My surgery only has the vaccination for the overs 65s at the moment but are expecting the others ‘sometime’ in November so both me and OH will have them then. Last year was the same in that we didn’t have them until November.
There is unprecedented demand for the flu vaccine, as we all know. I was originally told I could have the flu vaccine in November. I was advised by a different GP practice to contact my IBD consultant for advice, as I take immunosuppressants for my Chron's disease & was shielding due to COVID-19. In amongst the pandemic I got diagnosed with diabetes & got referred to an endocrinologist as my hba1c shot up. A bit of a double whammy for me & knocked me for 6. I'm awaiting the results of tests to find out, which type of diabetes I have.Ended up having the flu vaccine yesterday. Keep safe everyone.
As a follow up ; this was my first time in getting a flu jab . I understand everyone is different. This is my experience. For me the jab was a bit like being punched in the arm - I couldn’t sleep on my left side ( the side I was jabbed in) for 3 nights. I had 2-3 days of a runny nose followed by 2 days of energy loss. Nothing life threatening but enough to get me watching day time tv which is thankfully a rare event. During this time my blood sugars were up. A few more days on and I’m fine , blood sugars back down and I’m feeling fine .... was it worth it ? I don’t honestly know , I hope so. .... I’m doing all I can to stay healthy , eating well, sleeping well, taking vitamins and occasionally touching wood ...... best thoughts all .....
I seem to remember I had a similar reaction the first time I had the flu jab, about five years ago. Each time since then, the reaction has gotten milder, until the latest this year when all I felt was a very slight pin-prick and no after effects.
Finally had mine today. Under 65. Its the first one I've ever had so watching for side effects next few days. There were over 65s in the queue too. Our village surgery apparently did150 today alone
I had mine a couple of weeks ago. Sore arm for 2 days, more sore than usual, and slightly raised bs, but well worth it this year. I had it at a local pharmacy with a good reputation because surgery was really struggling ( I missed my proper slot as I had a cold) and not sure when I’d get a gap. Pharmacy was safer anyway - much less crowded. I’m 68 with type 1 so didn’t want to hang around.
supposedly on the list to get it in ou GP second wave in november but havent been contacted yet so doubt im getting it. TBH the thought of queueing with all those other potentially sick people put me ifvfrom caring if I get the vaccine.
My surgery have clinic this Saturday. I dont drive and dont have anyone I can ask for a lift. It would take me 45mins to walk there and 45 minutes back plus standing in car park. Not sure I have energy for such a walk,especially if weather bad. I'm not happy at using public transport. Surgery no suggestions other than to make appointment after Saturday if weather nice and hope there are vaccinations left. Seeing as I'm not coming within 2metres of anyone I dont think I will bother.
I too have had the "real flu" and was hospitalized for almost ten days. Yes, there is something we can call the "real flu" as opposed to what some people call "a little bit of flu" which is probably just a bad common cold. When you get the "real flu" you will know it and you will never want it again. And, if you haven't had a flu shot to that point, you will probably want one the following flu season.