Flu jab

[Godrevy1960]

Has anyone refused to have a flu jab or had more flu like symptoms afterwards. I was just wondering if the steroids would affect anything in any way. Currently on 17.5mg.

for PMR.

[Bubbsyboo]

I'm on 17.5 too. I've refused flu jab. Don't know if that right to do or not but decided to not chance it.

[May10]

I have had my flu jab for the last 3 years since the start of PMR with no adverse result.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Hi,

I had flu jab all the way through my Pred journey - sometimes on higher doses that you quote. No problems whatsoever - for me anyway.

This year apparently the jab is slightly different in that it may well affect the auto immune system more than previous versions, and is known as an adjuvanted trivalent vaccine - see nhs site -

nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinati...

It is recommended for patients on long term steroid medication.

Best to take advice from your GP if you are still concerned.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

The vaccine cannot cause flu - if you develop a flu or cold immediately after having it it was already being incubated in your body.

It is better to have the vaccine and let your body do its best with it than to meet the flu unprepared. It may not be perfect but it should reduce the risk to about half.

[Constance13 in reply to PMRpro]

When should we have the jab, now or in October/November?

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Constance13]

When your region issues it - the peak flu season varies from country to country so the vaccine is issued in waves. Then you need a few weeks for it to create a level of immunity. So once it is sent to your doctors - get in the queue!

[Grants148]

I have had bad reactions from flu jabs,although l did have them for several years without a problem.l am reluctant to try one again and have not had one since2013 but l do believe they are needed to help control flu from getting out of control.

[GOOD_GRIEF]

You can't get the flu from a dead virus.

Some people get a fever and the attending headaches, body aches because the immune system is busy manufacturing anti-bodies, which it is stimulated to do by the vaccine. Usually resolves itself in a day. And, of course, the injection sight may have an ache for a day or so. Make sure they use your non-dominant arm.

True, there can be some discomfort, but it sure beats getting the flu, which can knock the young and healthy on their butt for weeks, and for we older and immuno-compromised folks, can be very serious or even deadly.

Get the shot unless your doctor tells you not to.

[HeronNS]

I didn't have the flu shot my first winter with pred. I did have it last year. Waiting to see what they have on offer this winter before deciding. I have never normally had flu shot and until relatively recently it wasn't even recommended for people under 65, as well as younger folk at risk; now everyone's supposed to get it. I finally agreed last year because it was available in single use format, rather than a larger container which of course would include preservatives. I thought the preservatives probably more problematic than the vaccine itself. Now I'm concerned about what the ajuvants do and would like to know more about their safety.

[GOOD_GRIEF in reply to HeronNS]

It's safer then getting the flu.

[HeronNS in reply to GOOD_GRIEF]

I seem to be quite immune to these things. Famous last words, I know. On the other hand I sometimes wonder what will I die of if I keep immunizing myself against things like flu and pneumonia. Got to go with something. Most of the other things seem rather painful and drawn out. Can they immunize me against dementia? Cancer? COPD? Parkinsons? Nope. Pneumonia is called the old man's friend for a reason. If I were a spry 60 something maybe it would make sense (although I was resistant even to the common cold throughout my 60s), but having achieved, indeed surpassed, my allotted three score and ten, well.... Dying would solve all my problems.

[tangocharlie in reply to HeronNS]

Oh dear Heron NS, you sound a bit down and depressed. I'm inspired by my neighbour who is 95, has hardly been out the house for a year since breaking her back, but is optimistically about to renew her driving licence and reckons she'll be playing golf again next year. Hope you're feeling better today? *Sending a virtual hug* PS I never get colds either, only time I've ever had a bad cold was after my first flu jab, and I actually think it was the start of my PMR.

[HeronNS in reply to tangocharlie]

Thank you for the kind words. No, this is just me. Right now I'm majorly stressed because we've bought a condo which needs so much work done to it and so far we are still collecting estimates, and so on .... Sometimes kicking the bucket seems like the easy way out, but I know we'll be happy when all the work's done and we've moved in.

I'd like to live on a cruise ship for the next three months and come back to find the place has been beautifully done just the way I like it. 😎😀

[Dewdrop456 in reply to HeronNS]

But then you wouldn't be here anymore and we would miss you.(I meant the dying bit) The cruise sounds like a great idea !

[nickm001 in reply to HeronNS]

I was always wondering what impact ajuvants have on other viruses that one has in their system at the time of vaccination? Are their impact also amplified? Maybe that is why so many talk about having a cold after flu jab.

[Summer66 in reply to HeronNS]

Does any one know what the adjuvant is in the over 65. And why don’t I have a choice of flue jab. I want the under 65 but have been told by my doctor that NHS ENgland say I cannot have it, I am not even allowed one if I pay for it. What ever happened to freedom of choice. I always have had the flue jab and have done for the past 18 years but I want the under65 flue jab not the one for over 65 but I am told this one or none at all, this is not right.

[HeronNS in reply to Summer66]

has any reason been given for the difference? Perhaps most people over 65 have already been thoroughly exposed in the past to the missing component and don't really need it?

[Sandradsn]

I've only had the flu jab once,about 4 years ago.I hardly ever get colds or coughs, I do seem to be immune to them🤔,haven't had one for 2 years.I don't know whether to have jab,it's just not knowing what's in it.I never took medication until PMR😜

[Bamber99]

I had the jab on Friday. No side effects. Some years pre Pred I’ve had a reaction to jab of swollen hot area around the injection area. I assume this relates to the individual ingredients of the vaccine

[stellafmdm]

I'm in a high risk group (COPD) and have to have it yearly, Never any problem even on Pred at the higher doses. I'm currently on 8mg and reducing with DSNS and will have the jab in Oct.

[animalactivist]

I find flu jabs cause very bad symptoms for me

It wasn't long after a flu jab I went down with polymylgia

[Linny3]

Last year I had my first one in 45years. I had no problem with it and will get one this year.

[Reethebeat]

Hi, I have had the flu jab for years, still on Pred. as ev erybody is saying better than having the flu.

[Anitao2]

Hi having my flu jab this morning will let you know how it goes ! Am down to 2.5mg though but don't feel great !

[Hidden]

I always decline & did so when l was working in the NHS too

Just a personal preference!