Whats actually is in the over 65s flu vaccine?

We had a text from our surgery a few weeks ago to book our flu shots, which I duly did for this Saturday when they are holding a flu clinic, as a double appt for my husband and I. Then, he got a text yesterday saying they were cancelling, due to supply issues. I checked today, to find my 'half' of the appt still stands. Not sure what criteria they applied to the cancelled people, but I have transferred my appt to hubby's, as he's due in hospital for surgery in a weeks time, he needs all the protection he can get, as well as his mobility will be very limited for weeks afterwards. Neither of those things apply to me.

I wasn't aware there were differences in the age group shots, which may or may not apply to me - I turn 65 in a couple of weeks time, by which time the supply may have been resolved, so I may get shunted into the 65 group for the shot. Glad I'm not getting a stronger dose immediately, as I'm doing all the driving for the foreseeable future, and can't afford to be ill with a reaction to the shot!

Not being a biochemist I have absolutely no idea!

I assume the vaccine is the same, whichever age you are. Here the 65+ age group, plus carers of the chronically ill or old, younger people in poor health and pregnant women get it free of charge. Everyone else who wants it, pays for it.

Some people react badly to it, certainly, others have no side effects. I had a beautiful bruise, as the young doctor vaccinating obviously had not been one of those press-ganged into helping at the vaccination centres all last year, He was very ham-handed-

Just a sore arm for a few days. Didnt ask me this time if I was allergic to eggs ( Im not.) But they were busy so must be an oversight.

I've never had a reaction to the flu jab, other than a sore spot where the needle went in. This year, I had the jab at 5.30pm on a Saturday, was out for the evening shortly afterwards, slept fine and spent the next day doing karate from 10a.m. till 3pm. Someone grabbed me by the jabbed arm. I felt that.

Having boasted about that, I certainly had a mega reaction to the pneumonia jab last year. My arm and shoulder were up like an American footballer and I was so ill that a call to 111 resulted in a paramedic ambulance being sent! That took more than a week to get back to normal.

had mine two weeks ago with no side effects - not even a sore arm.
going for my covid booster this afternoon and i'm hoping i won't get any side effects from it.

Oh and the 65 and over flu is different as I was working in labs last year and they were giving flu vacs but they only had 15 for 65 and over so I didnt have it there but I did at my GPs.

I meant flu Jab is different.

I had no side effects from the flu jab on 9th October but the Pfizer booster in the other arm at the same time led to five days of redness and swelling and hot arm. All better now.

Bea65

Had my first over 65s flu jab yesterday and woken up few times during night with hot sweats and my chest looks sun-tanned this morning. Also a few mad dashes to loo with the 'runs' . Not pleasant I know but just wondered if any other over 65s have experienced these side effects? Would love to know more what actually makes up the over 65s vaccine?

I believe its stronger. I'm new to the over 65 version so it was a bit of a shock. I had a night of muscle aches and shivering (but was not hot) and a lost weekend due to feeling ill.

My friend had the over 65 flu jab and the doctor explained to her that it’s just a stronger/more concentrated active ingredient because the efficacy of the immune system falls quite rapidly after 65.

Just a sore arm with every flu jab for the last 10+ years, covid on the other hand, was a bit of a nightmare, still had the booster, even a couple of days feeling bad was worth it

Esspee My MIL was the same. She would spend ages reading all the contraindications leaflets and then refuse to take the medicine! If we insisted she'd then complain that she had various side effects listed in the leaflets. So we just removed them from the boxes before we gave her the medications.

Bea65, your side effects are reminiscent of when I had an allergic reaction to Penicillin, albeit less severe. I suggest you talk to your doctor about it and maybe have a different flu jab next time as you could have a worse reaction next time.

kittylester Me too! I feel so lucky to have been able to get free protection from these dreadful viruses ?

Glenco yes might mention reactions next time as skin still looks a little mottled on chest area but did not have sore arm at all and thankfully no more 'loo runs'?.

Had it Last Monday no problems had 3rd covid Saturday no problems yea

I am intolerant to eggs and haven’t eaten one since I was twelve. When I go for my flu vaccines I always tell the nurse and they usually respond with ‘can you eat cake?’ I then retort ‘do I look like I eat cake?’ Then I giggle and lift up my top to reveal my cake tummy! ?
Had my flu vaccine earlier this month. A bit of an aching arm but that’s all. ?

2 strains Victoria 1 Cambodia, 1 Phuket. Had a very sore arm, but DH OK. Well that was what was in mine.

I would do an online consultation especially because of the reddened chest and runs. If you have an allergy to something inthe jab you need to know. I have one every year and no side effects ever.

Just a slightly sore arms

SueEH

My friend had the over 65 flu jab and the doctor explained to her that it’s just a stronger/more concentrated active ingredient because the efficacy of the immune system falls quite rapidly after 65.

he lied its not stronger or more concentrated, it has an extra component called an adjuvant, see my previous post

Boyzone

I am intolerant to eggs and haven’t eaten one since I was twelve. When I go for my flu vaccines I always tell the nurse and they usually respond with ‘can you eat cake?’ I then retort ‘do I look like I eat cake?’ Then I giggle and lift up my top to reveal my cake tummy! ?
Had my flu vaccine earlier this month. A bit of an aching arm but that’s all. ?

so do you eat eggless cake?

had mine about 2 weeks ago - no reaction whatsoever! Not even a sore arm. Don't think I've had bad reactions in the past.

How many vaccines have you had over your lifetime?

How many did you have done for your children?

We trust that in this country our medical profession has guided us towards vaccination for good reasons.

We must continue to trust that advice.

I often have a few cold like effects following a flu vaccine, but this year, I had none and felt absolutely fine. My husband had it too. He was also fine.