Flu vaccine - 2021 update

[DorsetLady]

If you’re still dithering about getting the flu jab, the following links may help you make the decision - from British Heart Foundation -

bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...

..and myth busting link - although 3 & 5 might not apply 😳

rlbuht.nhs.uk/staff-blogs/r...

[Telian]

Mine’s booked for Saturday. Information will be useful for some.

[MrsNails]

In FAQ’s

[Cosmos22Marigold]

Thanks again. , had my jab last week but good to read.

[Koalajane]

I had mine last week as I was offered it whilst at my diabetic review and jumped at it

[Nextoneplease]

Thanks DL - mine's booked for Saturday but I still can’t get any reply from the surgery about the third primary Covid jab 🤷‍♀️

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Nextoneplease]

One’s a starter I guess…might be worth enquiring on Saturday. 🤔

[Telian in reply to Nextoneplease]

I’m having mine on Saturday - was told there had to be a gap between flu jab and my covid booster. Will get to know more on Saturday

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Telian]

Let’s us know please - then we can advise others if need be.

[Telian in reply to DorsetLady]

Will do

[Nextoneplease in reply to DorsetLady]

The closest I’ve got to any info from my GP is that she said there should be a week between Covid and flu jabs - but that they haven’t yet organised the Covid third jabs anyway!

[dartmoorlass in reply to DorsetLady]

My East Devon son (56 yrs) phoned earlier to say he'd just been to have his 3rd Pfizer shot and was offered the flu vaccine at the same time, one in each arm which he accepted. I'd understood there should be at least one week between Covid and flu jabs. Personally, I wouldn't be happy to have both together until we've seen a few more results. I'll post any side effects if they occur.

[Hidden]

Thanks for the reminder, we were offered it last year for the first time at 59 and 60 but as we were strictly social distancing and not going anywhere non essential at all we did not have it. We’ve yet to be offered this season and feel reluctant to have it unless NHS will continue to provide it each year which usually applies from 65 onwards I think? We realise immunity has decreased due to Covid strictures but feel we should let it rebuild itself unless free flu jabs will be annual from now on?Advice welcome?

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Hidden]

Are you not eligible to a free vaccine due to your illness? If so, then anyone living with you should be as well. I was when I was younger when my late hubby was ill. Anyone over 50 that meets the criteria should get it free, but as it’s only £14.50 per shot personally I woukd be prepared to pay if necessary.

See link - nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinati...

All the medical experts are saying they expect the flu to be more severe this winter because, as you rightly say, everyone’s immunity (including healthy people) is lower than normal.

Plus heard yesterday on news, that a study has shown that if you have 6 years of flu vaccines it reduces the risk of dementia - in today’s Times I believe.

[Oumaof2]

Thank you DL, very useful...

I'm concerned as I'm having both on Saturday...

I'm doing pretty well on 3 mg Pred, apart from awful fatigue, so, wondering if I

should request only one at a time?...

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Oumaof2]

The jury still seems to be out on this…….some say leave a week between the two, but originally advice did suggest both at same time…logistically that probably makes sense.

Think it maybe up to individual surgeries….if you’re concerned maybe check your options…you obviously don’t want to upset your PMR.

This was in Guardian few days ago - theguardian.com/society/202...

[Oumaof2 in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you... I'll call the surgery...Will let you know... 🌻

[LeighDelaine]

Had mine 8 days ago. All fine; no side effects at all, happy to say.

[Rottsuzi]

Hi , I got my 3rd vaccine and my flu shot on Saturday felt totally fine and they said a fourth and then a booster to follow.

[Bcol]

Thanks DL, had my flu jab 10 days ago and happy to say no reaction at all (on 9mg at moment). Got next covid booked for end of the month.

[Grammy80]

Thanks so much for putting all of this info out there for all of us.💖

[Spittal9]

I got my third Pfizer vaccine and my flu vaccine a week ago. Gradually my fatigue has built up, to the point yesterday I could not function at all. I had to call in sick to work. I feel absolutely exhausted. I’ll be off again today and hopefully it’ll improve for me to go back next week. Seeing my GP anyway on Monday which is good “to review my medications”. They want to know why I’m not in a lower dose.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Spittal9]

Sorry to hear that….hope you soon feel better.

Why are you’re not on a lower dose? Because you need the dose you’re on, if you could be lower you would be. Do people think you want to be on a higher dose than necessary…does make me cross.

[Spittal9]

Thank you. My mantra is minimum dose for maximum effect and that’s what I’ll be saying to my GP. I was off work for two months recently with my PMR and upped my dose at that time but as I was still in a lot of pain I’ve been really slow to start tapering again. I have started to go down again as pain has subsided. Now just have to deal with the fatigue again.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Spittal9]

Is the fatigue the PMR (it is for me when I try to exceed my limits) or is it the lack of adrenal function?

[Spittal9 in reply to PMRpro]

It’s the PMR as I’m currently taking 14mg of pred. I’m absolutely exhausted. I’m still working full time, although working from home 3 days a week, although doing quite a bit of driving when I’m out and about for work and that’s taking its toll big time.