Flu Jab

[Maryfrombury]

Can someone help please, I wonder if I should have a flu jab I have never had one. I have Autoimmune Hepatitis and PMR I take 8mg at the moment but am suffering.l am 80 and am carer to my husband 88 who suffers from kidney and heart failure, he doesn’t get out much but I am afraid of being ill and not being able to look after him. So do I or don’t ?

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Under the circumstances you would usually be told it was very important. Your husband is at risk - and it isn't always about us. If you get flu you can pass it on to him and he would possibly be very ill because of his medical conditions. The flu jab isn't perfect - but it does reduce the risk to at least half.

I always worried about being refused the flu jab when my daughter with asthma and husband with lung problems were considered at risk and so always got the jab. My husband missed one year (ill at the time and forgot to go back) and got flu - he was in bed for 3 weeks and it took 6 months for the fluid on the lung to clear up.

If 8mg isn't enough to stop your symptoms - you need a bit more. There is no virtue in taking too low a dose - you have all the downsides with no benefits to balance them out.

[Maryfrombury in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you PMRpro

I will make a appointment

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Hi,

Yes on three counts -

Your immune system is compromised,

You are a carer, and

You are over 65 !

[Maryfrombury in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you Dorset Lady

Will do

[SheffieldJane]

I think I would on balance Mary. It isn’t a live vaccine and it will reduce your chances of getting flu. It really sounds like you are doing too much and perhaps your Prednisalone is not controlling your symptoms. It would be a good idea to talk these things over with your GP. There may be some help you two can access. Best wishes Jane x

[Maryfrombury]

Thank you Sheffieldjane

You have all convinced me x

[Atracta in reply to Maryfrombury]

Are you really from Bury? Just a coincidence, I'm from Bury and I'm 80. I am going to have my shot, I have GCA, Yes It is worth having and you are a career too.

[Maryfrombury in reply to Atracta]

Hi Atracta, yes I do live in bury and have booked a flu jab,

Thanks to being convinced by members.

[GOOD_GRIEF]

Good.

And for anyone else reading this, get the shot. Have your spouses get the shot. Have your friends get the shot. Have your kids get the shot. Have your grandkids get the shot.

The more people who get the shot, the less flu will be around, which protects those who cannot get the shot.

Some 80,000 people in the US died from the flu last year, and another 20-30,000 were temporarily or permanently disabled by complications.

The shot hurts for a minute or so. Getting the flu can knock the young, healthy and vigorous on their backs for weeks. Imagine what it can do to us?

If you are the least bit hesitant because of other factors, consult your doctor.

But unless it is contra-indicated by a medical condition, EVERYONE should get the shot.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to GOOD_GRIEF]

I regard all vaccinations as a pulic duty and service. Measles and all those other "harmless childhood illnesses" can kill even healthy people. It is our responsibility to protect the ones who can't have the shots because of medical reasons.

[Maryfrombury in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you again PMRpro

[Maryfrombury in reply to GOOD_GRIEF]

Thank you GOOD GRIEF

[Joaclp]

I see that you have autoimmune hepatitis and wonder how it is affecting you. I had it in 2002-2003. If I can be of any help, let me know. What medications are you using? Is it coming under control? Best wishes.

[Maryfrombury in reply to Joaclp]

Thank you Joachim, under control with preds

[Marymon]

I had the jab on Friday, in fact had forgotten I had it. No reaction.

There was a pharmacist in attendance, and I explained I was on Pred. Told quite it would be safe.

So, go for it all this things considered.

[Telian]

Definitely have it. There is a nationwide shortage of the vaccine in the UK for over 65s - it's been split into age groups this year, over 75s first, under 60s then the rest. Vaccine at my surgery should have been in today (2nd date given) and is now pushed back to the 1st November. If they've got it where you are I would get it. I'm going to try and find a pharmacy that has some left but it seems unlikely. We'd had ours in September last year. ATB.

[joat in reply to Telian]

Did not realise there was a shortage just thought it was my surgery making a mess of things again. Have a pharmacy attached to the surgery so went there and luckily had the jab.

[Telian in reply to joat]

Wow - result there, well done you. We can't get them for love nor money and hubby says he feels like he's getting a cold - God Help Us All!

PS: Hearing you've had yours gave me the impetus to try another pharmacy and guess what we're booked in for tomorrow - thank you.

[joat in reply to Telian]

So glad I was of help, cheered me up as have had a lousy day one way and another!

[piglette in reply to Telian]

My surgery is not getting any under 65 vaccine until November!

[Telian in reply to piglette]

I know it's not their fault but what a farce this year, three different vaccines for the different age groups and no reliability as when they are coming in - all I know is hubby is threatening for a 'chest' and can't afford for that to happen so will cancel our 2nd November appt as managed to get booked into Morrison's Pharmacy later today.

[karools16 in reply to Telian]

Yes, my pharmacist told me too today , that they were short of flu vaccine, but would let me know when in. Have decided to use Boots, this year, instead, as the surgery costs 2 taxis, and the bus free.

[Telian in reply to karools16]

Wise decision - hope you don't have to wait as long as Piglette!!

[Maryfrombury in reply to Telian]

Booked in 24/10 thank you for message

[Telian in reply to Maryfrombury]

Had mine today, all okay so far, good luck.

[piglette in reply to Telian]

In a surgery near me they had a notice saying “wait here for flu jab for over 65 years!”

[Telian in reply to piglette]

Well they're is a shortage!

[Telian in reply to piglette]

I told the pharmacist, who did my flu jab today, what you said, she thought it was hilarious!

[Marijo1951]

I support everybody who's commented so far. Even an uncomplicated bout of flu is extremely debilitating and you need to avoid the risk.

[Katrinaroper]

I have had mine...with no problems at all...you would be worse with flu!

[Maryfrombury]

Thank you all, I have made appointment for jab.

[AndrewT]

Dear Maryfrombury,

As nice short answer, for you, YES you should! Anyone, who is 'Immunocompromised' should have one, anyone who is a 'Carer', should have one, anyone who is over sixty-five, should have one.....As I said yes. That said, please do talk to your Doctor(s)- or Pharmacist- if you have any Worries. Yes, I know, you have heard, ALL the 'Stories'...Which ARE STORIES, nothing more! Have I had one, this year? Of cause I have, last Friday, to be exact.

Honestly Mary, you will be fine, AND Protected against a VERY Debilitating Condition. Will you get any 'Side Effects', you may well ask. Perhaps a, slightly sore, arm perhaps, though highly unlikely, a few 'Snivels' the next week. Either way, far better, than the FLU!!!!

I hope that has Clarified/ Reassured you Mary. Please give our, very best, wishes to your Husband. I personally know, a great deal, about Kidney Problems. I was on dialysis, for four years- prior, to having, a Kidney Transplant, in July 2013.

Warmest wishes

AndrewT

[Maryfrombury]

Andrew many thanks for your message, I have booked a appointments for my jab.Regards Mary