'Flu jabs!

Do you have statistics on how many people get flu after the vaccine, aka ? And their ages and previous state of health?

Not immediately after it - that is a very subjective measurement, as it is often an unpredicted reaction, or they already had the bug before the vaccine got to work. Those subjects are self-selecting too - they would report the flu as being caused by the vaccine when it was probably random.

I've been over 65 for 8 years, and I haven't had flu in that time - or in all the years before that when my GP put me on the list.

So all the more reason for an effective vaccine surely?

Flu itself is pretty effective at flooring and even killing the over-65s, though.

It's not very effective at all especially for over 65s

My understanding is that the vaccine isn't fully effective until three weeks after the jab, so if there was a flu virus going around it would be possible to catch it during those three weeks.

The more of us get inoculated, the less likelihood there is of an epidemic. You don't just have the jab for your own benefit. Herd immunity is an important consideration.

I have never had a flu jab nor will I do so unless I develop health problems or a compromised immune system. My approach is to let my (so far) strong immune system take care of itself. I had swine flu a few years ago and it was awful - I couldn't get out of bed for several days and really thought I might never get up again, but it is a chance I am willing to take. I really don't believe in messing about with my body unless there are good reasons to do so. Similarly I resist taking medication for everyday aches and pains or minor illnesses.

I realise that I am very lucky to be able to take this approach and of course it would be different if I had significant health issues like my OH who has to be very careful. So whilst I am certainly not against modern medicine and am thankful to live in an age when so many treatments are available, I think we should use it wisely and sparingly. As Aka points out, immunisation is not without cost.

That's really interesting to me Aka after the bad allergic reaction I had to both the pneumonia and the shingles jabs I had in August. The pharmacist indicated that it must have been a reaction to the medium the vaccines were in and you have identified one of the components. I am not risking the 'flu jab either.

To return to the question of 'flu jabs.....

There is evidence that they are not especially effective for over 65s though the new high dose one, being used in the USA for the first time this year (I think) does show promise.

There is too much anecdotal evidence that some people react badly to the this vaccine. I used to scoff at those who said this until I had a terrible reaction to my one and only jab and was ill from October till mid December, losing a lot of weight in the process (every cloud..). Now I take your point Jess that it might have been unrelated but it started a few days after the injection, I'm rarely ill, have never experience anything like that before, and I simply do not want to risk another two months out of action if it was not a coincidence.

There are chemical compounds added to vaccines to preserve and stabilise them. One of these, Thimerosal, contain mercury. There are others if you care to google them.

So my point is, I've heard all the arguments for before. But there are reasons in not going to have my flu jab this year and I've stated them above.
Everyone else can do as they think best.

Sue love the 'Potters'

Thank you nankate for the kind suggestion. I discussed it with DH this morning. Its not who gives it to him really all the nurses are so competent at our surgery but its the consultation first on what reaction he might have - he doesn't have a spleen so his immune system is a bit under ar and he has been on low dose penciliin (this is quite normal) since losing it in car accident (and gaining me his nurse) some 36 years ago. He's got a couple of years to think about it.

I do agree with other potters we both had real 'flu together one year and it was very unpleasant - so we both enjoy a small prick every Autumn and its all OK.

and stop squabbling you lot and play nice really!!

Not being crabby with you Jess or suggesting you were boring.

My reply was JaneA who ironically does realise how aggressive she appears.

Perhaps you just don't realise how aggressive 'heard it all before Jess, OK' appears to others, Aka.

No idea what you are being so crabby about aka.
I was responding to KatyK and her questions. Is that allowed without boring (or ignoring) you so unfairly?

Let me rephrase that So Utterly Predictable!

Yes Ana I did know what response I'd get and sure enough!

Some people are do Utterly Predicable....how boring!

What are you on about Jane? What is rude about saying I've heard it all before. I have, it's the same old, same old.....just as it's the same old, same old that you take any excuse to make a dig at me.

BACK OFF

Got mine (flu jab) booked - they set up at our Village Hall, which is handy.

Just to clarify - I wasn't shocked because I thought Aka's comment was rude, rather that she dared to say it, knowing what response it would probably elicit.

No, it's not ok actually, Aka, it's downright rude.

Sue I decided to go privately for a Shingles jab (I'm 67) because my mother got Shingles and was ill for years with the residual pain and I seem to follow in her footsteps healthwise.

If your hubby is worried get your own doctor to recommend a private doc to do it. Be warned though I almost had to take out a mortgage out to have it done - £190 !!!! but it has given me peace of mind.

My DH is 70 next year and I thought he would get the shingles jab but it all depends on what time of year you were born whether you get it in the year of your 70th or the following one.

I always have the flu jab and only get an itchy arm for a couple of days.

I've had flu twice! Because of that I've paid for it at Sainsbury's while I've been shopping. This year I'm entitled for a free jab but I might stiil gave it in Sainsbury's for convenience!

I've heard it all before Jess OK?

Who or what is that directed to aka? You're being indirect.

Aka!