Yet Another Cycling Forum

General Category => The Knowledge => Health & Fitness => Topic started by: mrcharly-YHT on 14 November, 2012, 04:04:18 pm

Title: 'flu jab'
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 14 November, 2012, 04:04:18 pm
How many people here get the 'flu jab'?

What effect does it have on you?  Makes me slightly light-headed and feverish.
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: clarion on 14 November, 2012, 04:04:49 pm
I have it every year.  No effect.  Well, other than immunity to flu, obviously.

But we run a flu campaign at work, and we do get some people reporting vague symptoms - real or imagined, causation or correlation, we can't tell.  I'd be interested to hear what people on here feel.
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: Notsototalnewbie on 14 November, 2012, 04:07:11 pm
My employer lets us all have it for free. I’m getting my first one next week so I’ll let you know.
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: hbunnet on 14 November, 2012, 04:12:04 pm
This year & last year local GP practice, no side effects no flu either (or bad colds but I don't know if that is relevant)
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: snail on 14 November, 2012, 04:18:28 pm
I always have it, as I'm on immuno-suppressants. Never had a bad reaction.
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: Kim on 14 November, 2012, 04:31:39 pm
One year I got a sore arm and a bit of a headache (which may have been unrelated).  Usually no symptoms.
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: PeteB99 on 14 November, 2012, 05:30:03 pm
Get one every year - no problems yet.
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: TimC on 14 November, 2012, 05:57:56 pm
Never had one. Can't remember when I last had flu. Man-colds aplenty (which are worse than flu, obv) but not flu.
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: tonyh on 14 November, 2012, 06:09:21 pm
Had flu in 1986 and was so impressed that I've had the jab ever since. No clear after effects; only feeling a bit anxious about whether there would be any, or thinking "oh dear I might have a cold".
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: numbnuts on 14 November, 2012, 06:11:32 pm
I get one every year, the fist year I had flu symptoms, but it never developed into flu.
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: andygates on 14 November, 2012, 06:34:35 pm
It can't develop into flu any more than you can hatch into a dragon.  ;)

I get it annually, working at a hospital, and I usually get a bit fat-headed that evening.  Hard to tell for sure as I'm a fathead anyway.  The point being that isn't flu, it's a little immunity-building twitch.
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 14 November, 2012, 06:42:14 pm
I have had it annually for the last ten years or so (free through work).

Never noticed any symptoms other than a mildly sore arm some years.
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: Basil on 14 November, 2012, 06:48:35 pm
My GP always asks me if I want one - Atrial Fibrillation, asthma, old etc.

I've never bothered yet.  Maybe next year.  (I always say that)
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: robgul on 14 November, 2012, 07:17:13 pm
Yep - no side effects ... seems worth getting VFM from the National Health ...

Rob
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: rafletcher on 14 November, 2012, 07:19:15 pm
Had mine about 3 weeks ago, a £10 Tesco special. Absolutely no side effects.
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: Kim on 14 November, 2012, 07:20:09 pm
Flu is bloody miserable, even if you aren't in an at-risk group.  Seems daft not to...
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: cycleman on 14 November, 2012, 07:51:39 pm
no problems here  :thumbsup:. had the jab 2 weeks ago no problems  :)
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: Ashaman42 on 14 November, 2012, 09:07:40 pm
I really ought to get it what with my asthma and all. Then again I've not been to an asthma check up for a good while  :facepalm: Though part of that is that I've been feeling pretty ok since moving out of a damp flat and changing inhaler types. Were I suffering more I'd sort a checkup.

Think the last flu jab I had was three of four years ago.
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: DrMekon on 14 November, 2012, 10:32:49 pm
Have it most years (when I remember). No effect other than not getting the flu.
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: L CC on 14 November, 2012, 10:37:34 pm
Flu is bloody miserable, even if you aren't in an at-risk group.  Seems daft not to...
It's never occurred to me to get the jab. Flu's nasty, but if you're fit & healthy it's ('just') another bug. Measles, whooping cough, campylobacter, e coli, salmonella, rotovirus etc etc didn't kill me, I doubt flu will.
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: arabella on 14 November, 2012, 10:44:42 pm
Nor me.  The chap who sits next to me at work has it (asthma) and ended up taking 2 days off last week (luckily as we needed his desk).  He sadi that was unusual though and generally no effects.
Don't remember any ll effects when I did have flu jabs age 10 or whenever it was.
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: simonp on 14 November, 2012, 10:47:32 pm
Mildly achy the next day.
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: Illegal Combat Ant on 14 November, 2012, 10:53:54 pm
Flu is bloody miserable, even if you aren't in an at-risk group.  Seems daft not to...
It's never occurred to me to get the jab. Flu's nasty, but if you're fit & healthy it's ('just') another bug. Measles, whooping cough, campylobacter, e coli, salmonella, rotovirus etc etc didn't kill me, I doubt flu will.

No, but you could pass it on to someone more at risk than you, eg. someone who is immuno-compromised. Vaccine refusers never seem to pay regard to the risks to the wider community. Vaccination isn't all about you.
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: Kim on 14 November, 2012, 11:14:06 pm
Flu is bloody miserable, even if you aren't in an at-risk group.  Seems daft not to...
It's never occurred to me to get the jab. Flu's nasty, but if you're fit & healthy it's ('just') another bug. Measles, whooping cough, campylobacter, e coli, salmonella, rotovirus etc etc didn't kill me, I doubt flu will.

Well yes, but I was assuming that those asking on the thread would be in or exposed to people in at-risk groups.  Obviously I'd have a flu jab because of my risk of chest infections, but even without that, if someone were to offer me one for the price of a 5 minute wait and a half-arsed BMI lecture, I'd gladly take it to avoid a repeat of the flu experience I had in 2002.
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: simonp on 14 November, 2012, 11:20:47 pm
Herd immunity, innit.

That’s why my employer gives the jab for free.
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: L CC on 14 November, 2012, 11:25:10 pm
Flu is bloody miserable, even if you aren't in an at-risk group.  Seems daft not to...
It's never occurred to me to get the jab. Flu's nasty, but if you're fit & healthy it's ('just') another bug. Measles, whooping cough, campylobacter, e coli, salmonella, rotovirus etc etc didn't kill me, I doubt flu will.

No, but you could pass it on to someone more at risk than you, eg. someone who is immuno-compromised. Vaccine refusers never seem to pay regard to the risks to the wider community. Vaccination isn't all about you.
Like who? My fit & healthy children? My (2) fit & healthy colleagues? My fit & healthy boyfriend?

If I worked in a school, or at a doctors, yes, for definite. If I worked in a shop, I could see your point. As it is, I don't actually have contact with many people.
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: Nelson Longflap on 14 November, 2012, 11:52:57 pm
I've had proper flu twice in the last forty-odd years.  Very horrible, can't get out of bed, never again nasty. Like most respondents here flu jabs during the last few years have had no discernible effects on me. The only problem is my GP surgery wanting to jab me when I want to go cycling  :-\
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: Feline on 15 November, 2012, 12:56:39 am
I have mine next week (I usually get it at my winter asthma check). I've felt a bit crap after it some years. Maybe I would have felt crap anyway. I will almost definitely feel crap after it this year because I'm working the night shift straight after I get it!
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: Kim on 15 November, 2012, 12:59:58 am
I will almost definitely feel crap after it this year because I'm working the night shift straight after I get it!

My GP seems to synchronise their flu vaccination sessions with the Fridays calendar for some reason...
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: Feline on 15 November, 2012, 01:01:06 am
I will almost definitely feel crap after it this year because I'm working the night shift straight after I get it!

My GP seems to synchronise their flu vaccination sessions with the Fridays calendar for some reason...

They are trying to disguise the feeling-shitness they cause with how you will feel by morning anyway!
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: clarion on 15 November, 2012, 09:11:50 am
No.
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: marcusjb on 15 November, 2012, 09:15:59 am
Never had flu in my life - hopefully that means I'll be alright for another flu season. 
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: Basil on 15 November, 2012, 09:19:28 am
I don't think that we are in herd immunity territory here.  You'd need to be targeting a minimum of 95% of the population for that.  (That's a guess.  Someone will be able to give us the correct figure)
There is probably not nearly enough in stock for that.
The object is to reduce pressure on the health service by protecting the "at risk" groups.
Title: 'flu jab'
Post by: citoyen on 15 November, 2012, 09:23:17 am
Flu is bloody miserable, even if you aren't in an at-risk group.  Seems daft not to...

I passed on the opportunity for the jab last year, then got flu and was bedridden for nearly a week, so on balance I'd have to agree that the jab is probably worth any side effects.

d.
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 15 November, 2012, 09:27:50 am
In the past I have refused the jab (well, not bothered having it). But now anything that affects chest and lungs turns into a semi-serious illness affecting breathing. Not being able to breath is a real bummer.


No fever from jab, but the (previously invisible) needle mark is now red, slightly swollen with a 1" square of reddened flesh and swollen lymph gland in armpit.

Well at least I know the 'jab' isn't just some distilled water . . .
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: frankly frankie on 15 November, 2012, 09:36:37 am
The object is to reduce pressure on the health service by protecting the "at risk" groups.

Which - judging by this thread - seems to include   yacf    ??? ;)
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: clarion on 15 November, 2012, 09:46:54 am
A disproportionate number of cyclists have long-term conditions.
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: mcshroom on 15 November, 2012, 10:00:25 am
I wonder if that is because cycling is a hobby many people get into for structured exercise after developing health conditions though.

I can't remember ever having a flu jab, I may have had one in school. I've never had the flu either. Unless you really go for a full vaccination of the country then the herd effect is not going to be particularly effective.

I think my exposure to the sewage of the whole Thames Valley for four years probably did more for my immune system than anything else though. It always amazed the HR people at Thames that the waste water labs had the lowest sickness rate of the company and well under a quater of the rate for the office staff in head office.
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 15 November, 2012, 10:07:49 am
I work in an office with closed-cycle aircon. No open windows. We moved here from an old converted warehouse; windows open all the time to keep temp bearable, dirty dusty brick walls etc.

The sickness rate went up threefold when we moved to the new office.
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: Wowbagger on 15 November, 2012, 10:45:29 am
I've booked mine for next Tues. We are an "at risk" group: Dez & I are on immunosuppressant and we don't want to infect each other.
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: nobby on 15 November, 2012, 11:24:06 am
no problems here  :thumbsup:. had the jab 2 weeks ago no problems  :)


Had mine yesterday. Herself had flu in the 70's - it was quite impressive - I decided I don't want it so I try to have the jab every year.
As somebody suggested earlier, 'man flu is mush worse' but I can't avoid that and I have it now  :'(
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 15 November, 2012, 02:29:00 pm
I think I've had proper flu once, but it might have been a very fluey nasty cold. I was ill for two weeks and unable to get out of bed for the first three or four days. I just lay there, wishing I was dead. But I've had several very bad colds over the years when I've been unable to do anything except lie in bed for the first couple of days which definitely weren't flu.

I don't bother with the flu jag. I react badly to intramuscular injections - the muscle swells up to two or three times its size and visibly throbs and is very painful for a couple of days. It's happened on both occasions I had the flu jag, and it happened with all my Hep B jags. I don't seem to be prone to catching flu, and as there's no guarantee that the strains of flu going around will be the ones the vaccine protects against, I'd rather take my chances than have the definite pain of the reaction to the jag.
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: Kim on 15 November, 2012, 02:52:01 pm
The object is to reduce pressure on the health service by protecting the "at risk" groups.

Which - judging by this thread - seems to include   yacf    ??? ;)

A disproportionate number of cyclists have long-term conditions.

It also seems likely that those cyclists are more likely to be the kind who gravitate to YACF and/or Audax.


As an asthmatic with a dodgy knee, the only forms of aerobic exercise I've ever been any good at are swimming and cycling.  They're both well suited to controlling your breathing / power level.  But more importantly, unless you're really careless, they're the good side of the line (well, more of a chasm) that separates 'fun' from 'PE'.  :D
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: Notsototalnewbie on 15 November, 2012, 03:00:55 pm
I just lay there, wishing I was dead.


That pretty much sums up my experience of the one and only time I had proper flu. At points I thought I might actually die, so clogged was my chest.

This year my employer has someone coming into the office to give it to those of us who want it, which is so ridiculously convenient (and free) that I might as well give it a go, despite not being in a vulnerable group.
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: clarion on 15 November, 2012, 03:42:31 pm
As a serious asthmatic, I was never really able to take part in organised sport, because my team-mates would not be able to rely on my lungs.

I was advised to take up walking, swimming or cycling, as gentle, aerobic exercise which I could pause when necessary.  I was a keen walker, never got good enough at swimming to enjoy it, and I quite like cycling.
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 16 November, 2012, 08:51:36 am
Two days later and shoulder is still slowly swelling. Good for one, these flu jabs
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: SandyV on 16 November, 2012, 11:29:34 am
I have it (free through work).

This year the nurse was incredibly rough - I'm not good with needles at the best of times and nearly went through the roof.

Still better than getting the flu though.
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: clifftaylor on 17 November, 2012, 02:00:46 pm
It's never occurred to me to get the jab. Flu's nasty, but if you're fit & healthy it's ('just') another bug. Measles, whooping cough, campylobacter, e coli, salmonella, rotovirus etc etc didn't kill me, I doubt flu will.

The flu pandemic in 1918 killed about 40 million people worldwide, and young fit people were the worst affected......
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: Crumbling Nick on 18 November, 2012, 04:56:18 pm
I have had the jab as an asthmatic for several years. Oddly I had not considered cycling to be gentle exercise until I was recovering from the hip replacement.

The nurse said that this year's vaccine had produced much bigger side-effects than usual, e.g. may make it impossible to sleep on that side. I certainly found my left arm more tender than in previous years, but not actually that much worse.
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 19 November, 2012, 11:06:34 am
It took 4 days for the swelling and soreness to go this time.

This year's jab has definitely produced more reactions than previous jabs.
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: Fab Foodie on 20 November, 2012, 08:09:14 pm
How many people here get the 'flu jab'?

What effect does it have on you?  Makes me slightly light-headed and feverish.
No effect at all, apart from I feel a bit of a prick ....
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 18 October, 2013, 10:14:25 am
flu jab time again.

Last year's was not good for me. I'd forgotten that I posted that it made me 'light-headed and feverish'.

"Coincidence does not equal causation" but last year I had a mystery weakness that took months to go. All sorts of inconclusive blood tests.

