Should I get a Covid jab?

[TheShire]

I have had previous injections but worry now due to recent reports about safety and side effects. I have had Covid once before so really anxious about what to do.

[Yellow92]

Hi, I've had the COVID jab about 2 weeks ago, and had no side effects so far, apart from a sore arm. I think this is my 5th or 6th one. I suffer from lupus and I'm also pregnant so lots of consultants looking after me at the moment . All my doctors recommended to get the jab as well as the flu jab and some other immunisations.

I've had the moderna jab this time.

Good luck and hope all goes well for you whatever decision you make.

[Kath1]

I had my 8th maybe 9th (I forget) booster a couple of weeks ago with the flu jab in the other arm and it was fine. I had the usual sore arm and felt a little under the weather but I think I was having a bit of a flare anyway (started before the jabs). You just have to do what feels right to you and what you feel comfortable with.

[PMRpro]

We get the same question on my home forum - and when I checked out the alleged side effects recently they turned out to be based on a misuse of the statistics. Most of the claims are from the anti-vaxx community. Without the vaccines, Covid would be as dangerous now as it was 4 years ago.

[JGBH in reply to PMRpro]

Hello PMRpro,

Hope you are keeping well. Have you had the Covid jab? I too was not sure about having it… having had Covid in September following a stay in hospital. So all my vaccines were delayed because I got two chest infections straight after Covid and two courses of antibiotics. So had the flu jab last Wednesday, will have the RSV jab this afternoon and thought i might have the Covid one on 29th November… but am nervous as I always get a reaction and it always increases my RA pain. So not keen but having Covid was not great either (it’s the second time) … Do you get any reaction/pain from the Covid vaccine ?

[DorsetLady in reply to JGBH]

You can get a reaction from any vaccine - it’s seems to be very individual.

I have had all 3 you mention this year with no issue -but then I rarely do, apart from maybe a little soreness around the actual vaccination area.

Some have thought the Moderna/Spikevax may caused a bit more of a reaction this time -but better that than a bout of Covid.

I always take paracetamol on day of vaccine and for 24-48 hours afterwards as a matter of course -advice from a practice nurse many years ago..

[JGBH in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you DorsetLady. Unfortunately the Covid vaccines have always made me feel very ill … and the dreadful pain from RA becomes much worse for days, hence my hesitation. However, being so immunosuppressed… I think I will .have the jab.

I always take paracetamol in any case… the flu was not painful afterwards and I hop the RSV will be likewise… fingers crossed, BUT from experience I know the Covid one will probably take 2 weeks or longer to recover from. Still have a little time to think about it… probably will . You are very lucky not getting any reaction.

Are you getting ready for your trip to New Zealand (think it’s NZ) to spend time with you family over Christmas? Exciting!

[DorsetLady in reply to JGBH]

Yes it is NZ - and yes I am...

[JGBH in reply to DorsetLady]

When are you going ? Be well and have a wonderful time !

[DorsetLady in reply to JGBH]

Second week in December…

[JGBH in reply to DorsetLady]

Not long now… bet you can’t wait. Bon voyage… 🧳 🧳🧳 I hate packing…

[JGBH in reply to DorsetLady]

I forgot to say that when I last saw my rheumatologist recently and I told him I was not keen on the Covid vaccine (because of reactions not being anti vaccines), I was surprised when he told me he had a long chat with many of his colleagues, not only rheumatologists, stating they have now found out the protection given by the vaccine is only for 3 months. Many of them are not having it.

Of course, he did say that immunosuppressed people are in a difficult situation and that it would be wise to have it. He is not anti vac either but explained these vaccines are not ´quite ´ what was expected of them because of the speed of development during the epidemic… Something had to be done and no doubt they have saved many lives and will carry on doing so. So people must not be put off but it is a personal decision taking into account one’s health problems.

[DorsetLady in reply to JGBH]

It is a personal decision, and yes your situation as well. Good luck with what you decide..

[JGBH in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you but always helpful knowing how people cope with vaccines and their interactions as well as understanding the risks of getting Covid.

[PMRpro in reply to JGBH]

I've had all the Covid jabs I've been entitled to here in Italy - the bivalent one 2 years ago made my atrial fibrillation worse - but that got me an abalation that has cured it so that was a plus overall I feel! The one last year didn't even give me a sore arm. Haven't had this year's yet, appointment at the end of the month, but the flu one is done. again, not even a sore arm this year! RSV isn't a "thing" here but I will try to remember to ask when I get the Covid jab - you get an interview with a specially trained doctor before it here.

And all I can say otherwise is that I haven't knowingly had Covid yet!!

As for your doctor's opinions, I'm not entirely convinced at the 3 month protection argument - there may not be measureable antibodies but the "memory" effect in the immune system is still there so it reacts faster when it does meet the virus. That is almost more important than the antibody part of immunity.

And the speed of development wasn't that much of a factor - the vaccines still had to meet the milestones set for them. The main factor that sped the process up was that everyone was working on the same page, not competing but sharing things they found and for the first time had the genetic code available in days not months to start working on with a different system so it wasn't as much trial and error developing multiple vaccines and then ruling them out when they didn't work. Money wasn't an object either. Usually while developing such things there are waiting periods while applying for and getting money allocated. And the manufacturers took far more risks with their money, starting to manufacture vaccine as soon as it was obvious one was likely to be a runner. It could have all gone very wrong there and they would have lost a lot of money.

