Covid Vaccination

[Knip]

I had my latest Covid Vaccination yesterday and have had no side affects. I had the Moderna this time. Before with the Pfizer I was quite unwell the night after with severe pain for about six hours and rigors. Having had the same problems with my second Shingrix vaccination, I wasn't surprised to have this happen. This time, it was my husband, who has never reacted before, was unwell with shaking and pain...although relatively mildly.

I'm just wondering how others are responding. He had his because of his age, now 82. The doctor who did them said they have tightened up on who can receive them this time, even to the extent that people living with someone vulnerable aren't eligible. To me this seems a step backwards. He said they are only giving them to those who are clinically at risk and those over 75. He actually asked me what auto-immune conditions I have...even though I'm approaching 79, which, I guess, means I don't look my age, due to a rather nice wig hiding my almost complete hairloss. 😅 I look twenty years older without it!

I'm just wondering how others feel about this cut back. Knip

[rmros]

First couple I had, both Pfizer, I had flu-like symptoms afterwards. Then the first autumn booster was so awful - I also had rigors and a fever of 39.9 (nearly 104F), followed by an asthma attack. I swore I wouldn't have another.

But I did and the next few - a mix of Moderna/Spikevax and Pfizer, were completely fine. Maybe a slightly sore arm.

So I had my spring booster yesterday and felt rough within a couple of hours. I was up all night with a fever - a mere 38.8C this time - feeling dreadful. Could barely move this morning. Still not right at all. Feeling sick, no appetite, groggy and everything is flaring. The first Covid infection I had in March 2020 was so awful I thought it was worth it but now I'm not sure.

I'm not sure about the eligibility question, I haven't looked at the evidence. But I do worry about those who live with someone vulnerable and have caring responsibilities.

[Jackie1947]

Have had a variety and only one I had a reaction to was Moderna

[Haz58 in reply to Jackie1947]

Me too.

[Boxerlady]

I had the Spikevax one this morning and so far just the sore arm that I've had each time - I had the flu-type symptoms the first time but not since 🤞

[Knip]

It's strange how it varies from jab to jab. It is comforting to know in advance of any side affects we might have, much less alarming if it happens.

[Hollyhock123]

I had dreadful reactions to jab 1 & 2, AstraZeneca one. Just sore arm and a little restless legs to Pfizer and Moderna on its own. But with flu jab, terrible. So I’m prob reacting to the flu. I’ve mine first thing Saturday, then a day of work! Seems I am only able to book with my GP now, so have a choice of 2 slots! My family have never been invited to have a booster, or early jab because of me.

[Knip in reply to Hollyhock123]

That is interesting, Holly. Maybe your GP is adapting the advice to suit your particular circumstances. Hope yours goes OK, and that your work won't be too tiring! Good luck with that! Take care.

[Hollyhock123 in reply to Knip]

Oops, that should have, and now edited to have never been invited!

[rmros in reply to Hollyhock123]

I've had severe reactions to all varieties of Covid vaccine but never anything more than a slighly sore arm from flu jab. And usually not even that. Curious.

[Hollyhock123 in reply to rmros]

How our bodies react to all these different meds always intrigues me. I’ve not knowingly had Covid, so maybe that’s something to do with it. One of our surgeries GP reckons everyone has had Covid, just maybe didn’t realise. My dad and son haven’t knowingly had it either. So maybe we have a genetic thing going on there! Who knows? 🤔

[1984cockapoo]

had Moderna Monday afternoon and thought had got away with just slightly sore and red arm overnight but then during afternoon and evening felt very achy and unwell but hopefully don’t feel so bad this morning. And don’t understand why it seems they are making it more difficult certain groups this time to get booster🙁

[GinnyE]

I had Moderna on Monday. Sore arm, but nothing else. I guess they think the general population have enough protection. I would have liked my husband to get a shot too but he's never been offered it for my protection.

[Blackberrywine in reply to GinnyE]

People don't get the jab to protect others. Individuals get it to protect themselves. We know jabs don't work like this. Even if both you and your husband got the jab you can both catch, and pass on the virus. This is why jabs cannot be mandated. Nor should they be.