I'm not having the flue jab this year. Would rather a week of unpleasant illness than 2.5 months of my fitness wrecked.
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 18 October, 2013, 10:18:33 am
I read they were using a spray up the nostril now, rather than a jab. Or is that only for kids?
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: Manotea on 18 October, 2013, 10:22:55 am
Too late for me, sob, cough, sneeze.
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: peliroja on 18 October, 2013, 10:32:42 am
I've been offered one this year due to my asthma being much worse than in previous years. But, I'm in two minds. I hardly come into contact with anyone these days  ( :'( but also  :D )  and I usually react badly to vaccinations (yellow fever was the odd exception: Woolly was the one with the full-on symptoms). Then again, I had a terrible 'proper flu', as the doctors call it, back in June and never want to experience such hell again!
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: Lady Cavendish on 18 October, 2013, 10:52:01 am
I had a flu jab already.

However last week and the week before, I had something which if not flu (and I don't use the term lightly, I don't mean I just had a cold) was very similar to flu, with accompanying chest infection. Clearly worked brilliantly for me ;)
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: clarion on 18 October, 2013, 10:56:53 am
I had my jab at my GPs last week.

Also had the pneumonia one, which I hadn't thought I was indicated for.
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 18 October, 2013, 11:44:25 am
Apparently the nasal spray has been withdrawn cos it contains pork gelatine.
http://www.webmd.boots.com/cold-and-flu/news/20130917/pork-delays-flu-vaccine-pilot
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: Basil on 18 October, 2013, 11:45:16 am
I had one on Wednesday.
I've never bothered before, but what with my heart effect, my increasing asthma and being 64 and that, I thought it best.
No noticed side affects as yet.
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: interzen on 18 October, 2013, 11:52:29 am
Had mine done a couple of weeks ago - I'm in an 'at risk' group (diabetic) and have no desire to have swine-flu again.

Past experience has taught me to write off 2-3 days afterwards as I invariably feel like hammered shit - this time was no exception. One of my cow-orkers (also diabetic) had his jab a couple of days ago and was definitely looking a bit peaky yesterday ...
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: simonp on 18 October, 2013, 12:47:09 pm
My employer offers it to all employees. I feel slightly under the weather for a day or two.
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: Kim on 18 October, 2013, 01:15:15 pm
I suffered from a sore arm for about 24 hours this year.
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: hellymedic on 18 October, 2013, 01:24:43 pm
I have not been offered a 'flu jab. I don't get out much so I won't be exposed much.
That's OK for me.

David has had flu jabs before (he's mildly1 asthmatic). He's not been offered anything this year or last.

I'll ask David if he wants to arrange a flu jab. He does seem to suffer a lot when he catches a cold.

1) Had a bad time as a kid/adolescent but has wheezed once in past year and not used an inhaler at all.
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: PeteB99 on 18 October, 2013, 01:28:42 pm
Had mine last week - no problems
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: AAO on 18 October, 2013, 03:31:18 pm
I've had a jab every year since my heart attack. No problems so far.
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: ferret on 18 October, 2013, 08:24:59 pm
had mine a couple of weeks ago no problems as per usual, the one year I missed my jab I caught proper flu, after that I will never forget again, I have mine due to my asthma the wife pays £20 at one of the chemists in Brecon for hers.
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: barakta on 18 October, 2013, 08:48:31 pm
I need to see my GP as it seems it's not coded on the for me to get flu jab on the computer - I'm not a traditional risk group, I'm "Had fuck tonnes of ENT surgery" "chronic illness" group.  My ENT consultant always wanted me to have it and my current GP used to do ENT surgery also agrees but isn't good with the computers...   

I work with students who tend to turn up to see me when ill so I'm exposed quite badly.  I think I had swine flu in 2009 or at least something viral then secondary bacterial and made me hideously ill for about 6 weeks.  I was off work for 3 weeks and only returned at that point for fear of losing my job - work's occy health doc who I saw about an unrelated disability sign-off was very worried about me cos I gurgled when I breathed and it was another 3-6 weeks after that that I was even remotely "well". 
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: Wowbagger on 18 October, 2013, 11:11:09 pm
We are all due flu jabs here. Dez is (immunosuppressants), I am (immunosuppressants & anno domini) and Mrs. Wo wis (she lives with us and anno domini).

Must do something about that.
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: Ashaman42 on 18 October, 2013, 11:22:29 pm
I normally don't bother but being asthmatic I ought to, think I will this year.

No real reason that I feel more inclined to this year but am going to go with my 'instinct'.
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: T42 on 19 October, 2013, 12:45:34 pm
They do things differently here. Our shots are in the fridge downstairs, awaiting the doc's next visit to the Inlaw Paw.

Cyclists breathe intensely for long periods, so that it's easy to haul any upper respiratory tract infection into the depths and start something really nasty. Better safe...
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: Marmitegeoff on 25 October, 2013, 07:10:23 am
I had my jab at my GPs last week.

Also had the pneumonia one, which I hadn't thought I was indicated for.

I also had the pneumonia one on Tuesday.  Flu jab some small ache for 24 hrs but no problem.  Pneumonia one very achy and have difficulty lifting my arm.
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: clarion on 25 October, 2013, 10:36:00 pm
Yeah, I had a small ache.
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: Viking on 27 October, 2013, 05:44:38 pm
Vikingess and I had ours on Saturday.  No adverse effects other than the usual sore arm for a day or two.
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: Pedaldog. on 27 October, 2013, 11:46:31 pm
I am wary of it. Although I am in Various risk groups, Asthma, Diabetes and other stuff too, but the last few years I've had the flu jab I've felt ill for a week or so in a "Don't want that again" sort of way. I do react badly to Imunisations, Polio one nearly killed me as a kid and the Hep-B one caused me Months of Illness and lost me, completely and irreversibly, a safe and secure career in something I did have aptitude for.  The surgery keep sending me the "Come an' get it!" letter but I've not had the confidence this year. I suppose I ought to MTFU and sort it.
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: Feline on 04 November, 2013, 03:12:33 pm
I'm due mine. I wouldn't want to risk not having it with my asthma (which is currently pretty severe as usual for Autumn-Spring). A few years back I didn't have one and got the flu followed by weeks of a chest infection that just wouldn't clear up leading to emphysema. Eventually high dose systemic steroids cleared it but my lungs have never been quite the same since, they think a patch if them consolidated and is now useless. Anyone with asthma I would honestly say get the vaccine based on this experience!
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 04 November, 2013, 08:52:35 pm
I don't bother with the flu jag. I react badly to intramuscular injections - the muscle swells up to two or three times its size and visibly throbs and is very painful for a couple of days. It's happened on both occasions I had the flu jag, and it happened with all my Hep B jags. I don't seem to be prone to catching flu, and as there's no guarantee that the strains of flu going around will be the ones the vaccine protects against, I'd rather take my chances than have the definite pain of the reaction to the jag.
I decided I'd give it a go this year, and see if I've grown out of the bad reactions. I had it on Friday morning, arm was fine until yesterday morning. Swollen, hard, red, and so sore I can't lie on it.  ::-)
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: Ruth on 04 November, 2013, 08:54:39 pm
This year's was a lot less painful than last year's.
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: Nelson Longflap on 13 November, 2013, 08:53:44 pm
Had mine six days ago; no adverse effects at all ... which is usually the case for me based on flu jabs for the last seven years or so. Last year's minor reaction seems to have been the exception.
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: simonp on 14 November, 2013, 11:07:24 am
Just had mine.

Main advantage is getting to suck a lolly.
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 28 November, 2013, 02:16:02 pm

I decided I'd give it a go this year, and see if I've grown out of the bad reactions. I had it on Friday morning, arm was fine until yesterday morning. Swollen, hard, red, and so sore I can't lie on it.  ::-)
Redness took several days to go away, swelling developed into a hard lump roughly the same size and shape as an egg, that remained for about 10 days. Left upper arm remains constantly achey, with pain right in the shoulder joint and sometimes in the elbow, especially when weightbearing through the arm. Rest and NSAIDS haven't helped.
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: Notsototalnewbie on 29 November, 2013, 10:37:20 pm
pain right in the shoulder joint

I've had that too and was wondering where it came from and whether I'd pulled something. I hadn't linked it with the flu jab because I'd forgotten about it. Didn't get any of the other nasty stuff you mention though; that's very unfortunate.
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: henshaw11 on 06 December, 2013, 04:32:56 pm
Never had one before but the nurse doing our company today had a spare (no-show I guess)..that was about 90 mins ago, so I'll be curious as to what the effect is.

Only reason I bothered this year was I suspect my 89yr old mother might have missed hers earlier in the week due to a hospital stay..
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 11 December, 2013, 12:51:42 pm
Pain continuing in the muscle, shoulder and elbow joints, almost 6 weeks after having the jag. I have a GP appointment for later today.
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: JBB on 11 December, 2013, 10:05:24 pm
Jab at Eastbourne Asda by the same chap who did it last year, very deft and hardly felt a thing. Slight soreness yesterday and fine today. I've had flu once and it's really horrendous, two weeks of living on orange barley water and toast and three months to recover to anything like normal. Never again if I can possibly avoid it!
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 11 December, 2013, 10:25:25 pm
Pain continuing in the muscle, shoulder and elbow joints, almost 6 weeks after having the jag. I have a GP appointment for later today.
GP thinks it was a haematoma in the muscle which is taking a while to resolve. If it's still as bad in a couple of weeks, I'm to make an appointment with the nurse for bloods.
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: Ashaman42 on 11 December, 2013, 10:33:45 pm
Hmmm, I really ought to what with having asthma and all. But interestingly haven't had a reminder from the Dr's surgery this year, do we think they've given up due to me not bothering the past several times they've suggested it?

Which reminds me, they haven't mentioned an asthma review for a while, for the same reason I expect.
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: clarion on 12 December, 2013, 10:01:46 am
If you ring up, the nurse is likely to be happy to see you.
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: Pedaldog. on 13 December, 2013, 12:16:33 am
Had mine last week and have ad a Mild dose of Flu' for the past three days! General nausea and stuff. Nursey says it's nothing to worry about as long as it clears in a week or so. I HATE VACCINATIONS!
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: T42 on 13 December, 2013, 09:26:49 am
Had mine a week or two back and forgot about it same day.  Our doc is so skilled at planting the needle I didn't even feel it. No after-effects.  Have had it for the last 20 years, never anything more than mild discomfort.

Pain continuing in the muscle, shoulder and elbow joints, almost 6 weeks after having the jag. I have a GP appointment for later today.
GP thinks it was a haematoma in the muscle which is taking a while to resolve. If it's still as bad in a couple of weeks, I'm to make an appointment with the nurse for bloods.

Yeah, that's what I thought when I read your first message just now.  Happened to me a few years ago when a butthole neurologist managed to stick a minor artery in my calf.  Couldn't walk for a month and took two months to go away.  Not a word of apology either. Felt really wonderful at the beginning of the season.
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 03 February, 2014, 09:42:11 pm
Pain continuing in the muscle, shoulder and elbow joints, almost 6 weeks after having the jag. I have a GP appointment for later today.
GP thinks it was a haematoma in the muscle which is taking a while to resolve. If it's still as bad in a couple of weeks, I'm to make an appointment with the nurse for bloods.
Pain continues unabated. Worse after exercise, particularly weight-bearing, but even the weight-bearing of opening a door aggravates it. Slightly better if I rest the arm for days on end, but never clears up entirely. Phoned physio at the beginning of January, spoke to one of their call people, got taken through an alogorithm designed to weed out DVT, cancer and MS, then given a sheet of exercises to do. Exercises haven't helped, now on the waiting list for an actual physio, and getting bloods taken next week.

Pain is in the shoulder and elbow joints, and the upper arm muscle.
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: Wowbagger on 04 February, 2014, 12:45:30 am
I had mine this morning.
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 21 February, 2014, 01:05:28 pm
Full blood count normal, rheumatology test not back yet.
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 25 February, 2014, 01:23:28 pm
Rheumatology fine, immunology not yet checked by GP, phone tomorrow.
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 26 February, 2014, 01:00:47 pm
Immunology fine. So why is my arm still sore?
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: clarion on 26 February, 2014, 01:16:38 pm
That's very puzzling.  And annoying.  Hope it resolves soon.
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 09 March, 2014, 11:33:05 am
Saw the physio on Friday. He is bewildered. Gave me some exercises, stretches and a theraband, and I'm going back in a month.
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: hellymedic on 09 March, 2014, 12:11:20 pm
Hope your arm settles.
I'm having my 'flu jab tomorrow. Surgery phoned out of the blue with an offer I'll accept.

Sometimes the NHS puzzles me!
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: joy of essex on 09 March, 2014, 01:40:35 pm
They  have a  target- they need  you to be jabbed so they can  fill it. It is , perhaps, a bit late though.
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: hellymedic on 09 March, 2014, 01:57:05 pm
Either a target or left-over vaccine in the 'fridge or both.

As a housebound crip without asthma, heart disease, diabetes, lung disease or occupational exposure (any more) to the Snotty Masses, I don't really think I need it.

My minimally asthmatic partner, who will encounter hordes of General Public in the cold and dark tonight, might benefit more.

They have not offered the jab to him.

Yet.
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: barakta on 09 March, 2014, 03:16:42 pm
Arguably the MS makes a major risk factor cos if you got respiratory badness you might go down quicker?  Also the treatment for MS? 

I know wheelchair users as a "group" at more at risk for badness with respiratory stuff alongside kidney infection nastiness which is why I always advise young folk in this group not to take any chances with either or any kind of lurg and get themselves to a GP sooner than a non-disabled person might and not to feel pressured to "wait".

Saying that, I ought to have the bloody flu jab for ENT-fail reasons but I don't fit a nice group and my lovely GP (ex ENT registrar) isn't very good with the stupid computer so I don't get one. I keep failing to get round to asking a GP to write me up when I see them. 
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: hellymedic on 09 March, 2014, 03:39:48 pm
MS is a problem. I don't know what sort of registers the practice keeps.
I have had no chest badness, thankfully.
I have not attended a doctor at my GP's since I had sebaceous cysts eons ago.
I attended a nurse for a smear last year and local hospitals for other screening matters.
My only medication is interferon, which is entirely managed by my neurologists.
I kid myself I'm pretty fit...
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: joy of essex on 09 March, 2014, 08:51:15 pm
I  suspect the  GP practice  has discovered  you are  " at  risk".  You are now a target.
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: hellymedic on 09 March, 2014, 08:57:12 pm
Could well be.
David is envious; he points out that he is asthmatic and gets lurgies from which he seems to suffer for weeks. He's noted I seldom get a lurgy; I can't remember the last time I had Teh Snots, let alone anything worse.
David will request a 'flu jab when he pushes me the hundred metres to the surgery tomorrow.
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: andygates on 09 March, 2014, 10:45:22 pm
As well you know, Proper Flu cares not for a person's bogey history.  MS seems to have attacks triggered by strong lurgy?

