu jab tomorrow and would like the better of the two. Has anyone had any luck getting the over 65's? I am in my early 60's but have on-going problems with my lungs. Is this a cost cutting situation? I am sure I feel like all of you in that I want the best protection.

[Sarah4314]

My doctor has me do the high dose one because of the immunosuppressants...I am in my early 50s my insurance covered it.

[Barnclown in reply to Sarah4314]

Are you in the USA, sarah?

[Sarah4314 in reply to Barnclown]

Yes

[Barnclown in reply to Sarah4314]

Thanks!

[Sarah4314 in reply to Barnclown]

Of course, I am not so sure that all insurance in the US would approve that or not. I am blessed to have really good insurance right now

[Barnclown in reply to Sarah4314]

This is it...in our own way, things can be just as variable here in the UK: an enlightened GP or consultant can confidently bend rules to make the right stuff happen so long as he/she really knows his/her stuff!

[loopy-lou in reply to Barnclown]

Hi Barnclown, Have you had your flu jab? Which did you get? I am going to ring my GP before going in. I would be happy to pay for it, if need be.

[Barnclown in reply to loopy-lou]

Not yet...which is why i’m extra interested in your post! I like the way you’re looking at this. All i know for sure is that i must avoid any Live vaccines because of my characteristcally double immosuppression characteristics (i take pred + myco daily AND I have the antibody deficiency illness hypogammaglobulinaemia).

Here is what i found on the LUK website about flu jabs (at the end this says it’s based on the NHS Choices website + a 2011 set of “official” lupus support group advices...7 years on there is more to consider...there are other offiial links at the he end too, inc one to the WHO website)

lupusuk.org.uk/flu-vaccinat...

i hope Paul/Chanpreet @ Head Office see your post & add their comments

Am v glad you posted & have had these great replies! Hope you’ll let us know how this goes.

[loopy-lou in reply to Barnclown]

Thank you for the link, which is interesting. Like you I also realise that I must avoid live vaccines. Besides methotrexate, I also take prednisolone. The more I think about it, I don't want to be fobbed off with the general flu vaccine if there is something better out there. I am going to ring my GP in the morning and see what he has to say, even if it means a delay of a few days having it. I will let you know what reply I get. I too will be interested in what Paul/Chanpreet have to say on the 2 vaccines and where we stand if they read this post.

[Barnclown in reply to loopy-lou]

Please do let us know...i’ll message paul & chanpreet now with a link to your post

[loopy-lou in reply to Sarah4314]

Thank you for letting me know. I am also on methotrexate. I think here in the UK it may be a cost cutting exercise. I don't really know. I would be happy to pay for the over 65's one if it is better. I will ask tomorrow.

[Sarah4314 in reply to loopy-lou]

My GP was the first I had heard of doing that. I believe it is pretty new. I asked my rheumatologist and he said he had just read an article about it too. Just got mine recently this is the second year I’ve done it and so far so good fingers crossed. I agree I would also pay out-of-pocket for it. I don’t believe flu shots are that expensive but I am not certain.

I also just heard an interesting program on the radio with a specialist on the vaccines and he highly recommended the egg free one. He explained that it is best one to get because it doesn’t mutate as the regular one. Unfortunately I heard that radio program after I had already gotten mine. Might be something worth you investigating too.

[loopy-lou in reply to Sarah4314]

All you have said is very interesting, thank you. I will ask tomorrow. I have had the normal flu jab for many years and luckily haven’t got flu. Hope you keep well.

[Sara_A]

U will only be eligible for the under 65’s vaccine as the other is purely for the over 65’s. It is said to give better protection for that specific age group.

There is a national shortage, therefore delay to some surgery’s of the over 65’s vaccine but if they have made u an appointment then I’m assuming they will have it in.

But as long as u are eligible due to ur condition or medication etc and fall into one of the eligibility’s u will receive the quad vaccine x

[AgedCrone in reply to Sara_A]

Yes Sara......That seemsto be the case everywhere.....I was given a date late September for my jab, but it has been moved to late October as the vaccine manufacturer is "behind schedule" in production.

I did read that whatever extra virus protection is in the over 65 jab is completely ineffective in the younger age group....hence not offering it to everyone.

[AgedCrone]

To be honest loopy-Lou the Flu jab is a Lottery at the best of times.Your GP will advise which vaccine will provide the best protection for you.

Last year the jab we were all given turned out not to cover the strain of Flu that was most prevalent in the UK.

