Flu jab - yes/no this year

[casares8]

I know it is recommended to have the flu vaccination this year particularly because of covid, but i wonder if really necessary as we are in a lockdown area, not going out and mixing and when out shopping wearing a mask. How would we catch if we are not mixing? I have never had the vaccination as only just 65, and am worried about side effects. I am a small quite underweight person, and have heard the vaccination is even stronger than normal this year as containing 4 strains. I feel it might do me more harm than good. I am not prone to the flu (cant remember how many yrs ago i had it but a long time) but have lived abroad many years until this last year, whether that makes any difference i dont know? Just cannot decide whats best

[userotc]

I believe it's simply a personal decision. whether you receive replies here or not. Personally I have made mine based on factors including:

1. Do I normally get the flu?

2. Is there a significant risk of side effects from the vaccine now/future?

3. Is the vaccine likely to work for me?

Since it's personal, I wouldn't wish to try to influence your decision by stating the outcome from my assessment.

The main difficulty in deciding is knowing the answers to 2,3 particularly since the medics don't disclose info and online research may be patchy. So we probably have to go with our gut.

Good luck.

[Pthom50 in reply to userotc]

Hi..am 70 and I have had the flu jab. I am very sensitive to any medication other than paracetamol so I did feel yucky for a few days. I would always have the yearly jab as have had flu once and wouldn't want to go through it again if I can possibly help it! At the end of the day it's your decision...keep us posted

[userotc in reply to Pthom50]

I think you meant to send this message to post originator casares8

[Whoopdedoo]

Both my wife and I have had the flu jab for the last 5 years, 3 of which we paid for. Most years your arm feel like you walked into a door but it’s never affected my IBS.

Having had ‘proper’ flu, where you are dead to the outside world for a full 2 weeks, I certainly wouldn’t want it again.

It’s like any other thing like Covid or even IBS, if you were offered a vaccine, would you take it for those?

[cassiex]

Personally I usually have the jab but I am asthmatic. I've had the flu before when I didn't have the jab and would rather avoid it making me so ill again if I can which is why I tend to have it.

I had mine 2 days ago and have just had a bit of a tender arm if I knock it or lift it

[Hidden]

I don't know if the jabs are different for over and under 65s but I am under and have the jab as I take immune suppressing drugs. GP told me this is the third year of the same jab, no change. If you are eligible, personally I'd have it. There's a reason why you are now eligible - you are now in a category with a higher risk of complications. People forget flu is a killer.

[casares8]

Thank you everyone! Gives me more food for thought. I have cancelled my appointment for today to give me more time to decide, but can always make another appointment. I read somewhere that the vaccination is only about 50% effective so wondered if many people still get the flu even if they have had the flu jab? Or would it be a milder form, not sure.

[userotc in reply to casares8]

Of course, with natural protection/prevention (diet, herbs etc), my earlier points 2, 3 effectively become redundant and simplify the decision. I can pm suitable link(s), if you wish.

[Ellie-Louise]

We both had the flu jab this year, last Saturday, so exactly a week ago. We don’t as a rule but we were advised to. Both in our 70’s neither of us have had any sort of reaction to it.

The nurse told me that it included an immune booster within the inactivated vaccine. We were also given a comprehensive leaflet all about it.

I have had the flu, only once in the 80’s but I never want to feel that I’ll ever again. I can’t imagine how ill we would be if it coincided with COVID. So although we stay at home and have everything delivered, I thought we should have the jab this year just to be as safe as we could possibly make ourselves.

[Beezwax]

I am also undecided - I am not eligible through age or health conditions - but my work place offer the vaccination. I am in an older age group re coronavirus so I am more worried about getting that. There is debate about the benefits of getting the flu vaccine vis a vis coronavirus. It should prevent you getting flu on top of coronavirus but there is also some opinion that viruses compete with each other. If that’s true I would want to get flu rather than coronavirus.

I usually don’t get side effects to vaccinations but I am more cautious this year having had a fairly immediate bad reaction to a hepatitis vaccination I had to have last year. As I’ve got older I seem to have more reactions to medications as well.

Basically I am not sure. My partner is eligible for the flu vaccine but hates injections so probably won’t get it done unless I do.

[Shortybum]

I had my first ever flu jab this year as I’m a hairdresser I thought with covid and seeing quite a lot of people a week I should have it even though we take every precaution I’m work mask visor hand washing sanitizers and do all the same when going food shopping

I’ve had no reaction apart from a sore arm for a few days

[Superzob]

I think it’s important that people understand what happens when you get ill and how vaccines help. A lot of people think their symptoms are caused by the virus, but they are actually caused by the immune system. Consequently, it’s quite likely that you will get side effects from the vaccine because the immune system is responding to the virus proteins, even though the virus is inactivated (it can’t infect cells).

Last year, the vaccine for the over-65s included an adjuvant, which stimulates the immune system; consequently, I felt under weather for about 5 days. However, that was a lot better than the real thing which I got 4 years ago, when I had the jab without the adjuvant. So I will definitely be getting it this year!

[casares8 in reply to Superzob]

Ok thats interesting, thanks x

[Eliana5]

I think to be on the safe side to get it. I don't get out much either..but I live in a dorm like group home..so even though I wear a mask some people don't or they forget too. I think you can even get it by touching a contaminated surface. It's very contagious..so one can never be 100 safe or certain. I would rather be safe than sorry so I went ahead and got mine.

[ansvar]

Good luck with whatever you decide. I am 87 I had the flu jab A couple of days ago and I’ve had no reaction at all.