Flu jabs!!

[Snoddyoddbod]

I know, I'm a bit ahead of the seasons but I have a question for the informed collective

As a life dependent on levothyroxine after RAI treatment, is one entitled to a free flu jab??

I await the replies from the fountains of knowledge

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Here is the list of eligible people/conditions for a free flu jab, but it's also down to the clinical judgement of the GP:

nhs.uk/Conditions/vaccinati...

I am in more than one group ie over 65 and chronic long term respiratory disease (COPD plus bronchiectasis).

I choose not to have the flu jab -

It only covers a very few strains of flu which can only be guessed at, there's no guarantee that the strains included in the vaccine are the strains that are going to be around that year.

We are not given a Patient Information Leaflet appertaining to the vaccine which lists ingredients but they do contain -

Thiomersal which is a preservative that contains small amounts of mercury.

Most killed vaccines (which the flu jab is) contain a small amount of aluminium.

Trace amounts of formaldehyde may be found, it is used in the early stage of manufacturing to kill the bacteria/virus/toxin and is diluted out.

I'm not comfortable with all that so I choose to boost my immune system rather than risk any possible effects of a flu jab.

I haven't had as much as a cold in about 20 years.

Just my own views which I wouldn't impose on anyone else, we all have to make our own minds up after weighing up the pros and cons.

[Snoddyoddbod in reply to SeasideSusie]

Thank you seaside susie.

By the look of that I will need to get my own.

Reason I asked is dearest daughter has had a snotty cold and passed it on. Am now on anti biotics throat spray and pain stuff.

Next time someone bring a cold home I'm moving out!!!!

[Justiina in reply to Snoddyoddbod]

Flu jab only prevent influenza, if even that. Like flu jab given 2016/2017 had weak protection as wrong viruses was assumed to cause influenza this season.

For a common cold zinc should work well. I do not know what type of products are available globally but we have zinc spray and liquid that has proven to help and lessen the symptoms.

[Kitti1]

Hi Snoddyoddbod

Hope your ok. Fraid I cant help you with that one hopefully a knowledgeable bod will be along soon BR

[bantam12]

I get one, may depend on the surgery.

[Phoenix605]

I was offered one last winter, only diagnosed last year but havent been offered one befire

[whispers60]

I've had hypothyrodism for 25 plus years and diagnosed Hashimotos a few years sgo and never offered one, the reason being, I think, is that I don't have a compromised/suppressed immune system ( like people with many other illnesses or undergoing chemo etc) but an auto immune problem which is different. Personally, I wouldn't have it anyway

[Zephyrbear]

The only time I ever got flu was the year I accepted the offer of a free flu jab... Haven't bothered since. Maintaining a good level of hygiene (especially washing hands properly in public loos etc.) and a steady supply of Vit C and zinc means I have avoided getting flu or colds again.

[nigelm]

I started on Levothyroxine last year around the flu jab time and asked if I was eligible and the chemist said no - got mine done in ASDA for £5.

[Angel_of_the_North]

Who knows, with a possible new government in the offing with new policies. But bear in mind that there is no evidence that flu jabs prevent flu in most people.

[Hidden]

I now have so little faith in the doctors now that I wouldn't take anything optional they recommended, even if they paid me!

Probably far more appropriate to take Vitamin C tablet each day.

[Hamble]

For the past two years I've refused the flu jab for many of the reasons mentioned above. Also, antibiotics won't work on a cold. If you take them for that, it weakens your immune system and they won't work when you really need them.

[Scouser58]

Hello Snoddyoddbod,,,,,yes you have along term medical condition,,and flu could upset the balance you have with your levothyroxine,,,so quick chek with the doctors,,and get on the mailing list ,,mine send a letter when the flu jab sessions are being run,,,,they want more people to have the flu jab,,,it saves on problems later on,,if you were to be stricken with the condition,,hope this helps,,,,ttfn from karen.

[LAHs]

I had a 'flu shot once and never had the 'flu again for over 10 years! I rarely have 'flu shots but that one year it was predicted that swine 'flu would be coming the following year, since the 'flu I already had almost killed me I couldn't stomach a 'flu even stronger.

I agree with Panda321, get a lot of vit. C.

Zinc also helps boost the immune system but my advice is get it via cashew nuts, that will save you overdosing. Zinc toxicity is real and very unpleasant. Get a blood test first to see if you are even deficient.