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The Vaccine

(613 Posts)
annsixty Sun 22-Nov-20 11:39:05

Has everyone made up their minds about the vaccine yet?

I an 83 so in what is possibly the second group to be offered it.
I just cannot make a decision about whether or not to accept.

I have always had the flue jab, had pneumonia one and shingles, so why am I so undecided about this?

I have spoken to several friends in the same age group and they are all eager to go ahead, in fact one is champing at the bit and says he will be first in the queue.

Any thoughts ?

AnnieB4 Tue 24-Nov-20 16:39:20

I agree with 'vickymeldrew' there is information out there for all of us to read. Its not as if these scientists are starting from scratch either in developing these vaccines. They already knew a considerable amount about viruses in general as to how they operate. Thousands of people have been involved in trials across the world and all I've heard of from some of these volunteers who have received the vaccine, is very minor side effects. I am sure we would have heard from anyone if they had severe or concerning side effects from receiving this vaccine. Newspapers would certainly headline anything negative. People worry about long-term side effects but I was listening to one of the scientists involved in the trials who explained in a lot of detail how the vaccine worked ( it was totally fascinating how they've done this ) & how this was not possible with these particular vaccines. If people had any reaction, it would be immediate rather than long-term. the most I've heard of in terms of reactions is localised low level tenderness around the area vaccinated which quickly disappeared & some have complained of being a bit fluey for a couple of days afterwards. So bottom line, I will definitely be having the vaccine when offered to me. I am 67 in case that's relevant & my husband likewise, he's 79.

Alegrias2 Tue 24-Nov-20 16:40:37

Daftbag1

I'm 59, and fall into the moderate risk group due to multiple pre existing conditions. In addition, I take 21 different medications every day.

I think It unlikely that I would take up a vaccine, for a number of reasons;

1) I'm already a walking chemical factory, as far as I'm aware no testing has taken place within the older age groups who are taking multiple drugs. I do not plan to become a guinea pig.

2) New vaccines are usually the subject of several years of testing, not 10 months from start to finnish

3) Apparently, a very high proportion of medical professionals will NOT have the vaccination

I'm also feeling very vulnerable listening to public opinion on Radio 2. I feel so strongly that I'm panicked about the possibility of being forced to have the vaccinations (don't forget it's twice that you will be vaccinated). And I f the vaccine is not compulsory, it sounds as though those of us who are not vaccinated will be the victims of systemic discrimination. It terrifies me to be honest.

I've said it before on this thread and its understandable to have concerns, but its also necessary to listen to the actual facts and not be misled by misinformation.

1) I'm sure your doctor will be able to make an informed view of whether vaccination is right for you personally, that you will be able to discuss with him/her.

2) Several posts on this thread have explained how this has been done so quickly. No corners have been cut and the safety and effectiveness trails have been as complete as any trials have before.

3) This one, I'm afraid, is just not true. Its only said by anti-vaxxers to try to bolster people's fears about the vaccine.

Radio 2 is not a good source of information about vaccines. Especially if you are listening to Jeremy Vine. It will not be compulsory and if you are medically exempt, that's acceptable. If you are just choosing not to have it, well, with rights come responsibilities and there may be things you are unable to do in the future because you will not be protected.

CBBL Tue 24-Nov-20 16:57:02

Yes. I'm happy to have the Covid Vaccine. I would prefer the Oxford one, simply because the trials here will have been conducted within the guidelines currently in use in the UK, but would not turn down any other, with the possible exception of the Russian one!

crazygranny Tue 24-Nov-20 17:08:38

Go for it!

Dillonsgranma Tue 24-Nov-20 17:25:25

Oh yes! I can’t wait. I’ve been shielding for ever it seems . I’ll be first in the queue

Whitewavemark2 Tue 24-Nov-20 17:42:22

Good words

George Monbiot
@GeorgeMonbiot

Quite aside from the public harm they do, conspiracy theories are a tragedy for those who succumb to them. They reduce the fascinating complexities of the world to crashing simplicities, impoverishing people's intellectual and emotional lives.

Elegran Tue 24-Nov-20 17:47:31

The Oxford vaccine is based on a similar one which was already being worked on, with variations to suit the CoVid19 virus. That speeded up the development. That may also apply to other vaccines.
news.sky.com/story/covid-19-the-story-of-oxfords-coronavirus-vaccine-that-could-save-britain-12139898
"For several years she and her colleagues had been working in their lab in the suburbs of Oxford on animal viruses that spread to humans.

They had one vaccine already in clinical trials, with encouraging results showing that it was effective against the coronavirus that causes Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS).

When news emerged from China that MERS had a cousin, a related coronavirus that causes similar symptoms, her lab was able to hit the ground running.

They adapted their vaccine technology to target COVID-19.

Scooty413 Tue 24-Nov-20 17:48:47

If offered the vaccine I will definitely have it. I'm hoping that my elderly parents who are both in their 80s will be offered it quickly. They've said that they will both accept it too. I'm their bubble and also have long term disabilities but don't know how long I'll need to wait.

Susi72 Tue 24-Nov-20 17:53:21

Ziggy1914

I am not a conspiracy theorist I have done my research and choose not to have it thank you very much if you want to go ahead and have it then that's your choice just as I have a choice

Researchers do research for which they have advanced degrees are privy to websites not available to the general public and written in language that the average person does not have the education to comprehend. So let’s be clear, just because you can type a question into a dialogue box does not mean you are doing “research”.

EllanVannin Tue 24-Nov-20 17:53:49

Well the 'flu vaccination did nothing for me last Christmas and into the New Year.
The Moderna vaccine would be my preference as it uses Covid's genetic code as opposed to others which use weakened versions of the virus itself which is why it has to be kept in the coldest temperature whereas Moderna sits comfortably inside the fridge.