I always have the jab & still got Flu this year.

My rheumatologist does recommend having it ....he advises being extra vigilant with personal hygiene - lots of hand washing & trying to avoid crowds......but if you use public transport to commute to work that is nigh on impossible.........

You can usually buy the Flu vaccine from pharmacies if your GP practice does not have the one you need.....but whether they will have both types we will have to wait & see.

[Paul_Howard Partner LUPUS UK]

Hi loopy-lou and Barnclown ,

It isn't a case of one of the vaccines being 'better' or more cost effective than the other, it is about which is the most effective for the individual concerned. I'll do my best to explain;

This year there are two different flu vaccinations that are administered by injection. The first is for adults aged 18-65 and is a quadrivalent influenza vaccine which protects against four strains of flu (this is the type of vaccine administered widely in previous years).

The second type of vaccine this year is an adjuvanted trivalent influenza vaccine (FLUAD) which protects against three strains of flu and is available to all those aged 65 and over.

The reason that the over-65 group is being offered a different vaccine is because their immune systems don’t respond to flu vaccines as well as younger people’s. Recent studies have also shown that flu vaccines don’t appear to be as effective in the elderly at protecting against flu and its complications. To compound this, the flu subtype that tends to affect older people (A/H3N2) is different to that which affects younger people (A/H1N1). The quadrivalent vaccine offered to 18-65's covers all the relevant subtypes but the protection against H3N2 infection appears to be poorer than against other strains.

The adjuvanted trivalent influenza vaccine for over-65's has been shown to better reduce rates of flu infection in that age group than the standard vaccine.

[Barnclown in reply to Paul_Howard]

Thanks vvvv much paul! Just 1 question: is the 65 & over flu jab a live vaccination?

I found this on the WHO website, which seems to refer to both vaccine versions:

who.int/influenza/vaccines/...

[Paul_Howard Partner LUPUS UK in reply to Barnclown]

The adjuvanted trivalent influenza vaccine (FLUAD) for over-65's is not a live vaccine but it does contain a substance (the adjuvant) to increase the body's immune response to the vaccine. I contacted one of our Specialist Lupus Nurses to ask whether this was safe for people with lupus and she indicated that it shouldn't add risk of an adverse reaction. For anyone who is concerned you could ask for the quadrivalent vaccine offered to 18-65's, but it may not be as effective and therefore offer as substantial protection.

[Barnclown in reply to Paul_Howard]

Thanks again: just what i need to know! Especially helpful, as i turn 65 in a few days....

[loopy-lou in reply to Barnclown]

Hi Barnclown

I had my flu jab, the under 65's. It was actually my GP doing them, so he knows me well. Why not wait until a day after your birthday to have the over 65's. I wondered if he may give me that being early 60's, but no. Happy Birthday too.

[Barnclown in reply to loopy-lou]

Thanks! We’re thinking alike: after paul filled us in this morning, i phoned my GP surgery & booked the 65+ flu vacc on oct 13. And we agreed that before the jab, i’ll discuss my complexities with the specialist nurse administering the vacc cause apparently she’ll be expert enough to understand the implications of my mix. So, i’m feeling v grateful to you, paul + the others for this timely discussion! Glad you’re sorted now! XOXO

[loopy-lou in reply to Barnclown]

I would have done exactly the same! xx

[loopy-lou in reply to Paul_Howard]

Paul, Thank you so much for your comprehensive explanation. It is extremely helpful. It has put my mind to rest and I will go and have my flu jab today. Also, thank you to everyone for your replies, particularly hearing about the shortage of vaccine. I got a reminder yesterday, so I assume my surgery must have it in.

[Hidden in reply to loopy-lou]

Thanks for posting about this as I was going to ask. Thanks to Paul too for explaining inore depth.

I’m not on any immunesuppression this year and am 55 so was half expecting not to be offered it - but I’ve already had two text reminders to book. There’s a chance I will be put back on an immune-suppressant again sometime soon though.

Is it routinely offered to those with autoimmune or CTD diseases whether on meds or not I wonder? The only year I didn’t have it was the only year I didn’t have flu ironically so I’m always a bit wary now.

[loopy-lou]

I can understand why you are a bit wary now. Why not discuss this with your GP or medical team? I have had the flu jab for about 10 years. I have been fine with it and haven't got flu. I am a bit OTT about wiping everything with detol spray too, particularly if anyone comes to the house. I don't know the exact criteria of who it is offered to. My surgery just seem to expect me each year.