Should be easy for the parter / housemate of an At Risk Person to get the jab.   :thumbsup:
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: hellymedic on 09 March, 2014, 11:02:49 pm
Hope so.
I don't mix much with Other Humans so I'm at less risk than those who meet much General Public.
Whatever triggered my MS is ancient history, though any fever would make my symptoms much worse.
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: joy of essex on 10 March, 2014, 08:34:22 am
After  all these  years, I think we ( the NHS ) have  been doing flu jabs since 06, your GP  practice really ought to know who its " at risk " patients are. A  couple of  searches and some  intelligent cross  referencing  should have  found you or your partner.  Though you do sound like a primary care avoider!
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: clarion on 10 March, 2014, 10:01:05 am
The at risk groups for the flu campaign are well defined.  I suspect that you have been targetted as someone with a risk, who isn't in an 'at risk' group, to use up spare vaccine.
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: hellymedic on 10 March, 2014, 02:26:05 pm
Practice nurse asked why I came!
Told her I'd not been invited for flu jab before.
She said I ought to get them and put me down for a reminder for the Autumn, as well as giving me jab today.

Requested jab for David.
Offered almost immediate consultation with her colleague who put him through health screening.

We then forgot David's flu jab due to computer crash and my garrulousness, though he has to return for fasting blood test tomorrow. I hope he remembers his flu jab then!
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 10 April, 2014, 01:35:05 pm
Saw the physio on Friday. He is bewildered. Gave me some exercises, stretches and a theraband, and I'm going back in a month.
Today he poked at my arm until he was sure he'd found the sorest place, then "massaged" the sorest place (rubbed it till it hurt even more), then did ultrasound on it. With a machine, he's not some sort of Sonic the Hedgehog ultrasound-emitting physio. The bottle of ultrasound gel has a bat on the front with smiley teeth.  ;D
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: Basil on 23 October, 2014, 08:18:07 pm
Had my first 'flu jab ever last year.  No issues.  Normally I avoid such things, but the GP sprung a trap and stabbed me before I realised what was happening.
I was quite surprised to read of EG's problems as I had no problems at all.  Mainly, I didn't die of 'flu.
So, I thought I'd book a slot with the practice nurse for this year. 
Bang, in went the shot.  "Ooh" she says, "you're eligible for the pneumonia shot"
Bang.
Today, I'm really struggling.
I feel crapper than a crap thing.  I may have to throw my first sickie in ten years tomorrow.
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: hellymedic on 23 October, 2014, 08:23:19 pm
Had my first flu jab earlier this year and hardly noticed.
Had another last week and hardly noticed either.
That is all.
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: Kim on 23 October, 2014, 08:34:22 pm
Flu jab made me feel rubbish this year:  It caused a sore arm, which lead to a crap night's sleep and feeling cruddy the following day.  No noticeable systemic effects from the jab.
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: hellymedic on 23 October, 2014, 08:39:03 pm
David's arm was sore after his flu jab. Mine was not.
I had more discomfort from being wheeled 100 yards home on the wettest day of the year. (40.7mm rain was recorded by NW3Weather 11 km away.)
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 25 October, 2014, 12:18:27 am
I didn't get discharged from physio until July this year because of what last year's flu jag did to my arm. I'm not bothering with it this year.
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: Hedgebanger on 25 October, 2014, 09:39:26 pm
Had my first jab last year . I didn't get my usual 'heavy cold' which would lay me up for a day or so, no side effects with the jab so had another this year.Hopefully the same result.
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: crowriver on 28 October, 2014, 09:53:21 pm
Had my flu jab on Monday. Arm still sore, intermittently. Notice it more in the evening, and if I sleep on it. Should fade after a few days if previous experience holds true.
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: simonp on 29 October, 2014, 01:00:37 pm
Having regular flu jabs (of inactivated virus) when young may increase your risk of catching 'flu in older age.

=> Free flu jab from work may not be such a good thing after all, though the study I found didn't consider herd immunity.

Two weeks tomorrow for us.
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: clarion on 29 October, 2014, 10:48:19 pm
No problem at all with the flu jab this year.
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: Nelson Longflap on 30 October, 2014, 08:40:30 pm
I've had flu jabs for the last 7 years. Had a bit of a reaction 2 years ago that responded well to being ignored. This year, after a fortnight, there are no noticeable problems.
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: ian on 05 November, 2014, 09:00:47 pm
I came down mild flu a few days after ours (recovering now). Sore throat, period of semi-wellness then fever, shakes, and night sweats. Admittedly I did have proper flu a decade ago and they had to rush me to hospital and throw me in an ice bath. It was a good job the polar bear had already finished. This one has been distinguished by my having to present my balls to the doctor for a squeeze. Who knew, testicular flu. It's a thing you don't want. More so, I'd imagine, if you're a lady.

The scientist in me says it's a coincidence and not the jab, I've never had a reaction before, and as a semi-regular visitor to sub-Saharan Africa, I've been vaccinated against about everything other than sea lions and crayola.
Title: Flu jab
Post by: SteveC on 12 January, 2018, 06:33:56 pm
MrsC is trying to persuade me that I should get a flu jab. I'm not in any of the 'at risk' groups (58, pretty good health in general).
What do the panel, particularly the medically informed members, think.

TIA
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: Kim on 12 January, 2018, 06:35:55 pm
Having the flu is rubbish, even without the lingering chest infection that I'm prone to.  Downsides of the jab consist of a mildly sore arm, and having to walk across the road to go and get one.  No-brainer if you ask me.
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: hellymedic on 12 January, 2018, 08:12:35 pm
We weren't offered one this year and though disappointed, have been too lazy to push, despite our surgery being only about 150 metres away.

I'd go for it if offered.

I'm 59 and healthy apart from MS. Partner is younger & mildly asthmatic but had no recent treatment.
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: Basil on 12 January, 2018, 08:54:55 pm
I fall into several categories, age, health x 2.  I was always invited but never bothered until last year (my GP ambushed me during a regular repeat prescription reviereview appointment )
As I don't cycle anything like as much these days I thought it best to do it this year as well.
Neither of them gave me a sore arm or the mini 'flu symptoms I hear others mention.
In my opinion you have nothing to lose.
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: simonp on 12 January, 2018, 09:04:55 pm
Herd immunity.

I haven't had mine yet, should get it. I'd have to pay but £10 isn't much and if I get the 'flu I'll be sad.
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: Kim on 12 January, 2018, 09:11:50 pm
Herd immunity.

Seems unlikely to happen if the vaccine is only given to at-risk groups.
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: Feline on 12 January, 2018, 09:59:19 pm
I had mine, I’m severaly asthmatic so in an at-risk group. No side effects really this year- arm was sore for maybe 3 hours afterwards. For the first time I had it done at my chemists, who have only recently done the training to do it. I had to pick up my inhaler prescriptions anyway so didnt have to go out of my way at all.

I think if I didnt get one anyway I would pay for it to be homest- flu is unpleasant, inconvenient and expensive if you’re self employed. At the moment lurgy in this house means my daughter and grandson can’t visit my ex husband who is on chemo, so not worth risking at all anyway.
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: LEE on 12 January, 2018, 10:07:14 pm
I had it for the first time.

Didn't feel the jab and no side effects (and I'm a wuss).

Real Flu is an absolute bitch and a total waste of 3 weeks of your life (unless you actually enjoy sweating on the Sofa, groaning and watching Jeremy Kyle).
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: andrew_s on 12 January, 2018, 10:29:53 pm
Herd immunity.
Flu being as variable as it is, vaccination isn't effective enough to give herd immunity.

It's generally about 50% effective (https://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/vaccination/effectiveness-studies.htm). If you halve the number getting flu, that leaves plenty of people to catch it off.
It would make a big difference to clogged up hospitals though.
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: hellymedic on 12 January, 2018, 10:38:50 pm
And their staff...
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: rafletcher on 13 January, 2018, 09:09:00 am
I’m another 60 year old. I’ve had the vaccination for the last 5 years. Do it. If it can kill 16 year olds any protection is to be welcomed.
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: T42 on 13 January, 2018, 10:26:20 am
I’m another 60 year old. I’ve had the vaccination for the last 5 years. Do it. If it can kill 16 year olds any protection is to be welcomed.

Any chance of limiting it to 16-year-olds on light motorbikes?
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: Auntie Helen on 13 January, 2018, 10:53:00 am
I didn’t have it 3 years ago (not familiar with the German health system then) and got the flu. Three weeks of lying in bed feeling like death, and included fainting in the shower. Fortunately my landlady looked after me, gave me food when I felt like eating and walked the dog. The flu gave me liver trouble which was worrying for several weeks. The tests for the liver problem on my private insurance meant I had to pay out of pocket (500 Euro excess) and because the treatment spanned over my insurance renewal I had to pay the excess again on the last set of tests. Set me back 700€. I wish I’d had the jab...
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: SteveC on 13 January, 2018, 04:00:23 pm
My younger sister caught whooping cough. 
I'm slightly too old for the whooping cough vaccine. Although my story is nothing like as tragic as PB's I and my two sisters had six weeks of school, with my parents changing all our bedlinen most nights after we'd been sick for several of those weeks. I was still suffering the after effects a year later; I would get a coughing fit if I got agitated about anything. Child number four had been vaccinated and was OK (to the best of my recollection). Child number five was about a year old and I remember the doctor discussing 'mortality rates' with my mother. I assume he didn't realise I could work out what that meant. A bit scary for a nine year old.

I will be arranging to have the flu jab next week.
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: Wowbagger on 13 January, 2018, 04:35:20 pm
I have had the flu jab several winters in a row. I haven't had flu.

Last winter, I had it in early November and spent the rest of the month in lots of arthritic pain. OK, correlation, causation...

This winter, I haven't had a flu jab. I think the past few months have been my most pain-free since I first suffered RA symptoms some 13 years ago. I haven't had flu.

OTOH, my daughter's family have been through the mill with a series of nasty infections including tonsillitis and scarlet fever. I think she said they hadn't had flu jabs. Do they normally give flu jabs to primary school aged children?
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: hellymedic on 13 January, 2018, 04:39:35 pm
OTOH, my daughter's family have been through the mill with a series of nasty infections including tonsillitis and scarlet fever. I think she said they hadn't had flu jabs. Do they normally give flu jabs to primary school aged children?

Not usually AFAIK but it might be introduced in some areas.
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: simonp on 13 January, 2018, 04:53:55 pm
I've had 'flu*. I did in fact confuse it with a snot nose/cold. There is an overlap between symptoms and not everyone responds the same. Although I didn't feel all that bad, and had no time off work, I did have a reduced white blood cell count.

* Confirmed by blood tests.
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: CarlF on 13 January, 2018, 04:58:39 pm
Do they normally give flu jabs to primary school aged children?

Don’t know about elsewhere, but they do in Scotland nowadays:
http://www.immunisationscotland.org.uk/vaccines-and-diseases/seasonalflu/childflu.aspx (http://www.immunisationscotland.org.uk/vaccines-and-diseases/seasonalflu/childflu.aspx)

Quote
The flu vaccine is offered to all children in Scotland aged 2–5 years (and not yet in school) at their GP practice (children must be aged 2 years or above on 1 September 2017 to be eligible). It is also offered to all primary school children at school.

I believe that part of the reasoning is that as well as being less able to fight off the flu themselves, small children often spend time with their elderly grandparents, who might be as ignorant as Dim and have failed to take advantage of the vaccine, and this gives them one less source of infection. Anyone who has had children at nursery school (or has witnessed the effect demonstrated by a work colleague with children) knows what efficient little germ vectors they can be...
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: hellymedic on 13 January, 2018, 05:04:23 pm
Do they normally give flu jabs to primary school aged children?

Don’t know about elsewhere, but they do in Scotland nowadays:
http://www.immunisationscotland.org.uk/vaccines-and-diseases/seasonalflu/childflu.aspx (http://www.immunisationscotland.org.uk/vaccines-and-diseases/seasonalflu/childflu.aspx)

Quote
The flu vaccine is offered to all children in Scotland aged 2–5 years (and not yet in school) at their GP practice (children must be aged 2 years or above on 1 September 2017 to be eligible). It is also offered to all primary school children at school.

I believe that part of the reasoning is that as well as being less able to fight off the flu themselves, small children often spend time with their elderly grandparents, who might be as ignorant as Dim and have failed to take advantage of the vaccine, and this gives them one less source of infection. Anyone who has had children at nursery school (or has witnessed the effect demonstrated by a work colleague with children) knows what efficient little germ vectors they can be...

Makes sense. I don't think they do this in England but I have no direct current knowledge/experience. I don't have kids myself and although I have young relatives within the area, I don't know which vaccines they are offered.
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: dim on 13 January, 2018, 05:13:10 pm
 :o .... the whole thread has been 'trimmed'  ::-)


Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: T42 on 13 January, 2018, 05:18:29 pm
A 9-year-old from the Pyrenees died of flu yesterday.
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: C-3PO on 13 January, 2018, 05:20:11 pm
Anti-vaccination posts have been quarantined, not deleted.

Check at Office Reception...
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: dim on 13 January, 2018, 05:30:38 pm
Anti-vaccination posts have been quarantined, not deleted.

Check at Office Reception...

Ooooh .... now I get it :

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: hellymedic on 13 January, 2018, 05:32:03 pm
A 9-year-old from the Pyrenees died of flu yesterday.

And a British teenager died within the last few days.

To be fair, she is unlikely to have been eligible for the vaccine.

These illnesses are NOT trivial and immunisations are VERY thoroughly tested. Mishaps can occur, granted, but the balance of risk is WAY in favour of immunisation.

Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: Whitedown Man on 13 January, 2018, 05:32:26 pm
Anti-vaccination posts have been quarantined, not deleted.

Why?
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: C-3PO on 13 January, 2018, 05:38:37 pm
Anti-vaccination posts have been quarantined, not deleted.

Why?

'Debate' about vaccination in general belongs elsewhere.
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: dim on 13 January, 2018, 06:00:27 pm
Anti-vaccination posts have been quarantined, not deleted.

Why?

'Debate' about vaccination in general belongs elsewhere.

well in that case, I'm glad that we don't' discuss the 9/11 conspiracy, or the moon landing hoax on this site  ;D



Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 13 January, 2018, 06:04:07 pm
That is because we try to avoid such blatant idiocy here.
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: dim on 13 January, 2018, 06:16:31 pm
That is because we try to avoid such blatant idiocy here.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EwPsFz85gGw (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EwPsFz85gGw)
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: Polar Bear on 13 January, 2018, 06:23:07 pm
dim,

How about just taking your vaccination conspiracy theories and other trash into POBI please?  Taking the piss makes you look even more stupid.   
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 13 January, 2018, 06:34:09 pm
Well dim, now we know how much credence to give any of your 'carefully considered' opinions.
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: dim on 13 January, 2018, 06:36:53 pm
dim,

How about just taking your vaccination conspiracy theories and other trash into POBI please?  Taking the piss makes you look even more stupid.