[GinnyE in reply to Blackberrywine]

Not sure why then they have offered vaccination to the carers of the vulnerable? I know the jabs won't entirely stop you catching the virus or passing it on but surely mass vaccination is about a group effort to protect us all. It's complicated I know. Someone else above says their entire family have been offered jabs to protect them? If you're in a high risk group lessening your chances of contracting covid, i.e. from someone with whom you are in very close contact, can only be a plus?

[Blackberrywine in reply to GinnyE]

It's not how these jabs work. They don't stop infection in the way we were initially told, and quite frankly from what we have seen! In fact many people who have had many jabs have still caught covid, and also had issues from the jab itself. Personally I have always felt that it is up to the individual to decide and weigh up the risks for themselves. No one should be coerced into having a jab for another person. Particularly when A) they don't prevent infection, and B) have some serious side effects in some individuals. It's a risk/benefit that each individual has the absolute right to make for themselves. I chose not to have any...I'm hyperallergic to everything! 😊 We don't make everyone have the flu jab. It's offered to those most at risk, and they either take up the offer or refuse.

[GinnyE in reply to Blackberrywine]

I know they don't stop you catching covid but they stop you dying from it. I've just watched the Stravinsky Webair about the current research on the vaccines and antibodies. Very encouraging. But I take your points, indeed my very closest friend has much the same view as yourself.. We leave the subject alone!

[Blackberrywine in reply to GinnyE]

It is totally unethical to guilt, coerce or force healthy individuals into taking any medication for other people. Most people (particularly the young) are not bothered by the virus. It was predominantly the very elderly already sick who succumbed (as in the flu). For those people maybe the jab was worth it from a risk benefit perspective. Not so for younger people where we now see a sharp rise in heart and cancer issues. Informed consent must always be given. It was not. We know as individuals who take some pretty toxic meds that before taking them we are always (or should be) informed of the risks. This is good medical practice. We also know that some meds might work for me but be catastrophic for you.

First do no harm. The choice must always be down to the individual. Otherwise a whole can of worms can be opened with regards to good medical practice and ethics. These issues are worth discussing openly. People have become over emotional about it. I blame government fear mongering for this.

Anyway...have a good day. Wishing everyone the very best of health and happiness. Roll on summer.😊

[GinnyE in reply to Blackberrywine]

I leave the subject alone.

[jbzm in reply to GinnyE]

I was 'there' too. Fascinating stuff! I had my latest samples (still hate drooling!!) taken a couple of weeks ago and was waiting to hear where I'm 'at' before booking my next booster as I don't do very well with them. However, I think I'll take Dr Richter's advice and get on with it 🙈 I've seen here in clinic re respiratory/allergy issues and she's ace. I trust her judgement so I'll get on with it I guess . . . just prevaricating at the mo!

[GinnyE in reply to jbzm]

I emailed them asking for the result and they emailed me back. It was interesting; the first time, I had over 22,000 this last one, 5, 300. So, still in normal range after five months, but clearly the protection does drop off. Hurrah for boosters! (Just my opinion.)

[jbzm in reply to GinnyE]

I had my first set of samples taken a few days before my Autumn booster - 1980. Not overly hopeful! The second set were taken a month after my jab - 5083. Just about into 'normal' range. I'm intrigued to see what the latest set show at six months on from my Autumn booster . . . It would be good if they are higher that 1980 so following the trend Dr R spoke about, gaining a little more protection each time. We shall see. I had forgotten how low they were in October - off to book my booster now.

[GinnyE in reply to jbzm]

I remember vividly how frightened I was when Covid hit and I pinned all my hopes on a vaccine. I’m entirely grateful.

[Knip in reply to GinnyE]

I agree with you Ginny. It is the increased risk of contracting it FROM someone with whom you are in very close contact.

