Is there anyone like me who thinks we should wait a while to see the longer affects these vaccines might have, maybe lm a bit to cautious! Plus lve never had any vaccinations for flu or any of the others
COVID vaccine?: Is there anyone like me who thinks we... - NRAS
COVID vaccine?
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Kate2628
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My view is we had vaccines as kids and we are all fine and I believe the code to pass vaccines is even tougher now so I am just going for it when I am asked to go in. Its like any drug we take for RA we would never take anything if we read the side effects etc. So I am jumping in.
Presumably you had vaccines as a kid? Personally I feel that vaccines have been a huge breakthrough in tackling all sorts of disease and without them I would probably be dead by now. Yes the mRNA ones are a bit new, but the basic science behind them is pretty well tested.
When Covid first appeared and there was talk about a vaccine I felt a bit cautious. But now we can see the damage covid can do I’m all for it. At the society/whole community level it is important if we are to get back to any sort of normal life.
Driving a car is far riskier in terms of the likelihood of killing you (or indeed catching Covid).
I'm having it, absolutely. Have you not seen the harrowing reports on television? The clinical trials the vaccines have gone through support that it's safe, otherwise we wouldn't be vaccinating now. I do think you're being too cautious, I really do. I honestly would recommend you have the flu vaccine too, at least this year, as we've been advised to do by those who know how susceptible we could be, not to say poorly & at greater risk of long COVID, if you survive it. The same for the pneumonia vaccine.
As I understand it you're at very high risk. Is that not enough reason to have it Kate? I hate to think of anyone here in one of those beds, in fact we have a member only today updated us of her experience of having COVID. Maybe a read of that will give you some encouragement. healthunlocked.com/nras/pos...
I’m going to have it and I’ve got Rituximab logistics to sort out too but I’ll do that. Watching and waiting could take many months and even years to see what long term side effects of the Covid vaccines could be, so I’m saying to Kate do have the Covid vaccine, just as you have said. I had my flu and pneumonia shots in October and November too for the first time. Was told by my rheumy nurse to do those this year more than any year. x
no no no and No... possible death on the one hand and not on the other... for me the decision is simple. 😁
Plus we all have Some sort of AI weakness...or we wouldn’t be on this site.... coupled with the fact I don’t have time to have Long Covid!
No....say yes please asap......The sooner you have the vaccination the sooner you will be protected and if you are unfortunate enough to catch Covid it will hopefully ensure you don’t have a very serious illness with it.You should also have the influenza vaccination every year.
I was unfortunate enough to have influenza a couple of years ago ....I had had my vaccination but I honestly think I felt the worst I’ve ever felt in my life so how I would have felt without the vaccination I don’t know?
Read up on how vaccinations work......& stop listening to those who probably don’t appreciate how serious Covid is proving to be.
No. I’m hoping to get mine very soon now the vaccinations are being rolled out to the CEV folk. I’ve always had every vaccine I’ve been offered and never had any adverse effects.
I was listening to a medic today and the adults they are suggesting who don’t have it are those women on infertility treatment, women who are less than two months pregnant or women who think they might become pregnant in the next few months.
We all have the flu jab every year and never question it even though they have to modify it every year as there are different mutations every year so I just don’t see the difference , I will definitely have it as I can’t wait to hug and kiss my kids & grandchildren
💗
Agree .. we could wait for months and years to see if any side effects of the Covid vaccines come to light.
I'm avoiding it as long as possible. It's an experimental vaccine unlike the fl one. There are other treatments in the pipeline and because of transmission issues we are going to be under strict restrictions for months yet.
I'm concerned about anaphylaxis.
I also believe I had covid back at the beginning of the year that was before testing.
Hi Millie66
Perhaps having had Covid and as far back as that is I believe rather proven not to protect you from what I have heard. I believe several have caught it twice now. If you already carry an epi pen then you should avoid the pfeizer one. That’s all. I have allergies and a known worrier about side effects etc. I’m all in and will have whatever I’m offered asap please 😊 one of my good friends uncles died from Covid yesterday. 9 in 10 are from the CEV group.
