Pneumonia jab

Didn't affect me at all. The flu jab has done for the past 2 years though.

It did affect me badly Hotmama I had a very red, hot and swollen arm for a few days and had to have anti-histamines. Apparently I have an allergy to the solution the vaccine is in and have been advised not to have any more jabs. I had the shingles jab in the other arm on the same day and that reacted too. I shall not be having the'flu jab therefore!

Might be just me - I react badly to insect bites and some cosmetics so it could just be my over-sensitive skin.

I had no problems- I think I was given mine about 3years ago.

No problems for me. It must be at least nine years since I had it. Having had pneumonia almost 70 years ago, I don't want to repeat the experience, though I know treatment has improved immensely since then.

Gagagran - we are similarly allergic. I had two flu jabs with no problem but with the third I woke up with a swollen itchy arm, itchy throat, red lips and eyes and had to phone 111. Luckily I had antihistimes in the house. The docs say I must never have the flu jab again.

I am allergic to insect bites as well and recently had to ring 111 again when I had been bitten by midges. I had a vivid red rash all over my neck and chest and the itching was awful.

More antihistamines and a very good cream called Calamine and Aqueous cream which you can buy in the chemist. I keep it in the fridge.

Also allergic to any jewellery except platinum so as you can imagine I don't wear jewellery now.

Hotmama - you can talk to your doctor about your worries and he/she will advise you.

I've always been an allergic sort of person and suffered acidosis spots as a child if I ate any fruit such as plums or oranges.

No reaction here either and this year I will be able to have the shingles one so will certainly take the offer up. DH had his last year and he did get a few tiny blisters but we had been warned that that could happen so no concern.

I too had the pneumonia jab recently and, despite the nurse telling me not to worry as hardly anyone ever had side effects, I also had a very swollen, hot and "hard" arm for nearly a week. Since I have also always suffered badly from insect bites I am beginning to wonder whether I should have my first flu jab this autumn... I think more people react to these vaccines than we are told.

It's a while since I had mine done but I can't remember having any adverse affects at all.

I have a particularly violent and painful reaction to sand fly bites which caused serious concern three years ago. I seem to attract all kinds of flying-biting things but other insects just cause standard itching and discomfort. So I was surprised by comments connecting allergies to insect bites with reaction to the pneumonia jab as I barely noticed it when I had mine, together with a flu jab, earlier this year.

Having never be offered either the pneumonia or shingles jab what is the criteria for them?

Was offered pneumonia at 60 but believe 70 is the age when shingles vaccine is offered.

Pneumonia is available at 60 I believe. Shingles is being phased in and depends on your year of birth. The receptionist at the G.P.s surgery will have the details.

Shingles, when first introduced, was offered at age 71 and 79. Last year my DH was offered it at 78 as we were told the age was coming down a year at a time. I am now 78 and hope I can have it this year. I will report back if this is not the case.

Thanks ever so much ladies for your input. I think I will have the jab and hope for the best. Hope I don't get the reaction you had Gagagran you poor thing. I react badly to bites as well but having nursed my husband through pneumonia I think I'll 'man' up and keep fingers crossed. Thanks again for your input.