[Blackberrywine in reply to Knip]

Unless you lock yourself in a bubble for the rest of your life you are never going to stop catching bugs and viruses. Were you this afraid about catching the flu? Flu wipes out millions of people each year. Or Sars or Mers? These were devastating. The difference being that we were not bombarded with fear mongering 24 hrs a day. If people want the jab fine go ahead and have it. Your choice. Other people have choices too. The fact that this jab is no longer required for most people should tell you something. Also we do not know the long term effects of having so many jabs. If indiduals are willing to take the risks I would support those individuals to do so. It's the right of the individual to make. It is also my right to weigh up the risks and make the decision for myself. The possible risks for me (and many people) were too high. It is absurd to me to assume that everyone will be fine given the same medicine. We are all different.

I wouldn't put diesel in a petrol car and expect it to function well. The bullying and lack of respect for other people's welfare and bodily autonomy over these jabs has quite frankly blown my mind. It's disappointing.

[Knip in reply to GinnyE]

🥰

[Boxerlady]

I haven't been so lucky this time - had awful shakes in the early hours and still feeling achy; arm very sore. I was meant to be working today but will take the day off; next work scheduled is Saturday so hopefully will be fighting fit by then 😁 I'm seeing it as a positive; if I've reacted like this, I assume that I would have felt even worse if I caught a dose of this variant and hopefully will now have some defence of I come into contact with it 😊

[Knip in reply to Boxerlady]

That is how I looked at it, Boxerlady, focusing on the protection it was hopefully giving me. No adverse reaction this time...except for the sore arm etc and tiredness.

[rmros in reply to Boxerlady]

Hope you feel better quickly, you have my sympathy. Because the last few were okay I thought I'd be all right having it on a Monday but I've had to take the last two days off work. I'm a snooker fan though so it's worked out quite well for me

[Knip in reply to rmros]

Always look on the bright side, mros! 😀 Hope you enjoyed the snooker.

[Boxerlady in reply to rmros]

Had a really quiet day yesterday and an early night. Great night's sleep 😴 and feel better today but still a bit lacking in energy so will take things slowly. I've got lots of seedlings (far too many really!) growing in the spare bedroom so will do some gentle pricking out and watch yet more YouTube gardening videos 😁

[rmros in reply to Boxerlady]

Tell me about it - I can't wait for it to warm up a bit so I can start planting out and get my kitchen table and windowsills back.

[greynot]

I had mine on Mon. Moderna, and just have a slightly sore arm and felt a bit sleepy yesterday.

I think it's a shame that our o/hs or household members aren't eligible. It was the same with the spring booster last year. I'm assuming my husband will be eligible for the annual one in the autumn as he's turned 70. Ha was last year, as a youngster of 69.

[Knip in reply to greynot]

I agree with you greynot re partners not being vaccinated too. A step in the wrong direction I would have thought. It doesn't apply to me because my husband has his because of his age, but I do think it's a backward step for younger people. Take care.

[cathie]

I regret the cuts. I’m eligible, my partner isn’t as he’s younger. You can buy them from ?Boots? Which is restricting something that is for the public good too those who can afford it.

[Knip in reply to cathie]

I don't think you can buy Covid jabs in the UK, Cathie, just the testing kits and you can usually get those free from some pharmacies.

[cathie in reply to Knip]

I dont want to publicise as I disapprove but try googling. Boots do it for south of £100. I really disapprove of this!

[Knip in reply to cathie]

I have just checked this out and you are correct, Cathie. I had thought initially that it must due to a shortage of supply this time. I'm really shocked especially in view of the cutbacks. Thank you for letting us know.

[cathie in reply to Knip]

I find it shocking but may encourage nearest and dearest to get it - had a near miss when daughter tested + 3 days after spending time with us. That was an uncomfortable two weeks ago so I’m cautiously optimistic

[greynot in reply to Knip]

You can now pay and get the jab, at some chemists. Boots is nearly £100 for Pfizer and it seems to be at least £75 elsewhere. There's also the new Novovax which is cheaper.

I think it's good that the choice is there, but I think it's bad that so few groups now have free NHS access. And will we all have to end up paying?

[Knip in reply to greynot]

I agree with you, wholeheartedly, greynot.

[Bookworm55]

I’m 68 and booked in for my Covid booster tomorrow.. I’ve been told a health professional will assess my eligibility at the appointment and useful to bring repeat prescriptions, hospital letters etc. I’m actually waiting for my first Ritiximab infusion and am just on 10mg prednisone atm so not sure how it will go. Will report back!