HEY .... I thought that this thread was discussing flu jabs/vaccinations? .... I am anti vac as previously stated and have linked very good links such as the link to the VAXXED video which was removed from here (which can be found on youtube, but which is also banned in some countries) .... watch the video and listen to 1st hand footage from people who have had very bad experiences ....

I'm not taking the piss, but am merely passing info which I find relevant to this thread .... if you disagree, I don't give a fuck, but don't take the piss if someone does not agree with your thoughts ....


 ... and if you disagree with what I say or quote, then be adult about it and give your reasons why you disagree .... Fuck .... you are not 12 years old!!! ... grow up mate!!
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: Polar Bear on 13 January, 2018, 06:43:44 pm
I refer you to your own piss taking post and the reason that I suggested that you take your debate to the appropriate place.

That is because we try to avoid such blatant idiocy here.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EwPsFz85gGw (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EwPsFz85gGw)
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 13 January, 2018, 06:44:37 pm
Just take it elsewhere.

The OP was about whether to get a flu jab as a precautionary measure - there is a national shortage of the vaccinations, it is a reasonable question.

Debates about vax/anti-vax belong in POBI
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: Pickled Onion on 13 January, 2018, 06:46:41 pm
dim,

How about just taking your vaccination conspiracy theories and other trash into POBI please?  Taking the piss makes you look even more stupid.

HEY .... I thought that this thread was discussing flu jabs/vaccinations? .... I am anti vac as previously stated and have linked very good links such as the link to the VAXXED video which was removed from here (which can be found on youtube, but which is also banned in some countries) .... watch the video and listen to 1st hand footage from people who have had very bad experiences ....

I'm not taking the piss, but am merely passing info which I find relevant to this thread .... if you disagree, I don't give a fuck, but don't take the piss if someone does not agree with your thoughts ....


 ... and if you disagree with what I say or quote, then be adult about it and give your reasons why you disagree .... Fuck .... you are not 12 years old!!! ... grow up mate!!

dim, the discussion is fine, and it's over there, which is a good call by C3PO as it is an OBI. One of your links was even repeat posted by her/him in case we missed it. We can have a civilised discussion about it over there, not here.

The reference to taking the piss was to the Stevie Wonder link, not the other links.
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: DuncanM on 13 January, 2018, 07:28:53 pm
If you are in the at risk groups, get the jab.
I have had 9 days of feeling crap (including 4 days of going back to bed every so often), and I'm still not well. My wife and daughter have been affected, though my daughter had the jab and she's been loads better than us. Next year I'm getting jabbed!
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: hellymedic on 13 January, 2018, 07:32:12 pm
Jan or jab?
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: MikeFromLFE on 13 January, 2018, 07:33:50 pm
Mrs M falls into a couple of vaccination categories and is a keen receiver of injections - she started with what we thought was a cold on New Year's Eve, she is still proper poorly, feeling like poo most of the time, sleeping (or trying to) for 18 hours a day, coughing her guts up, a slightly raised temperature, and not eating.
If isn't isn't flu, I don't know what it is.
Against her better judgement I'm going to drag her to the GP next week - I don't know what they can do, but I need some reassurance.

Sent from my P01W using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 13 January, 2018, 07:34:49 pm
They don't give flu vaccines to primary school children routinely in England, or certainly didn't when my son was that age (but he's been in secondary for 3 yrs so might have changed).

Jan or jab?
Wow has both!
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: Ian H on 13 January, 2018, 07:47:36 pm
I'm approaching pension-age, reasonably fit and active—never considered getting a jab.  But comments here, and from my rather more cautious partner, make me think.
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: Butterfly on 13 January, 2018, 08:01:19 pm
Children up to year 4 are offered the vaccine. It is a nasal spray for them not a jab. Due to our itenerant status the Duck missed it this year, but he had it last year. I am in favour of all vaccines where appropriate. I have a pretty robust immune system after years of working with children, but clarion hasn't, and many other people haven't and I don't think it's fair to risk exposing them to something we could have vaccinated against.
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: DuncanM on 13 January, 2018, 08:37:37 pm
Jan or jab?
Jab. Phone autocorrect, which I missed. :(
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: hellymedic on 13 January, 2018, 08:44:03 pm
Jan or jab?
Jab. Phone autocorrect, which I missed. :(

These things happen.

I have an eye for them, which is a double-edged sword.
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: IJL on 13 January, 2018, 08:55:23 pm
Children who are 2-3 but not yet 4 on the 1 of Sept' 2017 are eligible for the Nasal Vaccine at their GP surgery
School reception and years 1-4 should be offered it at school thru the school health programme
Those people from school year 5 to 65 years can be vaccinated on the basis of being in a high risk group. 
Most surgeries will write to those in high risk groups because we get funded for giving the vaccine
65+ are eligible on the basis of age, also eligible for Pneumonia vaccine
 

I dont think i have seen any more flu this year than i have at this time of year over the past 5 years or so but things are likely different  elsewehere.

On the subject of vaccines I get regular updates on measles outbreaks in Europe where the vaccination rate is low.  There is a concern that  it could arrive in the UK although the vaccination rates here are far higher

Measles is now so rare in the UK that most of will never see a case
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: Kim on 13 January, 2018, 10:04:36 pm
Measles is now so rare in the UK that most of will never see a case

It's one of those diseases that the Deaf community remembers properly.  For obvious reasons.
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: Wowbagger on 14 January, 2018, 12:40:22 am
Aunt Phyllis (aged 98 years 11 months) is/was supposed to have a flu jab. Last winter she was on a list for a visit from the appropriate medical professional. It was almost into spring before she had the jab. She didn't get flu.

This reminds me. Some time before Christmas we had a call from a nurse who said they would be visiting her on a particular day, but so far as I recall there was no reason given for the visit. Every so often very old people just get routine visits. I don't know whether a flu jab would have been involved. With the hurly-burly of the festive season and other goings on at The Baggery it completely slipped my mind to find out why the said nurse didn't arrive. I will phone the surgery on Monday morning to find out what was the purpose of the (non-)call and ask about flu jabs.

In this house we are all members of "at risk" groups. Dez is on strong immunosuppressants so ought to have it. I understand that people living in the same house as those on strong immunosuppressants ought to have it so as not to infect. Phyllis is a member of an at-risk group because of her extreme age. Jan is because of asthma. I am because I'm on immunosuppressants as well.
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: barakta on 14 January, 2018, 12:56:44 am
Measles is now so rare in the UK that most of will never see a case

It's one of those diseases that the Deaf community remembers properly.  For obvious reasons.

My mum was a trainee nurse in the early 70s, she says if you've ever seen measles encephalitis or indeed a child being seriously sick with measles you wouldn't think twice about vaccination. 
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: rafletcher on 14 January, 2018, 02:09:51 pm
I had measles as a child. I remember being kept in a darkened bedroom, and being fed peeled grapes. Fortunately I don’t remember and pain.
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: ian on 14 January, 2018, 06:21:50 pm
I used to get it every year after my first bout of 'flu – it wasn't an experience to repeat (the ice bath thing – it's real) and certainly stopped me calling colds 'flu.'

Then I had my second bout of 'flu immediately after getting the jab one year. Now, while I know it's very, very, very likely to be coincidence, I seem to have forgotten to take up the offer (we get them free aboard the mothership) since. Which may be a comment on human irrationality and why things anti-vaccination catch on.

That said, as a fairly regularly traveller to the tropics, I have been vaccinated pretty much against everything with nothing other than sore arms (and a lack of hepatitis, rabies, yellow fever etc.)
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: Karla on 14 January, 2018, 06:41:56 pm
dim,

How about just taking your vaccination conspiracy theories and other trash into POBI please?  Taking the piss makes you look even more stupid.

HEY .... I thought that this thread was discussing flu jabs/vaccinations? .... I am anti vac as previously stated and have linked very good links such as the link to the VAXXED video which was removed from here (which can be found on youtube, but which is also banned in some countries) .... watch the video and listen to 1st hand footage from people who have had very bad experiences ....

I'm not taking the piss, but am merely passing info which I find relevant to this thread .... if you disagree, I don't give a fuck, but don't take the piss if someone does not agree with your thoughts ....


 ... and if you disagree with what I say or quote, then be adult about it and give your reasons why you disagree .... Fuck .... you are not 12 years old!!! ... grow up mate!!

Are you drunk?
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 14 January, 2018, 07:06:46 pm
I would get it if it was available as sub-cut or IV, but I react badly to IM injections. Last time I had it, my arm swelled so badly I was still getting physio for it 6 months later. I know there are work reasons why having it would be a good idea, but I've only had proper flu once in my life so I don't think I'm particularly prone to it.
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: Wowbagger on 14 January, 2018, 11:41:17 pm
Just had this from daughter no. 1 (Maidstone):

Quote
Ben is in bed. He feels the worst he has done. He and Marf will take the day off tomorrow. I was in bed from 11 til 2. I am tidying up then going to bed. This shit never ends.

Ben, her husband, became ill over a week ago.

I think (but am by no means sure) that she told me that the children were given nasal anti-flu inoculations and that every child whose parents didn't opt out was done.

We were last there on 11th/12th December looking after an ailing grandson. Mrs. Wow became infected with something and suffered for a week or so. One or more of the four of them has been ill, and quite badly ill, since then. Our gcs haven't had their Christmas presents from us yet.

Edit: just found this. I'm pretty sure our gcs were done. https://www.kentcht.nhs.uk/service/immunisation-team/school-age-flu/
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: robgul on 15 January, 2018, 06:55:10 am
I've had the flu jab for the last few years - I go for an INR test about every 8 weeks and they just do it when the time comes - I had it last time I went in November (I'm going again this morning - I have my little yellow record book ready!) - but last time I was also offered a shingles jab - apparently having passed 70 I was now in the recommended cohort - so, flu in one arm, shingles in the other ... and as warned the shingles made be feel a bit off-colour for a few days as it's a "live vaccine" that has stronger reaction to the body. 

[For the shingles they checked which medications I was on and that I was not on chemo ... as the jab would have probably killed me if I was!]

Rob
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: ElyDave on 15 January, 2018, 07:03:17 am
I had all three childhood infections, measles, mumps and German measles, not sure why I wasn't vaccinated but no serious effects of any of the infections in my case.

As for the flu vaccine, I think I've had flu probably three times in my life, each one effectively over in about 4-5 days of the typical near death experience, the worst being the one that caused my skin to become so sensitive that just wearing clothes was painful.

Ironically enough though, the last dose of flu, five years ago now triggered an auto-immune screw up with my T-cells attacking my pancreas.  So I'm now in one of the high risk groups for flu thanks to the flu itself. In my case high risk because the flu can screw up blood glucose control and increase likelihood of ketoacidosis which is no fun.

I think I had the jab in the first wintertime after diagnosis, but haven't bothered since

[edited to account for Androids spelchuking]
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: Morrisette on 15 January, 2018, 09:08:10 am
Well Mr M was told to get one (he has asthma) but Suffolk have run out of vaccines ::-) so I guess he'll just have to man up....and avoid being breathed on by sickly people.
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: ian on 15 January, 2018, 09:21:21 am
Flu zonked my friend's pancreas too. A bout of a flu and a few weeks later he was found unconscious on the kitchen floor.

My wife's grandmother had rubella when she had first child. He had significant mental and physical disabilities including the heart defect that killed him a few years ago. We forget about these things and how common they were.
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: ElyDave on 15 January, 2018, 11:05:07 am
Flu zonked my friend's pancreas too. A bout of a flu and a few weeks later he was found unconscious on the kitchen floor.

My wife's grandmother had rubella when she had first child. He had significant mental and physical disabilities including the heart defect that killed him a few years ago. We forget about these things and how common they were.

In my case I just carried on running and cycling, lost over 10% of my bodyweight and ran a 23 mile fell race in 4h25 for 35th place as an uncontrolled T1 diabetic, I was diagnosed on the following Tuesday  ;D.  I went back the following year and improved my time getting on the first page of the results in 25th place.

Hope your friend is now in control and OK.  I have no doubt that if I hadn't been as fit as I was and exercise as I did, I'd have been face down in the kitchen as well.
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: hellymedic on 15 January, 2018, 12:30:28 pm
I had all three childhood infections, measles, mumps and German measles, not sure why I wasn't vaccinated but no serious effects of any of the infections in my case.

I don't know your age but I know I was not offered these.
I was born in 1958. I had measles at about 5, mumps at around 7 and rubella at 17.

My younger siblings were offered these as they were introduced.
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: hellymedic on 15 January, 2018, 12:32:38 pm
Flu zonked my friend's pancreas too. A bout of a flu and a few weeks later he was found unconscious on the kitchen floor.

My wife's grandmother had rubella when she had first child. He had significant mental and physical disabilities including the heart defect that killed him a few years ago. We forget about these things and how common they were.

I had a childhood friend who was blinded by maternal rubella.
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: PeteB99 on 15 January, 2018, 12:38:12 pm
A bit older than you Helly, I think the only vaccinations available were BCG, Polio and Smallpox. I managed to catch all the childhood illnesses - Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Whooping cough and Chicken pox in rapid succession when I was 6 or 7. I think the only lasting effect was losing more or less a years schooling. 
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: T42 on 15 January, 2018, 12:53:13 pm
Flu zonked my friend's pancreas too. A bout of a flu and a few weeks later he was found unconscious on the kitchen floor.

This is quite well-known as a consequence of gastroenteritis. Some  strains bear surface proteins similar to those on beta cells; the immune system produces antibodies that target the former and takes out the latter as collateral damage ==> overnight Type 1 diabetes.

Immune system shrugs: "Oh well, they shouldn't have been there, and we did get the main target. Mission accomplished".
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: ian on 15 January, 2018, 01:34:17 pm
Indeed, but he had no idea until he passed out. It just luckily happened that his girlfriend found him comatose because he wasn't answering his phone. So yes, type 1 diabetes and regular insulin thereafter. The first time I had 'flu ended up with a dangerously high temperature which meant I had to be literally put on ice. The second time it was most just awful with severe fever and shakes for about a week and in both cases it took a good couple of weeks to really get back to 100%.
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: rafletcher on 15 January, 2018, 01:40:09 pm
Well Mr M was told to get one (he has asthma) but Suffolk have run out of vaccines ::-) so I guess he'll just have to man up....and avoid being breathed on by sickly people.