I understand what you are saying. But I am happy to live as I am for the moment and wait to see more evidence that people are OK after the vaccine. The way it is going at the moment its going to be months anyhow.I have been close to death a few times and I would prefer to wait for further treatments to arrive.
I don't actually trust the government and going against guidance from Pfizer in delaying the the follow up injection.
It's not just a matter of thinking of yourself, you are a risk to others if unvaccinated. We are so lucky to have the chance of a vaccine against this dreadful disease
💗
Oh but it is I'm afraid. This vaccine does not prevent you from transmission.
This isn’t actually known yet. They cannot conclusively say that it does or does not prevent transmission. We need to be aware of all the facts when making decisions and be aware of stating things as if they are fact when scientists are still studying COVID vaccines and transmission.
Think of others, not just yourself. Some of us with rare immune deficiency may not have uptake of the vaccine and are relying on others to have the vaccine to protect us.We count too.
100% you count. And don’t EVER think otherwise ❤️❤️❤️ Ignore social media bullies and negative nellies. They generally dont know what they’re talking about and can make you feel pointless (been there, got the t shirt).
You are equally as important as anyone else. Don’t you forget it. Otherwise I’ll find you and shout it through your letter box 😂❤️🥰🥰🥰
I'm with you on this one Millie x
I have allergies and have had some health scares. With autoimmune issues, etc. I'm hoping that more evidence will come out regarding the inflammatory reaction in your body, etc. By the way, I've very pro-vaccine.
I've done tons of research on this and from what I've been able to find, the folks with an allergic reaction sound like it was to one of the ingredients, the lipid agent polyethylene glycol seems to be the cause (it's found in ultrasound gel and meds like Tylenol). And from what I've heard, the people who had autoimmune issues and problems had thyroid issues.
Still, I'd like to get the vaccine but I'm also nervous about it. We're having major delays in Canada so I hope that by the time it's offered to me (September?), there will be more information out.
Take care.
I think this article explains well how the vaccine was developed quickly and why other vaccines have taken longer to develop. Please note though that it was written in November before any were approved.
theconversation.com/less-th...
This article from the BBC is also good. bbc.co.uk/news/health-55056016
Anaphylaxis can be treated easily, I've done it loads of times.Anaphylaxis = 1:1000mg IM adrenaline, 10mg IV chlorphenamine, 200mg IV hydrocortisone, I litre IV fluids and O2 therapy with repeated adrenaline if needed. Observation of about 6-8 hrs then home.
Covid = low O2 sats, potential hospital admission, potent CPAP, possible ICU admission with ventilation and sedation, possible long covid if you're lucky not to die.
My point is anaphylaxis is SO much easier to treat and is so much more known about than covid
And that's coming from someome who has treated anaphylaxis many many to very successfully and has had it herself.
Do you carry an epi pen for allergies? If that's the case then I can understand your concerns but you already bhave your treatment to hand if the worst happens. But I'd take anaphylaxis over covid anyday. Because the chances are that with anaphylaxis you will have a better outcome than with covid.
in reply to happytulip
Thank you for this reassurance grounded in fact and experience.
in reply to Millie66
Millions of people have had the vaccine now. Nobody has died from having it. If you carry an epi-pen, you are advised not to have the Pfizer vaccine, so have the Oxford one and protect yourself that way.Concerning how long it might be before your turn comes, here in Salford, my husband (almost 78, no health problems) got the vaccine on 14 January and I (72, have RA) am getting mine on 22 January. Depending on where you are, your turn may come quite soon.
happytulip in reply to
Good luck with your jabs!
Initially I was a bit apprehensive about having the vaccine, but as we have moved forward and knowledge has developed regarding the pros and cons for us immunosuppressed folks I will be taking it. I feel it is important not just to give me some protection, but to protect others too.
