Hate the word "jab" in the media.

It doesn't bother me in the slightest.

I think they are trying to demystify the vaccine, and are using the colloquial expression to make it sound less threatening, in the hope that more people will take it up.

You may be right, Doodledog. It does sounds so very casual as a "jab" though, and not at all reassuring.

It conjures up images of someone not practiced at delivering vaccines just having a go at it.

I'm not bothered what it is called . The most important thing is that as many people as possible are vaccinated, as quickly as possible.

As for jab, its more common here in Glasgow to hear jag.

Jag here also in County Antrim.

I complained to the BBC about it, notspaghetti.
The word ‘jab’ is not only slang & unprofessional but is also very triggering for many people with a needle phobia & could actually deter people from getting the vaccine.

I've been nursing since the 1960's and the term "jab" has always been used for injections. There really isn't any term which is going to make it sound any different - someone sticks a needle into your arm no matter what you call it.

It doesn’t bother me, after all they do jab you don’t they ? It’s one term that has always been used I remember it being called that when I was a kid
Most medical terms have a shortened or easier form I don’t think anyone with a needle phobia would find it any worse a term than ‘injection’ which surely conjure up the same thought

I think it is the least of our worries TBH

We blithely talk of the flu jab, why should this be different.?
Actually as Doodledog says the informality makes it sound less intimidating which can only be a good thing. There are already too many people expressing doubts and fears (here on GN as well as out there) and anything which maximises uptake has to be a good thing.
I too was brought up with “jag” in Scotland so it took me a few years to get used to “jab” here in England.
But to paraphrase, I don’t care what they call it as long as they call me for it.

Doesn’t bother me in the slightest what they call it .

However I much prefer what my sister-in - law with SEN calls it when she repeatedly asks and says ‘ Are you scared of pricks ? ‘ ‘ So and so is scared of pricks’ ...

The care staff have had their’s where she lives and it’s a current topic of conversation for her .

I've been texting 'vax' which is dreadful, so best change to jab methinks. Call it what you like, but bring it on!
Has anyone seen the photo being used in the Telegraph today, which I have seen on BBC too, of someone supposedly having a vaccination? Looks like a blood test to me. I could be wrong of course.

My eldest DGD used to refer to the childhood injections she was going to have as "stabbings" so thinks "jab" is at least preferable to that!

Like your paraphrase Maw!

They just need a short word to fit in the headline space.

And as has been said by a few above, it's the usual term for vaccinations by needle, it certainly was when I was a child. My Scottish friend also says "jag" like Mary doll &and co. I'd like to know how that originated because it doesn't seem very accurate a description. You aren't left with a jagged scar, after all..

I don't care either to be honest! What I do find alarming is the number of people trying to jump the queue in getting their 'jab'! Some friends of a colleague of mine have been phoning around all their contacts, friends and relatives encouraging them to phone a particular number to get their Covid vaccine sooner............bloody selfish idiots!
My colleague and I will wait patiently for our turn.

I was brought up in a more refained part of Scotland and we never used the word jag.

MawB I will be nudging you out of the way so I can get to the top of the queue.

I normally have my flu jab from the local pharmacist so I may ask if they are being allowed to dispense. Keeping track will be the most difficult especially when there are 12 weeks between for the second. My memory may be going but give me a second date and I will be there.

I’m not bothered what it’s called either - nor who or where I get it from! The local Vet if necessary, as long as I get it. We are always told to expect a ‘sharp scratch’ which again isn’t really correct either.

NotSpaghetti what word would you prefer?

Jab, jag whatever...... Injection is a bit of a pompous mouthful by comparison. We all know what it means. At least no one has come on here, so far, to say they're not having it. This is the first time I can think of when being of mature vintage might be an advantage. Can't wait for the call. Hallelujah!

Georgesgran

I’m not bothered what it’s called either - nor who or where I get it from! The local Vet if necessary, as long as I get it. We are always told to expect a ‘sharp scratch’ which again isn’t really correct either.

I believe the phrase “sharp scratch” is used because somebody somewhere ( might it have been a man? ) objected to “small prick”

Another here who's not the slightest bit bothered what they call it. Just bring it on!

Well I'm obviously in a minority here! I'd prefer to call it a vaccination which sounds better to me.

I also agreed with janeainsworth that "jab" is more likely to put people off. I hope it doesn't do that.

notspaghetti I think the thing is that people who aren’t concerned about having injections themselves (and that includes some healthcare professionals) underestimate and don’t understand the real fears & panic of those with a needle phobia, which is quite common.

The other issue is the general dumbing down of the media, using slang words & phrases instead of proper & correct ones.

I don't care what it's called as long as we get one soon .

NotSpaghetti, 'jab' is just a short, convenient term, unlike 'injection' or 'immunisation', surely? I don't see any problem.

I believe the phrase “sharp scratch” is used because somebody somewhere ( might it have been a man? ) objected to “small prick”
"You may feel a small scratch" says the nurse at our practice then proceeds to take an armful of blood!