Or pay £10 at a supermarket pharmacy of his choice?
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: Wowbagger on 15 January, 2018, 02:03:25 pm
Have phoned doc to pursue jabs. I have an appointment for Thursday to discuss with doc whether she thinks I should have the jab, givne last year's "reaction", and an appointment for Monday if the answer is "Yes, do it."

I also asked on Aunt Phyllis's behalf. A nurse will phone her about that.
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: ElyDave on 15 January, 2018, 02:09:00 pm
I had all three childhood infections, measles, mumps and German measles, not sure why I wasn't vaccinated but no serious effects of any of the infections in my case.

I don't know your age but I know I was not offered these.
I was born in 1958. I had measles at about 5, mumps at around 7 and rubella at 17.

My younger siblings were offered these as they were introduced.

1974, but a somewhat peripatetic childhood with a father in the RAF, moving every 2-3 years, in one case less than a year. I may have just fallen through the cracks.



Interested in all those other T1 cases, I was a very late case aged 39,  which I'm told is quite unusual
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: hellymedic on 15 January, 2018, 02:22:47 pm
A bit older than you Helly, I think the only vaccinations available were BCG, Polio and Smallpox. I managed to catch all the childhood illnesses - Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Whooping cough and Chicken pox in rapid succession when I was 6 or 7. I think the only lasting effect was losing more or less a years schooling.

You were probably also immunised against Diphtheria, which is almost unheard of nowadays but re-emerged in Russia quite recently.
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: PeteB99 on 15 January, 2018, 02:33:27 pm
Yes I think You're right about diptheria. There was also tetanus which wasn't a mass preventative program but you still had to go every few years for a booster.

Or maybe that was just me injuring myself a lot.
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: hellymedic on 15 January, 2018, 02:40:24 pm
Tetanus immunisation has indeed been routine for decades.
It's now thought that 5 vaccine doses give life-long immunity so fewer boosters are being given for travel and minor injury nowadays.
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 15 January, 2018, 03:06:23 pm
I think DTP is still a standard childhood immunisation.
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 15 January, 2018, 03:27:21 pm
I am or used to be something like the opposite of Barakta as regards childhood diseases. Because I, my sister and various childhood friends all had measles, mumps and chicken pox at various ages, I assumed that's the way it was for everyone. Sure, I knew these things could be dangerous, even fatal, for children in the "third world" who were already weakened through malnutrition, other diseases, and far from medical care, but for us in the rich and shinies it involved nothing more than a week or two off school and some pain or itching. In fact, I didn't even get any time off school for chicken pox as it happened at Christmas! It was only really when Mrs Cudzo caught mumps while she was pregnant that I realized it's not always like that (and that some people had neither immunisations nor childhood infection). And then her brother stupidly visited her in hospital, having been told not to, and caught it too!

I can only presume my parents had the same reasoning (not sure if chicken pox vaccination was even available back then) as they certainly weren't vaccogeddonists; had us immunised against the obviously dangerously things like polio and TB.
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 16 January, 2018, 01:19:21 pm
I remember having chickenpox and mumps, and I remember my brother having rubella when he was about 5. We would definitely have been vaccinated against measles, because my dad's dad had nearly died of it when he was very small, and it left him with severe facial scarring and partially deaf. I remember my brother getting his polio vaccine on a sugar lump, and they gave me a sugar lump too.

I had whooping cough a few years ago despite having been vaccinated as a child, and it was fucking awful.
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: ian on 16 January, 2018, 03:39:12 pm
It still possible to develop minor versions of some infections post-vaccination, but tbh, we mostly attribute any rash (which is a common symptom of many minor viral infections) to being some kind of 'measles.'

I saved getting chicken pox until I was at university. The worst bit was the discovery, and it wasn't by me and 'eugh, you're covered in spots' really puts an end to that kind of activity even quicker than end-of-term bed linen. They don't itch until someone tells you they're there and then it's open season.
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: Morrisette on 18 January, 2018, 04:36:18 pm
Well Mr M was told to get one (he has asthma) but Suffolk have run out of vaccines ::-) so I guess he'll just have to man up....and avoid being breathed on by sickly people.

Or pay £10 at a supermarket pharmacy of his choice?

That WAS at the pharmacy of his choice. There's none left anywhere apparently.
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: Wowbagger on 18 January, 2018, 07:13:34 pm
I recall a doctor calling at our house in order to inject all 5 of us against something or other. I was the youngest (probably about 5) and hid in a cupboard. My mother took me to the surgery a few days later for me to have it done. Polio I think, although why there was such a discrepancy in our ages I can't explain. Oldest brother would have been 14.

A nurse called this morning and jabbed Phyllis. I had a doc appointment to disciss his view whether it was a good idea or not, given my reaction last year. He said probably best not to under those circumstances but when I told him that every member of hte household is in an "at risk" group he changed his mind. 11.30 on Monday for me.
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: PaulF on 18 January, 2018, 07:18:52 pm
Had mine this morning.
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: Wowbagger on 20 January, 2018, 10:36:17 pm
Well, I was going to have mine on Monday but I doubt if I will now.

I feel really shite and may have flu.
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: hellymedic on 21 January, 2018, 12:38:40 am
Whatever your ailment, Get Well Soon!
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: Basil on 21 January, 2018, 08:21:55 am
I had the jab in early December.  Mrs B didn't. 
She's been off work and in bed all last week.  Doesn't look like a return to work tomorrow is on the cards either.
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: MikeFromLFE on 21 January, 2018, 08:50:19 am
Mrs M is just about recovered. For her it lasted almost 3 weeks. In 40 years of wedded bliss I can honestly say I've never seen her so unwell.
She did go to the practice Nurse at my insistence as I was convinced that pneumonia was setting in - I was wrong (thankfully).
While at the surgery they looked at the record of her her flu vaccination and confirmed what we suspected from hearing an episode of the BBC 'Inside Health' podcast - she had been given the 'Trivalent' vaccination which is being found to be much less effective than the 'Quadrivalent' vaccination - the fourth missing strain is been found to be more prevalent than expected.

(Moi - thanks for asking! I just seem to have had a persistent cold for the last 3 weeks (no flu jab). I tried cycling yesterday - that was a bad mistake)

Sent from my P01W using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: Wowbagger on 21 January, 2018, 05:36:56 pm
Whatever your ailment, Get Well Soon!

Thanks. Felt really rough yesterday and just couldn't get warm. Then I wrapped myself in a blanket and put a woolly hat on and felt better when I warmed up. Had a pretty good night's sleep (Lagavulin-assisted) and now feel considerably better than I did this morning. Will take advice tomorrow on whether to go for the flu jab or not.
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: cycleman on 21 January, 2018, 06:29:46 pm
Glad you are feeling better  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: Wowbagger on 21 January, 2018, 09:03:39 pm
I may have spoken too soon.

*sneezes violently*

Meanwhile, from daughter no 1:

Quote
[husband] spent 3 hours with [son] in an NHS drop in centre as his tonsillitis has spread- much worse. We now have a fourth course and third type of antibiotic. I spent most of yesterday in bed. [husband] is coughing.

This has been going on for about 6 weeks now. We still haven't been over to give them their Christmas presents. Last time we were there was on 11th/12th December, and Jan came back feeling really ill and missed a whole load of stuff we had planned.
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: Pedaldog. on 21 January, 2018, 11:48:59 pm
Booked for mine on Thursday coming.Normally get stabbed in mid September but i missed the letter. this thread reminded me. I normally, after the jab,  feel like Shite warmed up, left to cool at room temperature and then slow cooked for 8 hours. Hoping this year won't have same effect.
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: Wowbagger on 22 January, 2018, 04:32:10 pm
I put my flu jab off for a week.
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: Nethypete on 25 January, 2018, 12:52:21 pm
Recovering slowly; and if this is flu (no test undertaken) I think it's my third ever 'attack', fortunately the last being over 20 years ago. But this is by far the worst with added broken eardrum. Complete range of unpleasant illness including temperatures twice high enough to confuse my brain more than normal. If I have been flippant about flu previously I certainly won't again...and will think about anti-flu jab next winter.

Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: nicknack on 25 January, 2018, 06:02:26 pm
Last week 35 people in the UK died of flu. (https://www.theguardian.com/society/2018/jan/25/three-times-more-people-dying-from-flu-in-uk-than-last-winter)
Still want to put off having the jab?
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: Kim on 25 January, 2018, 07:24:36 pm
I saw somewhere that this season's flu had killed more Brits than terrorism has ever.  Sounds plausible.
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: Basil on 25 January, 2018, 08:11:06 pm
Last week 35 people in the UK died of flu. (https://www.theguardian.com/society/2018/jan/25/three-times-more-people-dying-from-flu-in-uk-than-last-winter)
Still want to put off having the jab?

I can believe this.  Mrs B is still terribly weak and mostly in bed.  It's been over two weeks.
You really don't want this one.
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: Nethypete on 25 January, 2018, 10:26:45 pm
[You really don't want this one.

I agree... I really didn't want this one. Medical friends in Fife say they haven't seen anything like this flu in 25 years service. That really surprised me.
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: Pedaldog. on 25 January, 2018, 10:42:47 pm
Had to postpone TEH NEEDEL today, the shitty chest, nasty head and other stuffs was too much for me to be able to get out of bed until mid-afternoon.
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: Wowbagger on 25 January, 2018, 11:48:30 pm
Recovering slowly; and if this is flu (no test undertaken) I think it's my third ever 'attack', fortunately the last being over 20 years ago. But this is by far the worst with added broken eardrum. Complete range of unpleasant illness including temperatures twice high enough to confuse my brain more than normal. If I have been flippant about flu previously I certainly won't again...and will think about anti-flu jab next winter.

My grandson & s-i-l both suffered bleeding ear/burst eardrums. I seem to be on the mend now. I am still feeling rough. Jan is worse. Her asthma always gives any infection a head start.
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: SteveC on 01 February, 2018, 06:23:44 pm
I suppose I ought to report back.
I was all keyed up to phone the pharmacy on Monday a fortnight back as I had the dentist first thing on the Tuesday morning, so would be in the car.
And I've had this cold ever since. I don't get colds. I can't remember the last time I had a cold like this. No longer feeling rough, just a bit tired (but we have been very busy and life has been stressful) but my nose has been leaking for England.

So probably next year...
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: hellymedic on 20 February, 2018, 07:49:14 pm
David & I had flu jabs at the GP's last Friday, when I attended for an unrelated problem & GP thought this was a good opportunity.
We'd slipped through the gappy net created by her maternity leave and our very infrequent visits to the surgery.
 
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: Wowbagger on 25 October, 2018, 10:09:57 am
I have just had my flu jab. Standing room only waiting for the nurse. Luckily I was seen straight away - she was dealing with people in appointment order and I arrived with about a minute to spare.

Interestingly, I was asked whether I was 64 or 65*. The nurse said that different age groups get different jabs. And any of our learned friends cast light on the reason for this?

*As of today, my dear wife qualifies for the older person's jab. But she hasn't made her appointment yet.
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: andrewc on 25 October, 2018, 10:23:55 am
I tried to get one at a local (Liverpool) pharmacy yesterday.  They'd no vaccine & didn't know when they'd have any new supply.  The pharmacist said it was a widespread problem.
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: Wowbagger on 25 October, 2018, 10:46:26 am
Anecdotally, it seems the the NHS south is working rather better than the NHS north at the moment.
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: Greenbank on 25 October, 2018, 10:50:44 am
And any of our learned friends cast light on the reason for this?

Twenty seconds with google:-

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-flu-vaccine-available-this-winter-for-those-aged-65-and-over

Quote
The newly available ‘adjuvanted’ vaccine is expected to significantly boost effectiveness by improving the body’s immune response to the vaccine. This is important because typically, older adults’ bodies do not respond as well to the flu vaccine due to their naturally weaker immune systems. Older adults are also more likely to suffer complications from flu.
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: andrewc on 25 October, 2018, 11:06:24 am
Anecdotally, it seems the the NHS south is working rather better than the NHS north at the moment.


It's a plot to kill us Labour voting Northerners off !
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: PeteB99 on 25 October, 2018, 11:18:10 am
Anecdotally, it seems the the NHS south is working rather better than the NHS north at the moment.


It's a plot to kill us Labour voting Northerners off !

About 10 miles south of you I got mine last month.
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: hellymedic on 25 October, 2018, 12:01:34 pm
I believe there's a tri-valent flu jab and a quadri-valent flu jab, given for over and under 65s or something.
Supplies of one kind have been a bit tight.

But I don't recall which age group gets what.

ETA: Did a fact check.
Quadrivalent vaccine is given to under 65s
Trivalent is given to >65s, for whom this has been shown to be more effective.

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/who-should-have-flu-vaccine/ (https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/who-should-have-flu-vaccine/)
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: quixoticgeek on 28 October, 2018, 09:36:28 pm


Couple of flu jab questions.

I know that each year's flu jab is different, based on which stains they are expecting each winter, but does it also vary by country? So if I get the jab in one country, but am predominantly in another, even if they are neighbouring countries, would it still give me some cover?

I've had something flu like this last week, Not sure if I got it form the conference last week, or the peoples vote march last Saturday, but it's sucked big time. Once I'm symptom free, is it still worth getting the flu jab? I'm not in an at risk group, but am more than happy to pay if it means I don't spend a week in bed.

J
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: Basil on 28 October, 2018, 09:44:33 pm
Phoned my doc last week for a flu jab.  They've run out of the over 65 version.  I'll try again next week.
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: rafletcher on 28 October, 2018, 09:46:02 pm
@QG: According to the WHO website, there are different jabs for northern and southern hemispheres, as opposed to adjacent countries. There is an “influenza season” in each, and the vaccines are tailored to suit and reviewed every 6 months.
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: FifeingEejit on 28 October, 2018, 11:36:38 pm
Should have been paying more attention to which one is being used for Staff Immunization in Scotland; I only picked up the leaflet to waste time afterwards waiting for the refilled tub of sweets to return...

Arm seemed to be hurt for a bit longer than last year.
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: ElyDave on 29 October, 2018, 06:16:09 am
Phoned my doc last week for a flu jab.  They've run out of the over 65 version.  I'll try again next week.
Same in my local version of boots.

I've been offered the jab as an at risk group, but I generally don't take it, I think one year in the last five
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: T42 on 29 October, 2018, 10:31:53 am
Arm seemed to be hurt for a bit longer than last year.

I think that depends on the picador's siting and technique rather than the vaccine, and maybe on your current general level of inflammation. Chappie on radio explained that the vaccine doesn't contain weakened viruses, dead viruses or even complete viruses but rather broken-up bits, and can't possibly give you a disease.

