Shingles jab

I was at boarding school during the Asian flu epidemic, sharing an open dormitory with 15 other girls. The school closed down because so many pupils and teachers were ill. My DS and I really enjoyed the extra two weeks holiday. We went home to an army base. Once again soldiers of all ranks were, as they say, falling like flies. Nobody in the family had flu and it has been like that ever since. Neither of my parents ever had flu, nor have my sisters, or children.

There was an article in one of the papers recently reporting reearch that shows that 45% of the population have a natural resistance to flu.
www.nbcnews.com/id/44275043/ns/health-cold_and_flu/t/why-some-people-dont-get-flu/#.VfrbEH2sTa4

apricot my one year old sister was very ill with Asian flu in 1957 and my DD got it when she was nine months old.
MOnica you are very lucky if you have never had the flu but it doesn't mean you won't get it.
DH is having his shingles jab on Tuesday and we are both having our flu jabs the week after.

Like you,apricot I don't have the flu jab. I have never had flu in my life and nor have any of my immediate (blood) relatives. I read recently that 45% of people have a natural immunity to flu. I now assume I must be in the 45%.

Well worth having shingles is horrible.

I had the shingles jab yesterday, so far so good, no ill effects. I have had shingles so I certainly do not want it again. If this helps prevent it I am pleased.

Charleygirl What is a b/k pop please?

Ok I'll have the shingles jab as I know shingles is nasty, although much less so if you get immediate treatment with anti-viral drugs.
I'm not having the flu jab. At the end of last winter I heard that the vaccine had been largely ineffective that year. I don't know why they're giving it to small children now (maybe to use up the stocks the NHS holds) as I've never known a small child get flu. I've only had it twice in my life.

My mother and her sister both had shingles, I think in their late 60s. Having seen the pain and discomfort they went through when they had the illness and seeing them endure months of pain after their recovery, meant that I didn't think twice about the shingles shot. DH and I have both had it and neither of us had any side effects.

The goal posts may not have moved yet in Wales Charleygirl , but I will check, thank you.

To flu jab or not to flu jab, that is the question

At our surgery they do the 2 together, one in each arm. Well they did last year when DH had it.

rosequartz the goal posts have moved and those between 70 and 79 will receive a letter inviting them to make an appointment at their local surgery. Please do not ask me why.

When I received my letter I was in a B/K pop so could not drive. I must make an appointment before I forget- it will be flu jab season very soon. There is so much excitement in my life.

Envious I hadn't realised

Yes sorry I should of mentioned that.

I think Envious is in the USA rose.

Why did you have to Pay Envious - I thought it was available on the NHS (but only for age 70 and 79 for some obscure reason)

I was told it was not available privately when I asked - there was absolutely no vaccine available.

I got the shot last year it wasn't cheap and the doctors office didnt keep it on hand. I'm not sure why but it may have a short shelf life. I had a fairly bothersome headache which I found out later it's a possible side effect. No soreness of my arm or itching.

DH got a letter this morning to make an appointment for his. I urged him to take up the offer because I was terribly ill with shingles a few years ago. He went online and downloaded the leaflet which tells you all about the vaccine. Nothing is 100% guaranteed but it could save a lot of pain.

I can have it this year and will. DH had it last year and was warned he may have a few tiny blisters which he did but it was no problem at all apart from that. They itched for a few days that was all.

I would have it like a shot. (Yes, I know it is a shot ) The shingles that I had was a nightmare. Aargh!

I asked if I could have it when I passed 70 and before I went travelling (having had shingles twice already); seemingly I have to wait to be called.

I expect I will not be called and when I chase it up I will be 'too old'.
I live in Wales btw