[janmary in reply to Bookworm55]

I was told not to have a booster within 6 weeks before R infusion and not for 2 months afterwards.

[Bookworm55 in reply to janmary]

I was told at least 2 weeks before or 6 months after. I’ve already delayed the infusion once as I wanted to have my second shingles jab - was just put back on the list and this came up! I’m very much in limbo atm as no one can give me any indication when I’ll get the ritximab and I can’t help feeling that it might have been better to put me on the list in January anyway and then if an appointment came up too soon it could be postponed!!

[janmary in reply to Bookworm55]

I guess the answer is that there is no hard and fast answer!

[Runrig01]

I’ve delayed mine for a few weeks, as I have long journeys for several tests, and don’t want to feel rough for them. I often feel quite unwell with mine, but think it’s mainly because I don’t produce the stress hormone cortisol in response to the vaccine. I don’t mind the side effects, as I think, it means my body is working hard making antibodies, so worth it for me.

I think the reason family members aren’t offered, is that they produce a normal response to the vaccine, re a high level of antibodies, whereas we don’t, so need topping up more frequently.

[Knip in reply to Runrig01]

Yes, they do but they can still pass it on to you if they get it. It would be hard for a couple living in a small apartment for example to keep apart all the time if a partner caught it. As I have said above, it doesn't apply to me, but I do feel for those who might be affected.

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[jbzm in reply to Runrig01]

I've been debating mine as I always feel rough. Crisis after first AZ and three days in the QE. Plan in place for second AZ (double dose on the day and for 48 hours after, then review) which went brilliantly. I thought I had it sussed, followed the plan ever since and, whilst not ended up in crisis, it's been 'hanging on by fingernails to not vomit' time . . . Not fun. Ho hum. Need to put my big girl pants on 😂

[Knip in reply to jbzm]

Sorry to hear this jbzm. Tricky decision. The very thought of vomiting turns my stomach. I'm 'brave' regarding dealing with pain etc but I'm an absolute coward if I'm being sick and feel very sorry for my self. Thinking of you and feeling for you. 🥰

[jbzm in reply to Knip]

Thank you so much. I hate vomiting (not sure many enjoy it!) but I only have to vomit once before my body descends into adrenal crisis as I have absolutely no cortisol totally undetectable) nor ACTH. I'm on hydrocortisone thrice daily so vomiting is top of my 'don't go there' list 🤣

Once I start vomiting I end up in hospital for three days at least. My sodium plummets and it continues to drop for the first 24 hours whilst they are plying me with IV saline/potassium. It usually takes at least 36 hours to start to stabilise my sodium and I'll often have only truly vomited once. Not a happy place to be 🙈

My adrenal situation isn't caused by steroids as it started before I was diagnosed with RA and never had huge or frequent doses of steroids before that. My Rheumy won't give me them - I think he's wary of my Endo who, truth be told, couldn't care less if I'm given them. He's very laid back and expects other departments to use what they need . . . ! Bit of a mystery but hey.

[Runrig01 in reply to jbzm]

I do get a lot of low cortisol symptoms following vaccines. I suffer migraines where I vomit 10-12 times, so regularly use my emergency steroid injection. Thankfully each time, it has stopped the vomiting and I’m able to stay at home. My endocrinologist is happy with this, as long as I respond to the injection. I agree it is very frightening, when you start going down that slippery path. I had to stay in hospital for 2 nights recently for a colonoscopy, as despite having 100mg IV hydrocortisone every 6hrs I still got extremely dehydrated. I have my shingles next week, and covid the peek after, and dreading the low symptoms. Like you my cortisol is undetectable, my adrenals are 90% atrophied. 🤗

[cathie]

my rituximab nfusion doctor said covid jab 4 weeks after second infusion. That’s the regs here in Scotland

[Louise0000]

I had my jab on Tuesday don't know as I wasn't told which one but I am really poorly and have never been poorly before

[Knip in reply to Louise0000]

Louise, I'm really sorry to hear that and I hope that you will soon be feeling better. xx

[Louise0000 in reply to Knip]

Thank you kindly xx