Bluetit1802
Legend
The NHS has admitted that the 2018 flu jab for everyone over 65 does not cover the dangerous Japanese strain of flu, which killed thousands last winter. However, those under 65 will receive the full vaccine that covers all 4 major strains of flu.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-6157651/New-jab-WONT-protect-elderly-Japanese-flu.html
The over 65s will only be covered for the 3 strains - Aussie flu, swine flu and Brisbane flu. It will also contain a special chemical that boosts the immune system in the expectation it will make the vaccine more effective. Because of this additional chemical, the Japanese flu strain cannot yet be added to it. So we wrinklies have to manage without it.
The reasons given are that the over 65s have naturally deteriorating immune systems that need boosting.
They say it offers the elderly the best protection because it contains a chemical that boosts their weaker immune systems, making them more responsive to the vaccine.
But the jab will only protect against three strains – 'Aussie flu' H3N2, 'swine flu' H1N1 and B Brisbane flu – because a four-strain 'quadrivalent' version with a booster for the elderly has not been made yet.
This, to me, is a very big presumption and another "one size fits all". I am 70 and my immune system is spot on perfect. I think I would prefer to have the 4 strain one without the immune system booster, but I have no choice. The surgery has to follow the rules.
Talking to my nurse this morning during my shingles jab appointment, she says it has thrown the surgery into chaos. They have now to separate their vaccine clinics to avoid mistakes. The under 65s have one clinic. The over 65s have another. The pneumonia jab can be done at either at the same time. The shingles jab has to have its own clinic. Otherwise the fridge contains too many different vaccines and patients are at risk of being given an inappropriate jab.
She also told me that instead of as in previous years when there were several different suppliers of the vaccine, this year there is only one supplier for the whole country. Imagine how many vaccines they must produce! They are restricted on how much can be ordered each month, meaning they could well run out before the end of each month - September, October and November.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-6157651/New-jab-WONT-protect-elderly-Japanese-flu.html
The over 65s will only be covered for the 3 strains - Aussie flu, swine flu and Brisbane flu. It will also contain a special chemical that boosts the immune system in the expectation it will make the vaccine more effective. Because of this additional chemical, the Japanese flu strain cannot yet be added to it. So we wrinklies have to manage without it.
The reasons given are that the over 65s have naturally deteriorating immune systems that need boosting.
They say it offers the elderly the best protection because it contains a chemical that boosts their weaker immune systems, making them more responsive to the vaccine.
But the jab will only protect against three strains – 'Aussie flu' H3N2, 'swine flu' H1N1 and B Brisbane flu – because a four-strain 'quadrivalent' version with a booster for the elderly has not been made yet.
This, to me, is a very big presumption and another "one size fits all". I am 70 and my immune system is spot on perfect. I think I would prefer to have the 4 strain one without the immune system booster, but I have no choice. The surgery has to follow the rules.
Talking to my nurse this morning during my shingles jab appointment, she says it has thrown the surgery into chaos. They have now to separate their vaccine clinics to avoid mistakes. The under 65s have one clinic. The over 65s have another. The pneumonia jab can be done at either at the same time. The shingles jab has to have its own clinic. Otherwise the fridge contains too many different vaccines and patients are at risk of being given an inappropriate jab.
She also told me that instead of as in previous years when there were several different suppliers of the vaccine, this year there is only one supplier for the whole country. Imagine how many vaccines they must produce! They are restricted on how much can be ordered each month, meaning they could well run out before the end of each month - September, October and November.