True 💗
We all have our own choice of the matter so that’s ok but you should really think of the pros not just the cons , some people I think that says I’m going to think about it are hoping that everyone else has it and there will be immunity and they won’t have to worry but I think it maybe something that has to have a vaccine every year just like the flu vaccine, so what would you do in that scenario
I'm not hoping anything I just don't want something that hasn't been trialled enough especially on the immune suppressed. As I said.If it is transmissible and runs risks why chose to inject myself.
Where as the likelyhood of me actually catching it is tiny.
I have put enough drugs into my body that didn't suit me. On advice! Not one drug suits all.
As I said there are opportunities for newer treatments so I can wait.
Seems to me that those of us taking immune suppressive drugs need this more than others because the virus would be more likely to knock the hell out of us.
The mRNA vaccines introduce a protein (mimicking covid-19 shape without the parts to make us sick) and it is our immune system which then gets our own immune system to build the defense. That's how it works.
No. Risks of getting Covid are far too great. Risk from a vaccine, minuscule.
I’m confident they are completely safe, I will be running down to my surgery when my letter comes in. Our first vaccines have just arrived in my small town so may have to wait another wee while for mine.
Had 1st dose of Pfizer vaccine last week. Didn't feel a thing and no after effects. All good as far as I'm concerned though it may not give as high a level of protection as it could due to drugs (Mtx and Pred). Cx
Interesting to read what you’ve said ... I haven’t been told steroids will impact the Covid vaccine efficacy?
My immunology specialist nurse said that they want their immunology patients to have the Pfizer instead of Oxford. She did ask what dose of pred I was on. But I have immune deficiency as well as RD. Might be worth you looking into and asking which one would suit you.As you know, the trouble with us AI lot, we generally come with our own unique AI disease(s).
Not sure if the statement actually relates to the function of the vaccine as such or the fact the meds themselves reduce your immunity so your already in a "negative equity" situation. For example my lymphocytes are constantly low. Also it's the combination of Mtx and steroids that's the issue not necessarily steroids alone. But it's not really a problem. Every one is expected to carry on with precautions anyway as the vaccine may not affect how transmissible the virus is. I'm in a better situation now than I was....so all good. 2nd dose 2nd April.
Just a bit of reassurance Kate. I had the first dose of vaccine a couple of weeks ago. Only side effect was a sore arm for a couple of days. Hard to say if tiredness for a day or two was related as I get that with the RA. I haven’t flared up at all. In fact I feel pretty good right now on my new biologics that seem to be taking effect! The risk of death from covid for me far outweighs the risk of getting the vaccine. I believe it’s our best shot at getting out of this pandemic and back to a bit of normality. It will take a bit of time but I’m hopeful that this year I’ll be able to spend Christmas with family if we can get enough people vaccinated.
No. What do you think 'regulatory approval'means? Don't fall into the trap of doubt that the anti-vaxxers have set for us all. Research the science, not the urban myths and you'll find the reassurance you want. Trust scientists, not click-hungry, narcissist, truly ignorant 'celebrities.'
At the start of all this I was a bit sceptical and was stupid enough to read all the unsupported negativity on social media. I then decided to actually look at some scientific papers/evidence. I may not have understood all the technical terms without looking them up but it was clear to see where we would be going without some sort of vaccine. Science has progressed significantly since the introduction of things like smallpox vaccines etc, tests are more accurate. It was inevitable that they would be able to conduct trials over a shorter period of time. You only have to look at how technology has advanced over the last 20 years or so and that technology can be used in many fields. The vaccine may not stop you from catching Covid but it should reduce the severity and no, they don't know if you can transmit it still so it is absolutely necessary to stick to the guidelines. I will be there for mine when called.
I'm not waiting, but I want to make sure that front-line workers get a chance first, since my wife and I are lucky not to have to go out and be exposed every day.
This vaccine has been tested very well, it is only the analysis and basic design that has been really fast because of great advances in genetic analysis, not because of shortcuts.