They aren't perfect - but the flu vaccine isn't either and its protection is waning after 4 months, that's why it is only given very close to the beginning of the flu season in any region. The protection is there for the peak risk season - when everyone is inside more and getting together for Christmas (and other) celebrations. Here in Italy the Covid jab is only given once a year usually - now in November. Seems to work fairly well.

[JGBH in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you for replying. I think once a year for Covid is enough. As a matter of fact I have refused the spring boosters for the this year and last. I was not aware the flu protection duration was only 4 months. Good to know and it does make sense to get it by the end of October beginning of November.

Keep well.

[Mamasquidy]

I had the flu and COVID jabs with no issues. Remember that COVID isn't benign, it can leave you with lasting health problems .

[Bee_E]

Hi TheShire

I had Covid back in 2021, having shielded for ages, and having had two vaccinations. I ended up in hospital for a week on oxygen. The A&E consultant said that had it been 3 months earlier i.e pre-vaccination we would be having a very different conversation. Since then I have had every booster- I think I’m up to 10 now in ! I had it again in September and it was no worse than a heavy cold. I owe Pfizer and Moderna a lot and would always recommend the vaccination but you must do you.

Good luck with your decision xx

[MrsMouseSJ]

Hello, I have lupus and other long term conditions, and my husband (in his seventies) has advanced stage COPD. We have both taken all the COVID vaccines offered to us, and I am very glad we have. Last autumn my husband finally caught the virus, as did I. I wouldn't have really suspected that I had it, if he hadn't also been unwell. And he was unwell. At one stage I thought we might lose him. Without the vaccine we almost certainly would have. I can also tell you accounts of people I know well who have gone on to struggle with long COVID. The worst affected of the four - that is two of them - caught the virus before the vaccine was available. The effects have been utterly devastating in every sense.

My own view is that the risks of COVID without a well prepared body system, courtesy of the vaccine, far outweigh those presented by the vaccine.

But this is an individual decision and hopefully the responses you receive here will help you to feel confident in determining the most likely best course of action for you.

Best wishes.

[TheShire]

thank you everyone for your kind replies, I really appreciate you all taking the time to share your experiences. I find it so difficult to get to speak to my rheumatologist about these things. Wishing you all good health and a good week xx

[OldTed60]

I’m also wondering whether to go ahead with my flu & Covid vax’s but for different reasons. I have had 8 now and always get flu vac same time no problems other than sore arms. Last one in May was Moderna and floored me first time for a couple of days.

Since then I’ve had major bowel surgery for stoma followed by Covid first time - quite badly and I couldn’t tolerate the anti viral pills. And most off putting of all is that as well as mycophenolate I’ve recently had my first round of Rituximab infusions. I was told by a rheumatology nurse that 4 to 6 weeks after should be okay and have waited to have some necessary dental treatment the week after my vaccine date. I will have the flu one but not sure I can face another Covid one after my 2 day reaction to the the last one. From what I’ve read it is unlikely to prompt much, if any, immune response anyway post Rituximab. Because I’ve now had Covid i’m hoping this and 8 vaccines will have given me enough antibodies. The prospect of dental work really worries me but more relating to possible root infections than Covid. So far (just a week away) I plan to just get the flu one and hope for the best. I don’t want more vaccines with side effects unless they are definitely giving me protection

[Paprika60 in reply to OldTed60]

You probably know this already but just in case. It is better to ask for adrenalin free anaesthetic shot if your dentist needs to numb you. I got ill for two days when my dentist used a normal one. Good luck.

[OldTed60 in reply to Paprika60]

Thanks so much no I didn’t know this. Last time work done in same area 5 years ago a different dentist accidentally injected my parotid with Articane and I had one sided palsy for a week. I will let them know in advance in case they have to order it in.

[LovelyLottie]

Hi.

I have had 10 Covid Jabs and caught Covid for the first time last month. I tested positive for 17 days and was in bed for most of those even though I had had the jabs and antivirals.

I would fully recommend getting the jab, any protection is better than none. The side effects of the jab were nothing to having the virus itself.

I hope that this helps.

[Betty909090]

Being constantly vaccinated and boosted does NOT replace shielding from those infected who often spray viruses into the air through coughing, sneezing, talking, shouting etc which allow VIRUSES to linger particularly in enclosed CROWDED spaces!

We should still protect ourselves from these viruses often sprayed into our faces by the infected!☝️😢

Masking is also important.

High standards of personal hygiene (washing hands using soap and water) frequently and social distancing are ?

ALL important.

[Paprika60 in reply to Betty909090]

How true! I certainly have continued to wear a clean high grade mask every time I get on the tube and etc in London. However, protecting oneself is challenging when the entire country seemingly suffers from amnesia...as though we have never had Covid with so high fatality only four years ago. Even my lupus clinic hardly has any mask wearer except for the nurses from Philipines...and no ventilation whatsoever! Sigh...