My jabs usually hurt longer than MrsT's because (I think), being diabetic, I'm more liable to develop inflammation than she is.
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: ElyDave on 29 October, 2018, 01:42:54 pm
we also tend to heal slower, so I'm told.
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: T42 on 29 October, 2018, 02:08:21 pm
It's all jolly, innit?
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: fimm on 07 October, 2020, 12:23:38 pm
Resurrecting this thread... I've read it, but it doesn't answer my question:
Why would the NHS offer a fit and healthy 46-year-old man a flu jab? Mr fimm got the letter, and we don't understand why.
I've always understood that there's only so much flu vaccine to go round, so young and healthy people shouldn't take it away from people who need it.
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: ian on 07 October, 2020, 12:55:34 pm
I don't believe there's any shortage in influenza vaccine (leastways not normally). There's a cost to the NHS, of course. I'm not sure their rules, they never offered me one, but I don't get the impression that our surgery are really up on prevention.

Many businesses, however, offer all their staff a flu shot. We get a voucher this year.
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: FifeingEejit on 07 October, 2020, 01:01:37 pm
Because they've bought lots of it and are trying to immunize as many people as possible.
If they've got to a point where people in their mid-40s are being offered it then they've either cocked up their vaccine plan or have enough to include them.



I had to cancel my appointment yesterday at work because of  :sick:
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: ElyDave on 07 October, 2020, 01:15:25 pm
That reminds me, I need to badger my surgery - not had my notification yet.
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: rafletcher on 07 October, 2020, 02:41:23 pm
Resurrecting this thread... I've read it, but it doesn't answer my question:
Why would the NHS offer a fit and healthy 46-year-old man a flu jab? Mr fimm got the letter, and we don't understand why.

I would expect that that's been sent in error - or to the wrong / misidentified person. Certainly my doctors surgery gave short shrift to the whole Boris announced over whatever age it was vaccination. Effectively, I'd get it if they had any left over. Fortunately we've got the vouchers from work again, although Lloyds Pharmacy are operating a "email us and we'll put you on the list and get back to you when you can book" system. Or, if you have fellow country-persons in the pharmacy, like my colleague, you can walk in and get it straight away  :-\
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: IJL on 07 October, 2020, 02:59:03 pm
Quote
Resurrecting this thread... I've read it, but it doesn't answer my question:
Why would the NHS offer a fit and healthy 46-year-old man a flu jab? Mr fimm got the letter, and we don't understand why.
I've always understood that there's only so much flu vaccine to go round, so young and healthy people shouldn't take it away from people who need it.

People between 11 and 65 are eligible if they fall into a high risk group, certain issues are coded in the notes and searches pick up the codes
Sometimes codes or searches pick up errors, sometimes its a forgotten pathology

I have had to answer the why question quite a lot this year, the most common answer is BMI or 40 or greater
Asthma that may have settled years ago and not be on treatment (in theory only eligible if on a regular inhaled steroid)
ever having been coded as a carer
There are a few people that the searches pick up and its unclear why even after searching thru the notes



 
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: FifeingEejit on 07 October, 2020, 04:47:22 pm
Quote
Resurrecting this thread... I've read it, but it doesn't answer my question:
Why would the NHS offer a fit and healthy 46-year-old man a flu jab? Mr fimm got the letter, and we don't understand why.
I've always understood that there's only so much flu vaccine to go round, so young and healthy people shouldn't take it away from people who need it.

People between 11 and 65 are eligible if they fall into a high risk group, certain issues are coded in the notes and searches pick up the codes
Sometimes codes or searches pick up errors, sometimes its a forgotten pathology

I have had to answer the why question quite a lot this year, the most common answer is BMI or 40 or greater
Asthma that may have settled years ago and not be on treatment (in theory only eligible if on a regular inhaled steroid)
ever having been coded as a carer
There are a few people that the searches pick up and its unclear why even after searching thru the notes

hm... GP coding errors... yeah got a few stories about that...
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: SteveC on 07 October, 2020, 05:28:40 pm
Although I come into the 'whole Boris announced over whatever age it was' population, I decided it was easier to organise and pay for my own. MrsC gets a free one due to being older than me. As it happened we managed to get consecutive appointments at Boot's. I had to pay, and the price was over twice what Asda had charged me two years ago, but in the current circumstances I thought it was well worth it.
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: ian on 07 October, 2020, 05:46:47 pm
Given we're all locked down, flu is going to have a hard time this winter.

Maybe Bono could organize a fundraiser.
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: barakta on 07 October, 2020, 06:12:29 pm
Friend who is disabled AND super high risk was offered a jab by GP, then cancelled cos they had none, he's phoned every pharmacy in a travelling distance from his home and there's none - this is London.

Friend is UNamused!
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: barakta on 07 October, 2020, 06:15:39 pm
Nevermind GP coding errors. Last night in A&E we realised my admission notes said "history of blood clots" (untrue). What I ACTUALLY said was "had procedure with blood clot risk" which is why procedure nurse AND GP sent me to waste A&E time... When I flagged this up, doc said it made no difference to treatment... But is going to sit and lurk in my fucking medical records along with all the other nonsense and bite me on the arse with something like travel insurance I am sure... I don't understand why 1 min isn't spent crossing it out, adding an explanation and me + clinician signing it.

Medical records CANNOT be treated as sacrosanct while they contain such misrepresentations. I was never asked about other history of clots, I just told them "I'd been sent, cos of procedure and risk".

Procedure risk != history!
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: cycleman on 07 October, 2020, 07:14:06 pm
I had my flu jab yesterday  :)
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: FifeingEejit on 07 October, 2020, 07:20:52 pm
Nevermind GP coding errors. Last night in A&E we realised my admission notes said "history of blood clots" (untrue). What I ACTUALLY said was "had procedure with blood clot risk" which is why procedure nurse AND GP sent me to waste A&E time... When I flagged this up, doc said it made no difference to treatment... But is going to sit and lurk in my fucking medical records along with all the other nonsense and bite me on the arse with something like travel insurance I am sure... I don't understand why 1 min isn't spent crossing it out, adding an explanation and me + clinician signing it.

Medical records CANNOT be treated as sacrosanct while they contain such misrepresentations. I was never asked about other history of clots, I just told them "I'd been sent, cos of procedure and risk".

Procedure risk != history!

yeah I'd be following that one up, medics seem to be more interested in what they know than what they record... hence how mickey mouse got sent for eye screening... that GP probably made a few quid off him as well.
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: MikeFromLFE on 07 October, 2020, 10:25:25 pm
I was told last year that I was to have flu vaccination, but when I turned up - age 64 - they turfed me out as it was an error.

I had my flu vaccination about 10 days ago (first time) and it really made me feel poorly for nearly a week with aching joints & muscles, as well as a serious lack of get up and go. But, I feel that's a small price to pay to avoid getting something that can be as nasty as proper flu.
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: fimm on 08 October, 2020, 10:35:53 am
Quote
Resurrecting this thread... I've read it, but it doesn't answer my question:
Why would the NHS offer a fit and healthy 46-year-old man a flu jab? Mr fimm got the letter, and we don't understand why.
I've always understood that there's only so much flu vaccine to go round, so young and healthy people shouldn't take it away from people who need it.

People between 11 and 65 are eligible if they fall into a high risk group, certain issues are coded in the notes and searches pick up the codes
Sometimes codes or searches pick up errors, sometimes its a forgotten pathology

I have had to answer the why question quite a lot this year, the most common answer is BMI or 40 or greater
Asthma that may have settled years ago and not be on treatment (in theory only eligible if on a regular inhaled steroid)
ever having been coded as a carer
There are a few people that the searches pick up and its unclear why even after searching thru the notes
Mr fimm had a phone chat with a GP and they reckoned either a) error or b) something to do with some checks he had on a possible heart issue a couple of years back (he was getting something odd, I don't remember the details, and they did some investigations and made him wear an ECG for a day and then told him to go away). Anyway we are going to ignore the flu jab letter.
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: Greenbank on 09 October, 2020, 03:07:48 pm
Asked in a local (SW15) pharmacy today.

Told them I was under 50 and not in any high risk category at all and don't want to be taking a flu jab away from someone who may need it more than me.

They said they'd exhausted their supply of flu jabs for under 65s and that the waiting list was so long there's no point even adding me to it. They said to call back at the end of the month and enquire again.

(I've got another 4 or 5 local pharmacies I can try, and there's a local Boots too.)
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: giropaul on 10 October, 2020, 09:02:38 am
Went for my flu jab (over65) today, following a letter from my GP practice.
Hugely impressed. Arrived at allotted time, greeted at the entrance, sanitized hands, directed to next point, within seconds directed to room where a nurse administered jab, and also offered a pneumonia jab, with explanation, which I accepted. An administrator in a corner recorded details.
In and out in less than 5 minutes. It looked as if at least 4 or 5 rooms were operating. All done with a welcoming and pleasant demeanour. Well done my practice!
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: giropaul on 11 October, 2020, 06:50:21 pm
Following my excellent experience yesterday I felt pretty much fine this morning, so went out on the bike for 2.5 to 3 hrs.
Midways through the afternoon ( back home by now) I feel quite grotty, shivery and cold. My joints ache more than the osteoarthritis norm.
Is this just fairly normal, or unusual but ok, or something to keep track of please?
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: hellymedic on 11 October, 2020, 06:56:08 pm
[Yiddishe (non)mama] Have you eaten enough?
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: giropaul on 11 October, 2020, 07:31:04 pm
[Yiddishe (non)mama] Have you eaten enough?

Yes, I’m sure I have thanks. For your entertainment HK refers to me as “ large thing”, I obviously refer to her as “ small thing”
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: hellymedic on 11 October, 2020, 08:06:45 pm
[Yiddishe (non)mama] Have you eaten enough?

Yes, I’m sure I have thanks. For your entertainment HK refers to me as “ large thing”, I obviously refer to her as “ small thing”

Some skinny folk are MUCH better at burning fat than their lumpen friends.

A VERY long time ago, the late, lamented hero Rocco told me I didn't need to eat much bread at the Southern Reunion. I heeded his advice but ground to a halt after a few ascents the next day.

Legs returned after a few (yeast bun) teacakes.
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 12 October, 2020, 10:01:46 am
They have set up what they call a 'mass vaccination centre' near us.  It's very large but not up and running yet.
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: Wowbagger on 12 October, 2020, 02:08:54 pm
Jan phoned our local pharmacist who have us on a list for the over-65s jab. None in as of today. Try again in a few days...
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: PeteB99 on 12 October, 2020, 02:20:16 pm
Had mine on Sat. very slick procedure similar to Giropauls. Apart from slightly sore arm no ill effects. did an hours light turbo session yesterday.
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: rafletcher on 12 October, 2020, 02:24:41 pm
Following my excellent experience yesterday I felt pretty much fine this morning, so went out on the bike for 2.5 to 3 hrs.
Midways through the afternoon ( back home by now) I feel quite grotty, shivery and cold. My joints ache more than the osteoarthritis norm.
Is this just fairly normal, or unusual but ok, or something to keep track of please?

I'd say not normal, especially as the jab is dead virus IIUIC. I've had the jab for each of the last 10 years (self employed contractor) and have never once felt any side-effect other than a slight soreness at the injection site. That's from ages 52-62, and no other conditions / medications.
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: Notsototalnewbie on 12 October, 2020, 02:34:36 pm
We've got a mass vaccination centre in the Croydon Ikea. Husband had to argue his case whereas normally it's them asking him to come in - apparently they are rationing them round here with over 65s the priority.

I might wait a bit (don't want to take one off someone more needy) before trying to get a paid-for one. No qualifying conditions for me, but it did take me a long time to get over the one time I had it.
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: Kim on 12 October, 2020, 03:31:42 pm
We've got a mass vaccination centre in the Croydon Ikea. Husband had to argue his case whereas normally it's them asking him to come in - apparently they are rationing them round here with over 65s the priority.

That doesn't really make sense, given that the over-65s get a different vaccine.

Anyway, I'm booked in at the GP's for mine on Monday.
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: FifeingEejit on 12 October, 2020, 03:35:46 pm
Missed 2 phone calls from OHSAS about rebooking mine this morning... only jsut got an e-mail from them saying to call them between 2 and 4.
So far failed to get through...
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: Notsototalnewbie on 12 October, 2020, 03:42:35 pm
We've got a mass vaccination centre in the Croydon Ikea. Husband had to argue his case whereas normally it's them asking him to come in - apparently they are rationing them round here with over 65s the priority.

That doesn't really make sense, given that the over-65s get a different vaccine.


I'd forgotten that, but good point. Wonder what they'd have said if he'd pointed that out to them.
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: Duckfoot1606 on 12 October, 2020, 03:53:04 pm
Although T2 diabetic I normally don’t bother. This year I have no hesitation, booked in for next week.

A
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: IJL on 12 October, 2020, 04:28:01 pm
Quote
That doesn't really make sense, given that the over-65s get a different vaccine.

It depends, there are vaccines that are for the under 65's only, but there are vaccines that can be used in all adults, depends what has been ordered

In previous years we have been quite loose with the under 65's and people who weren't eligible would have a vaccine as many of those who were eligible didn't want one

this year everyone wants one

I'm normally trying to a few extra doses in the new year, rather than trying to get a few hundred extras now.

Those with asthma are only eligible under 65 if they use a regular inhaled steroid, if they've not had an inhaler prescribed in years there not eligible and if they don't take that information from reception they can take it from a very irritated nurse practitioner
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: FifeingEejit on 14 October, 2020, 06:43:23 pm
I'm sure there's a more recent series of posts that I can't find for this, so if the movers need to get involved then so be it.


Just been for my OHSAS flu jab, issued by a dental therapist.

Questions were being asked about what is being issued, in my case:
Flucelvax Tetra
Egg free
4 strains, 2 A and 2 B of which I have taken a photo


(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20201014/9d733036db3e950e22db3065be59ddb9.jpg)

Sent from my BKL-L09 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: ian on 14 October, 2020, 06:53:01 pm
Cocker spaniel. Keep tabs on your ears. Or more appositely, the urge to raise your leg when passing a lamp post.
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: FifeingEejit on 14 October, 2020, 07:38:22 pm
Explains why I keep looking at bushes with birds in them, just as well its not Springer.