If you have a basic understanding of how these vaccines work then it sounds pretty safe given the extensive human testing with thousands of subjects.
It is true that we don't know the long term effects, but that all remains to be seen over the next 5-20 years. Without the vaccine, we may get the virus and perhaps not live long enough to find out anything 
Although I have a yearly flu jab, it was not until my husband caught the flu a few years ago that I fully appreciated it. He is one of those annoying people who rarely has coughs or colds and then mildly but he was so unwell with the flu.
Perhaps my view has been coloured slightly by the above but when you compare the known possible lethal consequences of catching Covid, especially if you are older, with an incredibly small risk of side effects from the injection, I shall have the Covid jab as soon as it is offered.
No. After 4 million people receiving the vaccine, I have no hesitation in receiving mine.
Hi Kate, like you i am very cautious about this vaccine too many conflicting issues deffinatily feel its not been trialed enough.. i'm not sure it gives full protection anyway, so I've decided not to have it .
I am really unsure and am coming down on not having it. I was interested to see how other parts of the world are tackling Covid including Australia. Australia have less than one thousand cases of Covid and are not considering vaccination until February. Apparently it doesn't offer any guarantees of eradicating transmission. Personally, and I know opinions are widely divided, l don't feel it has enough rigorous tests. I understand when you sign for it you are signing to accept a trial vaccine. I think the government needs to be more transparent about it. They would then gain greater credibility.
I understand where you are coming from, but if we all didn't take it for the reason you suggest, we'd never get rid of covid!!! And we need it to be gone!!!X
What we need to remember, is that it is NOT a live vaccine. X
Wil definitely have it. Mainly for my own health but also it is important that the majority have the vaccine so as to reach herd immunity and drive the virus away for everyone. Small part that we can all play in this awful situation.
Well said.
But we already know what the effects of COVID are - when someone you know, previously healthy, has died from it, you know, and when you see the despair of the ITU nurses and medics, you know. And if someone you know has had surgery postponed because of hospitals being full, you know. And if people are not getting the usual standard of care after heart attacks or accidents because hospitals are overstretched..
And don't get me started on the effect on children, especially vulnerable ones.
I think we have a civic duty to do our part by having the vaccine if we can.
With all general vaccines, those who 'don't' benefit from those who do, (as well as those who can't, who are also protected )
I think that my reply may have sounded more stroppy than I meant due to recent bad COVID news about friends . And worry about grandchildren...
Janmary, You're not being stroppy at all, just voicing an opinion that's common to many of us. If everyone who thinks Covid is a hoax, "it's not really dangerous, is it - my friend had it and they're fine", the vaccine can be used for other people but not for me, etc, etc, were to see first hand exactly how bad the effects of Covid are, they might think differently. Struggling for breath or sedated on a ventilator isn't my preferred option for how I spend my last day on this Earth. I for one, don't want to spend what's left of my life incarcerated at home, I want to see my children and grandchildren face-to-face after having only virtual contact for 10 months. I want to be released back into the wild as soon as it's safe for me and everyone else and if a vaccination helps that to happen sooner, bring it on! If that sounds selfish, then I'm selfish but I hope that all of us selfish people who have the vaccine help to make the world a safer place for everyone.
The reason people don't die any more from many diseases that used to be common in the UK is because of vaccination programmes that reduced the numbers of people who caught the disease. I'm old enough to remember childhood friends dying or being affected for life from Polio, Whooping Cough, TB, Diptheria and Measles, diseases we hardly hear about now because of vaccinations. Our common goal should be to take measures to ensure that Covid is added to the list of diseases where deaths or long-term disabilities are rare, rather than being commonplace. Hmmm... Now that probably was being stroppy. Rant over!!!
Hear, hear, Whaleroad! Refusing the vaccine would be like refusing to wear a seat belt on a dangerous stretch of road because the belt feels a bit uncomfortable.
