5th Vaccination

[Otto11]

Hi all just a quick question. I’m due my 5th vaccination in 2 weeks time ( had last one in Jan). But not received an invite yet. I have a phone appointment with my Rheumy Nurse this morning who told me the criteria has changed for Rheumatology patients to 6 months after 4th one( booster). It was new advice on 6th April &. She is sending letters out this week. Has anyone else had this?

Thanks. In advance

[Barrister]

I had mine this afternoon, 16 weeks after my last.

[Otto11 in reply to Barrister]

I know lots of people have had them or booked them for next few weeks. It’s just Rheumy told me today that it’s changed to 6 months instead of 3 months 🤷🏻‍♀️

[MuppetBaby]

Not sure why but I always had 6 months in my mind so am surprised others have been getting it sooner. I got a message from my GP about 4 weeks ago to book but sent a message back saying I wasn’t due until June as 4th one was 21/12. I know they have called it a “spring” booster but like I say I always thought it was as 6 months after the 4th. I know the others had a 3 month gap.

[Otto11 in reply to MuppetBaby]

Yes its all got very confusing that's for sure. There's no point asking my GP as they dont seem to want to know anything about vaccinations etc. Im not at all sure what to do tbh x

[Stayloose]

I think maybe nobody really knows what's best. Vac boosters are often given at 6mths yet the alternative advice is to have one now to last until the autumn.

[Otto11 in reply to Stayloose]

I’m sure they originally said to have the booster now then in Autumn as you say. Well I will see what the letter says when it arrives. X

[Briefencounter]

I had my 4th vaccine on 29 th December. Then I was invited to book for my 5th vaccine a couple of weeks ago . So I booked it for 6 April . I know there was discussion on HU about whether it was better to wait 6 months rather than 3 months , I didn't know that there had been a definitive decision .

So I've had 2 x AZ , 1 Pfizer and 2 half Modernas . No reaction to the AZs but some ( sore arm and a bit "meh" ) to the Pfizer and Modernas . Expecting a 6 th vaccine sometime in the autumn . 😳

[Otto11 in reply to Briefencounter]

Yes is this is what I expected too. I’m not sure if it’s a decision by NHS or just our Rheumy team tbh. Like you I has 2 AstraZeneca then 1 Pfizer then last one 1/2 dose Moderna. Boy was my arm sore after that one! I have not had an invite yet but on someone’s suggestion I went on NHS site last night & have managed to book one but that dosnt necessarily mean I will get it. We will see x

[Briefencounter]

I'm sure you'll get it . I think the NHS and the vaccination centres are really keen on people taking up the vaccination offer . I remember going for my 3rd jab and the lad in front of me was asked if it was his 2nd or 3rd jab he was there to receive . He looked a bit sheepish and said he was there for his first . The nurse doing the vaccination said , " Oh great , what made you change your mind ? " . Looking even more embarrassed he said that he wanted to go to a football match with his mates , and could only go if he was jabbed .

The nurse smiled encouragingly and said , " Of course - that's as good a reason as any" .

I'm sure that lad would have gone away feeling great and ready to encourage his mates . They really are the best these "jab volunteers" .

[Otto11]

Thanks. 🤞x