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Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: FifeingEejit on 14 October, 2020, 09:47:00 pm
hrm, I seem to now have the urge to curl up next to the radiator but also in the middle of the doorway and have a nap...
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: FifeingEejit on 14 October, 2020, 09:47:39 pm
Ah! This is the post I was looking for earlier, but instead I posted in the only one that search found which was 'flu jab'

<Shrugs>
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: Polar Bear on 14 October, 2020, 10:06:47 pm
Am I being reckless in not being concerned at all?  I am 57 and never have an annual flu jab.  I could not claim to have never had the flu but I haven't been incapacitated by flu for donkeys years, touch wood ...
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: FifeingEejit on 14 October, 2020, 11:17:39 pm
I've been floored by something similar to the flu twice, sod going through that again if I can avoid it.

Also my employer is big on pushing it to staff, not only does it reduce the amount of people off sick on full pay but also reduces the number of staff that manage to get both flu and covid at the same time.

Which is kind of handy when your the health board and already have plans to redeploy everyone into absolutely any job they can possibly do.

Remember the government included an insurance clause in the coronavirus acts to cover non medically registered people for malpractice?
That's so IT guys like me can be shown where the deltoid is and then a pile of prefilled syringes and a series of patients.

My former service manager who's now a step above that has been involved in discussions about how to run a coronavirus vaccination service to get all of the health boards patients done in the target timescale.
It needs some method of recording of administration as its likely to be a 2 shot job (seems a fairly easy form to add to our epr to me, no need for excel)

And an IFT of staff that aren't directly needed to run the hospital, so that's it people that don't need to be on instant response of a server goes on the rampage or something...


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Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: The Movers on 15 October, 2020, 12:07:05 am
I'm sure there's a more recent series of posts that I can't find for this, so if the movers need to get involved then so be it.
Just been for my OHSAS flu jab, issued by a dental therapist.
Questions were being asked about what is being issued, in my case:
Flucelvax Tetra
Egg free
4 strains, 2 A and 2 B of which I have taken a photo
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20201014/9d733036db3e950e22db3065be59ddb9.jpg)
Sent from my BKL-L09 using Tapatalk

Just to confuse you all, there were two threads: flu jab and 'flu jab' which have now been merged.
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: CrazyEnglishTriathlete on 15 October, 2020, 06:12:53 am
Have one booked through work, which means I have to go into London to have it.  Would it be unwise to cycle the 50 miles home afterwards?
Title: Re: Flu jab
Post by: SteveC on 15 October, 2020, 07:33:01 am
Am I being reckless in not being concerned at all?  I am 57 and never have an annual flu jab.  I could not claim to have never had the flu but I haven't been incapacitated by flu for donkeys years, touch wood ...
I used to feel like you, but MrsC persuaded me to pay a couple of years ago. I mentioned that I was intending to get a jab to my GP (to make sure it didn't interfere with the treatment he was organising for me) and he seemed quite pleased that I was bothering. A lot of the people I mix with in the village are elderly, in some cases very, so keeping it away from them was part of the incentive.
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: Polar Bear on 15 October, 2020, 08:43:17 am
Fair reasoning.

None of that applies to me though.  I am not on any treatments or medications either immediate, short term or long term.  I don't have any underlying conditions.   I don't mix even in non-covid times save for a small circle of regulars and since March I have hardly mixed at all. 

I got a sniffle a few days back which annoyed me given that I hadn't been "socialising", all indoor activities other than at home have been fully masked and the only person to get closer than 2m from me is mllePB.   She is working from home and arguably vets out even less than me given that she is doing a full week in the home office and we are keeping our social connections alive using WhatsApp and Zoom.  The sniffle very quickly passed.

I am open to persuasion re a flu jab but there are probably many many older and more vivacious folk who would benefit more and thus be in front of me in the queue.  Heck, I suspect that I am more likely to catch something just going through the process of getting the jab.  GP waiting rooms are not exactly full of healthy types. 
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: FifeingEejit on 15 October, 2020, 08:49:45 am
Have one booked through work, which means I have to go into London to have it.  Would it be unwise to cycle the 50 miles home afterwards?
My right arm "weighed a tonne" by the time I got home, that was a 20min drive.

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Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: ian on 15 October, 2020, 09:54:19 am
I've been jabbed a lot for trips to foreignland, so a flu jab was nothing. I used to get one despite being a healthy, youngish individual because the mothership jabbed us. That said, the last time I had one a couple of years ago, I got quite ill afterwards, so haven't done so since.

Logically, I know the flu-like symptoms afterwards were a coincidence, there's no live virus in the jab. But the monkey part of my brain didn't like that explanation.

The same social distancing and other preventative measures act against the transmission of influenza as much as COVID, of course. That said, the only thing that stops you getting flu and COVID at the same time is probability.
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: rafletcher on 15 October, 2020, 10:40:28 am
Have one booked through work, which means I have to go into London to have it.  Would it be unwise to cycle the 50 miles home afterwards?

Perfectly do-able IME.
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: Mr Larrington on 17 October, 2020, 02:25:08 am
One of the dokta's minions rang me up on Wednesday to offer me one.  Had it Thursday morning.  Complimented the crool nurse on her technique as I literally didn't feel the needle going in.  She allowed as how this was because she practiced a lot on small children, who tend to kick you in the face if it hurts.

Anyway, instead of hurting at the time of administration, it hurts now.  Bah!
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: Kim on 19 October, 2020, 05:36:46 pm
Just been flu stabbed.  By a nurse[1] in full PPE.  In a very empty GP's waiting room.  Bottles of hand sanitiser outnumbered humans by a ratio of about 2:1.

The door intercom protocol has been stepped up from "press the button and the receptionist will press their button" to an inaudible conversation about who you are, why you're there and whether you have any COVID-19 symptoms before they'll allow entry.  Not sure how barakta would cope.


[1] Well it was supposed to be a nurse.  Given what they were wearing it could have been a ballet dancer on day release from Cryptanalysis 101 for all I know.
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: barakta on 19 October, 2020, 05:43:32 pm
The door intercom protocol has been stepped up from "press the button and the receptionist will press their button" to an inaudible conversation about who you are, why you're there and whether you have any COVID-19 symptoms before they'll allow entry.  Not sure how barakta would cope.

I tried to go round the back like the previous protocol, had inaudible intercom discussion which I understood as "go to front".

Pressed front and couldn't understand so I said my name and that I was deaf and couldn't hear. They buzzed me in and then smiled and pointed at seats when I arrived - I was expected.

But yeah, intercoms not amazing, but I figure I am lucky I can just shout "I'm deaf, I can hear your voice but no words" and they let me in usually.

Deaf people who don't speak usually just keep buzzing till they're let in or someone comes out to shout at them.
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: Mr Larrington on 19 October, 2020, 06:08:21 pm
The door intercom protocol has been stepped up from "press the button and the receptionist will press their button" to an inaudible conversation about who you are, why you're there and whether you have any COVID-19 symptoms before they'll allow entry.  Not sure how barakta would cope.

In ours you're supposed to phone the receptionist and state your business.  Last week this led to a) their Infernal Machine hanging up immediately and b) pressing divers numbers before being put on hold for ten minutes.  Fortunately the Nice Receptionist* spotted me and let me in.

* other receptionists are available.
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: FifeingEejit on 19 October, 2020, 07:15:23 pm
[1] Well it was supposed to be a nurse.  Given what they were wearing it could have been a ballet dancer on day release from Cryptanalysis 101 for all I know.

Could be anyone that's managed to pass the "how to jab people with a needle and inject vaccine into muscle" course.
Mind the government decided that anyone without professional registration would be covered against liability by regulation of gov, it's for such things.

Was probably the triage receptionist  :P
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 21 October, 2020, 05:16:03 pm
Got my call-up and went to the mass vacc centre.  About a dozen personnel and 4 clients.  The jabber was clearly a professional with an excellent car-side manner though. 
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: slope on 06 November, 2020, 10:31:34 am
Popped along to docs' surgery/canolfan iechyd yesterday so Nurse Love (her real name) could jab me. All very slick Covid safety protocols. In and out in 45 seconds. Followed by a solitary walk on a deserted Harlech beach 8)

But boy does my arm ache :'( Have had a few flu jabs, with ne'er a tickle before.

Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: Regulator on 06 November, 2020, 10:45:10 am
No supply of 'flu jabs around here.  May have to get one through work.
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: FifeingEejit on 06 November, 2020, 10:48:28 am
Popped along to docs' surgery/canolfan iechyd yesterday so Nurse Love (her real name) could jab me. All very slick Covid safety protocols. In and out in 45 seconds. Followed by a solitary walk on a deserted Harlech beach 8)

But boy does my arm ache :'( Have had a few flu jabs, with ne'er a tickle before.
Aye my arm weighed a tonne after mine, mind it's into a muscle so not a huge surprize, a redeployed dentist did mine, theyre more into injecting local anaesthetics so...

Sent from my BKL-L09 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: CrazyEnglishTriathlete on 09 November, 2020, 10:44:31 am
Have one booked through work, which means I have to go into London to have it.  Would it be unwise to cycle the 50 miles home afterwards?

Perfectly do-able IME.

It was.  Although I was slower than usual.  That might have been due to the cold and more red lights than usual which helped the cold to get into my legs.  Will be the last commute this year, I should think.
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: nicknack on 09 November, 2020, 12:20:19 pm
Still none round here.
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: De Sisti on 09 November, 2020, 12:37:03 pm
How many people here get the 'flu jab'?
What effect does it have on you?  Makes me slightly light-headed and feverish?
Had mine on Friday (6th Nov). No side effects at the moment. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: robgul on 09 November, 2020, 12:56:10 pm
I'm in for lots of stabbing tomorrow at the GP surgery:  flu jab, INR finger-pricker test and then 5 different bloods for the cancer/urology consultant online* appt next week (6 years on so should be OK)

Good news is that I don't have to drive about 28 miles each way to then struggle to find a car park space at the hospital in Coventry.
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: MikeFromLFE on 10 November, 2020, 06:28:33 pm
I was treated to the Pneumococcal vaccination yesterday as I passed the 65 milestone this summer.
Despite the assurances on various websites I've got a very sore arm, and feel somewhat yuk - probably due to what they describe as a 'slight temperature elevation'
Mrs M claims I'm even more short tempered than usual.
Still, I enjoyed the bike ride to and from the doctors.
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: nicknack on 10 November, 2020, 07:09:12 pm
Still none round here.
Of course, that afternoon I get a call from the surgery inviting me for a flu jab on Friday.
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: robgul on 10 November, 2020, 07:47:05 pm
I'm in for lots of stabbing tomorrow at the GP surgery:  flu jab, INR finger-pricker test and then 5 different bloods for the cancer/urology consultant online* appt next week (6 years on so should be OK)

Good news is that I don't have to drive about 28 miles each way to then struggle to find a car park space at the hospital in Coventry.

And the good news is that while I was there I managed to arrange an appointment for my wife to have her flu jab on Saturday - she falls in the age bracket below me and they had literally just started doling out her version of the jab.
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: IJL on 20 November, 2020, 10:41:13 am
So the govt has now announced that all over 50's will be eligible for a flu vaccine from the first of Dec

This is despite the fact that there is not enough vaccine stock to vaccinate the under 65 at risk group that are normally vaccinated

delivery dates for extra vaccine ordered weeks ago are still unclear and how we get hold of an extra 1600 doses for the 50-64 year old who did not fall into a previous at risk group are even less certain.

In the mean time the govt is advising millions to call there GP so we can tell them that we don't know when....

It give me a warm glow to know the NHS is run by such Cockwombles.





Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: Polar Bear on 20 November, 2020, 10:44:55 am
It's all about headlines though.  Which tory ever gave a shit about harsh realities and mere facts.
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: joy of essex on 26 November, 2020, 03:58:16 pm
I have been  told, I  work somewhere in the  NHS, that there's now more of the  flu vaccine available.
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: Sergeant Pluck on 26 November, 2020, 04:33:24 pm
The Trust I work for told us a month or so ago that because we had been so enthusiastic about the flu vaccine this year, they were going to pause the programme for a while. Everyone knew full well that it was because they had run out. It restarted again a week or two ago when more supplies became available.

I am definitely noticing a greater tendency to toe the (Tory) party line this year when it comes to work communications. It’s still possible to read between the lines on some matters though, for example the lateral flow COVID tests.
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: Chris S on 26 November, 2020, 05:57:45 pm
Had mine on Tuesday. Blimey - they couldn't get me through the system quick enough - the nurse wiped my arm and jabbed me in one swift move, and immediately was shoving me out the door into the car park.

Today (two days later) I received a missive from the NHS saying how important it is for us "vulnerables" to have the flu jab, so I should ring my local surgery and book one  :facepalm:. The irony of this was furthered by a second sheet saying how they'd like to save money by not sending these letters. No shit.
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: IJL on 27 November, 2020, 12:45:54 pm
Quote
Today (two days later) I received a missive from the NHS saying how important it is for us "vulnerables" to have the flu jab, so I should ring my local surgery and book one  :facepalm:. The irony of this was furthered by a second sheet saying how they'd like to save money by not sending these letters. No shit.

The powers that be have sent large numbers of letters to people who aren't eligible for a flu vaccine, some of these people I had already discussed this with.

Its not clear if the longstanding high risk categories or the NHS's random letters should take priority

On a positive note I have an extra 250 at risk <65 vaccines that arrived yesterday and should have 500 for the 50-64's by Dec 11th

Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: andrewc on 14 December, 2020, 09:01:34 pm
I had a text from my GPs surgery earlier offering me a free jab as part of the 50-64 yr old cohort.    I politely declined as I had one at Boots at the end of September. 
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: Lightning Phil on 22 December, 2020, 05:41:57 pm
Had the jab two weeks ago, after 50-64 low risk invite.  Didn’t even get arm ache let alone side effects.  Like above, in and out in no time at all.
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: Polar Bear on 22 December, 2020, 06:10:02 pm
As a soon-to-be 58 year old I was expecting an invite which has thus far failed to materialise.   mllePB who is younger than I has already had the invite and the jab.  We are registered at the same GP's surgery.

This doesn't overly bother me though as I gleaned recently that the flu jabnis 40% to 60% effective.  Pretty low numbers when you consider what they are talking re covid vaccinations, and, isn't herd immunity somewhere in the 70% plus bracket?  I'm sure somebody who knows better will enlighten me soonest.

Anyhow, if they can't even invite me for a flu vaccine what do you think my chances are for a  covid dose?
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: ian on 22 December, 2020, 06:36:20 pm
I got invited multiple times by my surgery (plus I could get one privately) but I declined, figured I'd save it for someone in a higher risk group.

The effectiveness is quite good (current COVID vaccines are highly effective, in trials anyway), but depends on the strain, but also even if you still get flu, symptoms will likely be reduced and there is a lower risk of significant complications (which include death).