Wheniwasyourage Tue 24-Nov-20 17:57:00

We'll have it when out turn comes. We're from a 'medical' family grin and all our DC and DGC are fully immunised, including the one who has an allergy to eggs so she has to have a slightly different flu immunisation.

Alegrias2 Tue 24-Nov-20 17:57:56

Please, please check your facts before posting. The Moderna vaccine needs to be stored at -70 deg C. Getting that wrong makes me wonder about tbe rest of your post hmm

GrannyOwl5 Tue 24-Nov-20 17:58:23

Like so many others, DH and I will be in the queue when our turn comes.

There are several posters on here who have either been actively involved in the trials or have friends/relatives who have. I think they deserve our thanks and gratitude for the part they have played in the development of these vaccines as do the scientists who have worked so tirelessly to do something that is going to benefit all of humanity: they will never have to wonder in their old age if their lives have been worthwhile or if they have achieved anything of value!

Alegrias2 Tue 24-Nov-20 17:59:53

Alegrias2

Please, please check your facts before posting. The Moderna vaccine needs to be stored at -70 deg C. Getting that wrong makes me wonder about tbe rest of your post hmm

No, sorry it's me that's wrong. Many apologies EV

Wheniwasyourage Tue 24-Nov-20 18:00:22

EllanVannin, the Oxford vaccine can be stored in an ordinary fridge. It's the Pfizer one which needs -70 or -80º. I don't imagine that we will get any choice anyway. Can't really see being offered a choice of 3 vials, and then would you get to sample them, like tasting wine in a restaurant?

Wheniwasyourage Tue 24-Nov-20 18:01:57

Good post GrannyOwl5!

Saggi Tue 24-Nov-20 18:02:13

I will have the jab.... but you can’t help thinking how they’ve managed to get this so quickly! AIDS sufferers have been champing at the bit over thirty years!! Surely if it’s possible for this virus ....it should be possible for all viruses?! Can’t help thinking us oldies may be ‘guinea pugs’... not that I mind that!

Sparklefizz Tue 24-Nov-20 18:06:30

Saggi and all the others who keep repeating the same query about how they've managed to get the vaccine so quickly. It has been explained many times on this thread and in the media. This video clip explains in straightforward terms.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=DUTRaOOblI8&utm_source=South+Gloucestershire+Council+resident+update&utm_campaign=4400739d47-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_11_24_09_50&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_fb4bc0c59a-4400739d47-406170405

suziewoozie Tue 24-Nov-20 18:12:09

I’ve thought already that the roll out will be slower than hoped - I now wonder if the increase in infections after the Christmas jolly will slow it down as staff are away ill/ self isolating

FoghornLeghorn Tue 24-Nov-20 18:22:50

jenni123

It has not been tested for long enough for me to feel safe. Also the vaccine has to be kept at a very low temp, I think it was -44, only industrial freezers get this low so how are GP's going to store it, or how can they get it safely to people like me who are housebound and has nurses come to give jabs. I am not at all confident in it. my son who works in NHS says the whole system is a nightmare.

Your son, who works in the NHS says the whole system is a nightmare? What whole system would that be then? Is your son talking about the NHS? He can’t be talking about the ‘whole system’ of the vaccine roll out as that hasn’t begun yet. So what precisely is he referring to? Do tell.

BusterTank Tue 24-Nov-20 18:27:57

I owe it to the rest of world to have the vaccine .

Lazyriver Tue 24-Nov-20 18:28:48

Whichever vaccine they give me will not be 100% which I'm more than happy with. However, the little bit of me left uncovered, would expect all the health professionals that I may come in to contact with, to have been vaccinated. Likewise my dentist, osteopath, optician and any one else supposed to be caring for me.
If I had elderly parents, I would expect their carers to be vaccinated. And I would not expect my daughter, who is a carer, to look after someone who didn't fancy a vaccine in case it gave them an itsy bitsy headache. I understand there are people who cannot have a vaccine, so don't shout at me. Just that my daughter has had Covid and it's horrible and has left her with a load of nasty aftershocks.
If I had a severly disabled child, I would expect the teacher to have had the vaccine.
I would expect you to have had the vaccine so you don't give it to my young hairdresser, who in turn gave it to her nan who couldn't have the vaccine.
I think you get my drift.
Quite frankly, if you chose not to be vaccinated and it affected only you, then I wouldn't care much. Your choice. I'm really not interested in all your stupid Bill Gates nonsense, so you can bang on about it as much as you like. Your choice.
However it affects everyone else, so forgive me if I'm less than sympathetic.

FoghornLeghorn Tue 24-Nov-20 18:30:28

rizlett

*I'm not to worried about safety or who actually administers the vaccination.*

I am because with every vaccination there's a chance of going into anaphylactic shock ~ hence the need to wait for 15mins afterwards.

Adrenaline must be given very promptly should this happen so our question might be how efficient would the vaccine administrators be at delivering this in time to save your life.

There will be highly trained health care personnel at every venue. I know because I am one. Even if the actual injector isn’t a qualified nurse or other HCP, which some won’t be, there will be appropriately registered and skilled practitioners overseeing the operation that will be able to respond to any adverse reactions or other health issues.

EllanVannin Tue 24-Nov-20 18:35:06

I was ready to blast you Alegrias-----you're too quick !

FoghornLeghorn Tue 24-Nov-20 18:37:30

growstuff

Why do all conspiracy theorists say "do your research"?

What they mean is, look on Google which is what they’ve done. Some research! ?