just wondering if anyone is NOT having the flu jab this year? And for what reason.... There are so many conflicting reports wether it actually works also the bad side effects from actually having the jab...me I'm still thinking about it as I do get a bad reaction every time I have it...
had my pneumonia jab last Tuesday (well over 65 but was missed for some reason) and I was told to wait 10 mins in the surgery to ensure no bad reaction once I explained I lived alone (except for 'lurch') and had to drive home. nurse offered to do flu jab at the same time - I said no thanks so have the flu jab in 2 weeks time sore arm and have felt a bit 'off' for the last few days but previous 'flu jabs' have been fine unless of course this year is different.
We have just had ours and DH had shingles jab as well, so far so good. The queue was very long but so good natured with lots of joking that it didn't seem so bad.
Here in France we get paperwork from the equivalent of the health service (over 65) and have collected the vaccine from the pharmacy - went to have it done by the nurse yesterday and she told us that the local Dr had told her not to give it to anyone till beginning of Nov so we would be covered for the worst months - Nov- Jan --- she told us to go and buy some stuff from the pharmacy - smells a bit like Vick - and to put that on everyday while in UK to keep the different bugs at bay. They go in for a lot of homeopathic/natural remedy type stuff here - so have done as she said.
Just had my annual flu jab this morning. Been having it for some years with no bad reaction, but after reading some of the above posts I am now feeeling apprehensive.....
Just realised that 4 year olds are eligible this year so checking that my youngest grandson has been offered one. I'm having mine on Sunday; first time I've had to pay .
There is a nasal spray flu vaccine being given to children - I wonder if this might be offered to adults with an egg allergy or whether it is only suitable for use with children.
Jenty61 - if you have a bad reaction each time you have the 'flu jab, it's probably best to speak to your GP about it to see if they throw any light on why that is happening.
Jenty61 I posted a reply about flu on the "ebola" thread (where Hollydaze thought that 30,000 people are predicted to die of flu this winter - I could not find that figure but did find 8.000 as a yearly average)
Oh for goodness sake, get the facts right: I did not say I thought anything of the sort, it was a comment made on a BBC programme by panel guests
Had mine this week, no side effects. I'm immuno suppressed, and did get flu over the millennium holiday. It was truly awful, white blood cell count dropped, terrible chest infection and 5 weeks off work. I'd had a flu jab, but as others have said, there are different strains of the dreaded flu.
My dad had on when he was about 70, never had another, as he said it made him ill. Personal choice I guess
I turned 65 a couple of weeks ago and, along with all the other things my GP Surgery suddenly want to check I got my first call up for a flu jab.
To be honest I don't think I would have one for myself - although I would have to take into account that they are expecting a worse year this year - but I am my mother's carer and will have it in the hope I stay fit over the winter
I'll be having it next week, DH has already had it. As a diabetic with a compromised immune system he has no choice, this year one of the nurses pounced the minute she saw him.
Only had it once about 5 years ago and spent several months with a hacking cough. Normally have good health and so have decided to risk not having it again. Time will tell.
I won't be having it I think I built up some immunity during my working life and would rather rely on that . I haven't had Flu for over 40yrs despite being in contact with lots of people who have had it over the years.