Herd immunity refers to something else, the proportion of a population that needs to have significant immunity to prevent effective transmission of an infectious agent (basically, this means it has nowhere to go).
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: Blodwyn Pig on 22 December, 2020, 06:38:56 pm
As a soon-to-be 58 year old I was expecting an invite which has thus far failed to materialise.   mllePB who is younger than I has already had the invite and the jab.  We are registered at the same GP's surgery.

This doesn't overly bother me though as I gleaned recently that the flu jabnis 40% to 60% effective.  Pretty low numbers when you consider what they are talking re covid vaccinations, and, isn't herd immunity somewhere in the 70% plus bracket?  I'm sure somebody who knows better will enlighten me soonest.

Anyhow, if they can't even invite me for a flu vaccine what do you think my chances are for a  covid dose?

I wasn't invited either, also 58,so i just went on to the Boots website, and booked my self in,its free.

As they say down at Screwfix  'Jab Done '
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: rafletcher on 22 December, 2020, 06:56:22 pm
Hmm. We’re 63 (me) and 76 (my wife). Neither has had an invite.
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: hellymedic on 22 December, 2020, 07:17:25 pm
Coo! Ours were three months ago, when it was warm enough to go to the surgery in a T-shirt and no cardigan to expedite processing.

I was invited (I'm 62) and D (56) had one for good measure.
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: Salvatore on 08 January, 2021, 02:27:55 pm
I had a letter this morning (actually I had 2 - both from the NHS) saying I was eligible for a flu vaccination.
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: Sergeant Pluck on 08 January, 2021, 02:31:07 pm
I had a letter yesterday from the NHS, although I had my flu vaccine months ago through work. I’m surprised work hasn’t let the NHS know, given that I work in the NHS.
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: Regulator on 08 January, 2021, 02:38:29 pm
I had a letter yesterday from the NHS, although I had my flu vaccine months ago through work. I’m surprised work hasn’t let the NHS know, given that I work in the NHS.

I got a letter on Monday... having had the jab on Saturday.

If you had the jab through your employer, then they will only inform your GP with your consent.

However, that will change with the Covid vaccine.  As part of getting it, NHS staff will have to consent to the Government having access to their individual vaccination and GP medical records - a level of detail that has never had to be provided before and that no-one has been able to get a justification for (the ICO is being somewhat quiet on the matter).  Not only that, but the consent will be blanket to allow sharing of your medical records with various government departments and third parties. 

Unions and privacy campaigners are flagging significant concerns and reminding staff they have the legal right to refuse to share data.
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 08 January, 2021, 02:41:31 pm
Had a letter today and a phone call earlier this week. Booked in for tomorrow (filling a cancellation).
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: Lightning Phil on 08 January, 2021, 02:44:13 pm
I had a letter yesterday from the NHS, although I had my flu vaccine months ago through work. I’m surprised work hasn’t let the NHS know, given that I work in the NHS.

I got a letter on Monday... having had the jab on Saturday.

If you had the jab through your employer, then they will only inform your GP with your consent.

However, that will change with the Covid vaccine.  As part of getting it, NHS staff will have to consent to the Government having access to their individual vaccination and GP medical records - a level of detail that has never had to be provided before and that no-one has been able to get a justification for (the ICO is being somewhat quiet on the matter).  Not only that, but the consent will be blanket to allow sharing of your medical records with various government departments and third parties. 

Unions and privacy campaigners are flagging significant concerns and reminding staff they have the legal right to refuse to share data.

Is that just NHS staff being asked to share that data?
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: Regulator on 08 January, 2021, 02:45:53 pm
I had a letter yesterday from the NHS, although I had my flu vaccine months ago through work. I’m surprised work hasn’t let the NHS know, given that I work in the NHS.

I got a letter on Monday... having had the jab on Saturday.

If you had the jab through your employer, then they will only inform your GP with your consent.

However, that will change with the Covid vaccine.  As part of getting it, NHS staff will have to consent to the Government having access to their individual vaccination and GP medical records - a level of detail that has never had to be provided before and that no-one has been able to get a justification for (the ICO is being somewhat quiet on the matter).  Not only that, but the consent will be blanket to allow sharing of your medical records with various government departments and third parties. 

Unions and privacy campaigners are flagging significant concerns and reminding staff they have the legal right to refuse to share data.

Is that just NHS staff being asked to share that data?


At the moment, yes.  I wouldn't be surprised if care home staff and teachers are next.
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: Lightning Phil on 08 January, 2021, 02:46:30 pm
I had a letter yesterday from the NHS, although I had my flu vaccine months ago through work. I’m surprised work hasn’t let the NHS know, given that I work in the NHS.

My NHS invite actually came through my GP surgery.  I’ve heard that parts of the NHS don’t talk very well together , and that a lot of data exchange between areas is people re-typing it, csv / spreadsheets, or emailing stuff. Pretty rubbish in this day and age.

I have digital access to my NHS records , and I have one entry saying I didn’t turn up for my flu vaccine appointment, and a record a day later saying I’ve had the flu vaccine.  I’ve flagged that the attendance record is incorrect but gp surgery not corrected it, despite a month to do so.  I wonder how many other records are wrong, especially is patient doesn’t yet have access to check?
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: bairn again on 08 January, 2021, 03:07:48 pm
The online guide on https://www.nhsinform.scot/ has - for my circumstances (*) - said the following at various stages since last October. 

"more information will be provided in early November" then

"more information will be provided in November" then

"more information will be provided in early December" then

"more information will be provided in December"
and now it states

"more information will be provided in early January"

(*) Age 55, City of Edinburgh / NHS Lothian, nothing else that would bump up my priority. 

Ive only started getting the flu jab in the last few years having been badgered into it by my NHS employee wife and was more than happy to make an appointment at Boots around November and pay for it. 

This year its free for over 55s in Scotland - for the first time I believe.  So like many things in life, free isn't always better and my previous "High Street & pay" option appears to have vanished.       

It gives me the fear for the Covid vaccine roll out.     

Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: barakta on 08 January, 2021, 03:48:41 pm
I had a letter yesterday from the NHS, although I had my flu vaccine months ago through work. I’m surprised work hasn’t let the NHS know, given that I work in the NHS.

My NHS invite actually came through my GP surgery.  I’ve heard that parts of the NHS don’t talk very well together , and that a lot of data exchange between areas is people re-typing it, csv / spreadsheets, or emailing stuff. Pretty rubbish in this day and age.

I have digital access to my NHS records , and I have one entry saying I didn’t turn up for my flu vaccine appointment, and a record a day later saying I’ve had the flu vaccine.  I’ve flagged that the attendance record is incorrect but gp surgery not corrected it, despite a month to do so.  I wonder how many other records are wrong, especially is patient doesn’t yet have access to check?

I read medical letters all day for work; many of them are inaccurate and sloppy. Several of them changed the pronouns of the patient several times cos of sloppy deletion of template content. I have to filter my letters carefully for evidencing disability cos many of them contain annoying inaccuracies that are the sort of thing the DWP would hold against me later.
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: TimC on 08 January, 2021, 03:52:49 pm
I have digital access to my NHS records

Blimey! Whose bread did you butter?
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: Regulator on 08 January, 2021, 04:01:37 pm
I have digital access to my NHS records

Blimey! Whose bread did you butter?

I have access to mine as well.  All English GP surgeries should be offering access to patients - it's a legal requirement - but you have to register and many surgeries don't publicise it.
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: Greenbank on 08 January, 2021, 04:18:36 pm
I have access to mine, but it's far from complete, there's lots of things I'd expect to be on my medical records that I can't see. (Routine stuff.)

How much you can see varies by practice too, even if they use the same site. The GP surgery that my wife and daughter are registered at give a much smaller subset of the information (and it's the same patientaccess site) than mine does.

It's more like "Some of the medical records that your current GP practice has dealt with whilst they were using the recent systems".
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: TimC on 08 January, 2021, 04:19:51 pm
I have digital access to my NHS records

Blimey! Whose bread did you butter?

I have access to mine as well.  All English GP surgeries should be offering access to patients - it's a legal requirement - but you have to register and many surgeries don't publicise it.

Interesting. I've already alluded to the fact that mine went missing many years ago, and that seems to have meant that no-one's seen fit to add anything to them since the date of loss, so I have to  prompt my GP practice if I want anything I'm supposedly entitled to. But they also give the impression that I need an FoI request to Brenda herself if I want to know what they actually have on me. Perhaps that's to avoid admitting they have nothing!
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: Regulator on 08 January, 2021, 04:27:20 pm
I have digital access to my NHS records

Blimey! Whose bread did you butter?

I have access to mine as well.  All English GP surgeries should be offering access to patients - it's a legal requirement - but you have to register and many surgeries don't publicise it.

Interesting. I've already alluded to the fact that mine went missing many years ago, and that seems to have meant that no-one's seen fit to add anything to them since the date of loss, so I have to  prompt my GP practice if I want anything I'm supposedly entitled to. But they also give the impression that I need an FoI request to Brenda herself if I want to know what they actually have on me. Perhaps that's to avoid admitting they have nothing!

Your current practice should have records post any lost records.  They are legally obliged to keep records (which may be minimal if you don't attend frequently) and to give you access to them.    More information here:  How to access your health records (https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/about-the-nhs/how-to-access-your-health-records/)
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: TimC on 08 January, 2021, 04:31:43 pm
I have digital access to my NHS records

Blimey! Whose bread did you butter?

I have access to mine as well.  All English GP surgeries should be offering access to patients - it's a legal requirement - but you have to register and many surgeries don't publicise it.

Interesting. I've already alluded to the fact that mine went missing many years ago, and that seems to have meant that no-one's seen fit to add anything to them since the date of loss, so I have to  prompt my GP practice if I want anything I'm supposedly entitled to. But they also give the impression that I need an FoI request to Brenda herself if I want to know what they actually have on me. Perhaps that's to avoid admitting they have nothing!

Your current practice should have records post any lost records.  They are legally obliged to keep records (which may be minimal if you don't attend frequently) and to give you access to them.    More information here:  How to access your health records (https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/about-the-nhs/how-to-access-your-health-records/)

Thanks Greg. Unfortunately, a number of moves, a mish-mash of private and NHS coverage, and undoubtedly a lack of assiduousness on my part, has meant that it's now well into Too Difficult. I'll concentrate on making sure they keep records from now on, as I have now retired and I'm unlikely to move again!
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: ian on 08 January, 2021, 04:34:29 pm
Interesting. When I moved back to the UK I gave the surgery my medical records from my times abroad and from the look on the receptionist's face I may as well have offered them an envelope with leaky urine sample and a chirpy the doctor thinks it might be gonorrhoea.

I have a feeling they may have found their way into the special round filing cabinet, I didn't know you could check.
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: hellymedic on 08 January, 2021, 05:46:04 pm
I have digital access to my NHS records

Blimey! Whose bread did you butter?

I have access to mine as well.  All English GP surgeries should be offering access to patients - it's a legal requirement - but you have to register and many surgeries don't publicise it.

Your surgery also needs to send you a code. I think they only do this for frequent flyers.

I have only partial Patient Access functionality. I needed to jump through so many hoops for something I would hardly use, that I gave up.
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: barakta on 08 January, 2021, 05:51:10 pm
I think I have 3 different NHS GP records systems logins as they kept changing which one they used. Some are better than others.

I like being able to see what I had prescribed and when so I can see when I had ENT infections and bad vestibular dysfunction relapses. Also blood tests and historic weight data is good. I'm slightly heavier than I was 10 years ago but less than I thought.
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: hellymedic on 08 January, 2021, 06:09:02 pm
I have access to (some of) my records at Queen Square but it seems much has not been uploaded.
ICnBA to chase my full NHS stuffs for now.
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: Sergeant Pluck on 08 January, 2021, 06:20:38 pm
Not only that, but the consent will be blanket to allow sharing of your medical records with various government departments and third parties. 

Thanks for making me aware. Rather troubling.
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: Polar Bear on 11 January, 2021, 03:02:59 pm
Yesterday, Sunday January 10th, I finally got an invite to go and have a flu jab.  I say invite, it is actually a letter from NHS England and NHS Improvement informing me that because I am aged between 50 and 64 that I am entitled to a free flu vaccination and how I can go about chasing up various avenues in order to get one.

I whinged about this before: mllePB was invited by our surgery to have her jab in November.  Now, I am no toy boy (in fact I am older by over a year) so I am mildly puzzled that our surgery continues to have overlooked me. 

Bloody slack if you ask me.
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: Canardly on 11 January, 2021, 03:08:00 pm
In a similar vein once you are an old codger like me you are supposed to have a lifetime Pneumonia jab. Nothing at all from my surgery although have had the flu jab.
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: bairn again on 02 February, 2021, 01:56:16 pm
The online guide on https://www.nhsinform.scot/ has - for my circumstances and home location - still says "more information will be provided in early January"  ???

I rather suspect that they have given up on this entirely given the Covid vaccine rollout is a greater priority & I understand that flu has been as good as non existent anyway - but if that's the case I do wish they would update the website.     
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: Wowbagger on 02 February, 2021, 02:42:09 pm
In a similar vein once you are an old codger like me you are supposed to have a lifetime Pneumonia jab. Nothing at all from my surgery although have had the flu jab.

 :thumbsup:
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: Canardly on 02 February, 2021, 02:46:42 pm
Ah rumbled!
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: PeteB99 on 02 February, 2021, 02:47:35 pm
In a similar vein once you are an old codger like me you are supposed to have a lifetime Pneumonia jab. Nothing at all from my surgery although have had the flu jab.

I got mine in 2019 at the same time as the Flu jab. I pointed out to the nurse that I'd already had Pneumonia as a child but it seems there are 2 types and I might have had the other one.
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: Regulator on 02 February, 2021, 04:34:21 pm
In a similar vein once you are an old codger like me you are supposed to have a lifetime Pneumonia jab. Nothing at all from my surgery although have had the flu jab.

There is a shortage of pneumococcal vaccine.  Rollout has been amended to prioritise higher risk groups. (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/vaccine-update-issue-314-november-2020/vaccine-update-issue-314-november-2020#supply-of-pneumococcal-polysaccharide-vaccine-pneumovax-23)
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: Butterfly on 03 February, 2021, 07:33:53 pm
The lad and I had our flu vaccinations on Monday. He got the last dose they had of the nasal spray version, which was good for them because it went out of date the next day, and good for us, because it saved us getting involved with the out of school 'school nurse' service for another year.
Title: Re: 'flu jab'
Post by: andrew_s on 03 February, 2021, 08:24:08 pm
I (62) had a letter from my practice a bit before Xmas.
It contained a link to look up where to get the jab, so I checked, went over the road (200 m) to the pharmacy, presented the letter, and the reply was "would now be convenient?" Picking up letter to being jabbed couldn't have been more than 10 minutes.