Flu Jab: Can someone help please, I wonder if I... - PMRGCAuk

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Flu Jab

Maryfrombury profile image
33 Replies

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 ?

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Maryfrombury profile image
Maryfrombury
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33 Replies
PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador

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 profile image
Maryfrombury in reply to PMRpro

Thank you PMRpro

I will make a appointment

DorsetLady profile image
DorsetLadyPMRGCAuk volunteer

Hi,

Yes on three counts -

Your immune system is compromised,

You are a carer, and

You are over 65 !

Maryfrombury profile image
Maryfrombury in reply to DorsetLady

Thank you Dorset Lady

Will do

SheffieldJane profile image
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 profile image
Maryfrombury

Thank you Sheffieldjane

You have all convinced me x

Atracta profile image
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 profile image
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 profile image
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 profile image
PMRproAmbassador 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 profile image
Maryfrombury in reply to PMRpro

Thank you again PMRpro

Maryfrombury profile image
Maryfrombury in reply to GOOD_GRIEF

Thank you GOOD GRIEF

Joaclp profile image
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 profile image
Maryfrombury in reply to Joaclp

Thank you Joachim, under control with preds

Marymon profile image
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 profile image
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 profile image
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 profile image
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 profile image
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 profile image
piglette in reply to Telian

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

Telian profile image
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 profile image
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 profile image
Telian in reply to karools16

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

Maryfrombury profile image
Maryfrombury in reply to Telian

Booked in 24/10 thank you for message

Telian profile image
Telian in reply to Maryfrombury

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

piglette profile image
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 profile image
Telian in reply to piglette

Well they're is a shortage!

Telian profile image
Telian in reply to piglette

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

Marijo1951 profile image
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 profile image
Katrinaroper

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

Maryfrombury profile image
Maryfrombury

Thank you all, I have made appointment for jab.

AndrewT profile image
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 profile image
Maryfrombury

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

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