Yes i feel too that the responsibility of this awful pandemic lies with each of usFrom someone who has always been very unkeen on bombarding system with vaccines if at all possible im having this one! You dont know how you will fair with the virus afterall??...... my kids wont ever forgive me if i refuse and catch it badly....
I too think i may have had covid last March so i pushed boat out for the test to see if have antibodies but no, - they said first hand the average time you keep covid antibodies is for 5 months
I work with elderly and so Im having mine next week, think its reassuring that ive witnessed 7 of them who have poor health generally to be well after their vaccines over the last weeks and feeling mord positive for their futures
I know its not a live vaccine but can anyone explain in simple terms how it works pls?
in reply to Jeppy
Quickest way to explain it helps the body develop immunity without having to get the illness first which would naturally triggers the body’s immune system to learn how to fight the disease
Jeppy in reply to
Thnku 😊. 👍🏼 I just wonder what it consists of to do that
in reply to Jeppy
lbc.co.uk/hot-topics/corona... here is a link that gives some basic info. Just helps maybe.
Jeppy in reply to
Thbx DeebGenetic code , its above me
I do wonder if we get hashi attack after wards. but appreciate small price to pay
....had my first flu jab and gave two really wiped out days - not fluey just hashi like
nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/N...
thelancet.com/journals/lanc...
I don't think the trials were long or thorough enough.Also Interestingly the Astrazenca one was tested in Brazil, S Africa UK where the new strains are from?
You are not alone!
My manager has just emailed me to ask if she can book a slot for me to have the covid vaccinations, I said yes but I have called my rheumatologist nurse to see if am okl with RA to take this vaccine. Has anyone here taken it? I work in frontline social care
Although I'd already decided to have the vaccine, I asked exactly that question of my Rheumy when I had an appointment a couple of weeks ago - just in case. I was assured that there is no greater risk for me than anyone else, it's been tested on older people who are AI and have lung disorders like me without adverse effect. I've had RA for more than 40 years and I'm currently on Enbrel, Mtx and Sulfasalazine.
Well, Kate, we've debated your question, given our responses in both the positive & the negative... & from those on the fence still. You've not responded, can we know what your thoughts are?
Thanks for all your replys for the post l sent, it’s given me a lot to think about, still not sure what my decision will be, l will probably get in touch with rhemy team or consultant,which is not easy at this time with everything that’s happening,then take it from there. Thanks for the help and advice you have all given Kate
Thanks for responding Kate. I'm sitting here in tears having just watched the BBC 10 o'clock news reporting from The Royal London. There are 15 floors, 12 of them are taken up with COVID patients. It's so frightening, I can't tell you just how I feel I’m so upset. I've not felt quite like this til now.
May I ask what you mean about it being morally questionable?
Actually speechless.
This is absolutely untrue. I don't mind people discussing this rationally, but this is an out and out lie, spread by twisted people.
Please get your information from reliable sources. I am referring this post to theadmins, because spreading this sort of deliberately untrue "information" is completely unacceptable
So what about the shingles vaccine, you had that Sus89, what’s the difference?
Further down your Wikipedia page it also says this
“During the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, anti-vaccination activists spread misinformation that MRC-5 was an ingredient of the COVID-19 vaccine AZD1222.[6]”
I know what it is but I don’t understand why you had the shingles vaccine but won’t have the Covid one?
Wow! You believe what you read on Wikipedia? Don't you realise that anyone can "edit" or create an Wikipedia article so it's not safe to automatically believe anything you read there is proof of anything. There are multiple bone fide medical articles disputing this Wikipedia article - I know which I believe to be more reputable.
Read as much as possible about it.One place to start is on the NHS website:
nhs.uk/conditions/coronavir...
About half way down the page under "How safe is the Covid-19 vaccine" there are links to the 3 approved vaccines which list the ingredients and potential side-effects.
Once you've read everything you can find and have made a decision, don't let anyone - anti-vax or pro-vax - bully you into changing your mind.
I'm totally with you on this one
So pleased that the shocking and dangerously inaccurate post has been removed. Well done admins!
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