Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => Other Health Discussion => Topic started by: stellajane on December 07, 2019, 08:47:01 AM
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Is it normal to get a reaction at the site of the flu jab?
My arm is red and itchy and slightly swollen where the needle went in.
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Hi Stellajane.
I had the flu jab a few weeks ago, and although my arm was sore for a couple days after, I didn't get any redness or itching where it actually went in...
However, I did get it when I had the pneumonia jab a few years back. Think it lasted a few days, then settled...
I think some people do get a reaction like you have, others don't, hopefully it'll settle down
for you in a couple days...x
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Hi x
This is the first year I've had a reaction to the flu jab. Much the same as you and sore if I slept on that side for a few days. All okay now.
Pharmacist pre warned me and said it was all to do with the different strains of flu this year.
Hopefully you'll be all good soon xx
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I doubt it's anything to worry about, this seems to happen to a lot of people. I was OK with this year's flu jab apart from a bit of tenderness for a couple of days. Last year's was a different story, however.
JP x
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Try taking and anti-histamine and maybe Hydrocodone cream on the red area.
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Fill in the yellow card too.
Are u allergic to eggs?
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I had the flu jab nearly eight weeks ago and the top of my left arm still aches from time to time. When I had the jab the pharmacist did a quick allergy check with me and said that this year's flu jabs for the under 65s contained four strains of flu. He said that it may take two to three weeks for things to settle down. I take antihistamines daily and have done for many years. If your arm is really painful I would make an appointment with your GP for reassurance. My GP once told me that anyone can become allergic to anything at anytime.
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So far I've had two communications regarding getting a 'flu jab. One from the GP surgery 5 weeks ago and another through the post this morning. It's like someone is stalking me :-\ how do they know that I haven't had 1?
I've not had 'flu since 1990. :-\ ......... the jab is always at least 12 months behind what is going round.
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Is it normal to get a reaction at the site of the flu jab?
My arm is red and itchy and slightly swollen where the needle went in.
Yes, quite normal from what I was told could happen when I had mine - give it a few days and it’ll hopefully settle.
As Shadyglade suggested, maybe try an antihistamine :)
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They want everyone to get it CLKD so your records will be checked and you will be encouraged to get one this year especially because of the coronavirus. Getting both together is what they are trying to avoid.
Where does it say that the jab is 12 months behind what is going round. Surely that would make the jab pointless :-\
The virus mix that is included is always a guess.
At 64 still not had mine and no indication on the surgery website as to when.
Not a 100% convinced it is necessary as it's a low flu year. The chances of having flu and covid together are tiny. That story is just to increase compliance.
Don't believe anything the government or SAGE say anymore.
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Nor did I from about, oh, April ::). The 'flu jab can never keep up with mutations. GPs get paid a tenner+ for each jab given which is why it is pushed. DH has decided to have the 'flu jab B4 me ......... I'll see how he reacts!
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They're pushing it this year because the nhs wouldn't be able to cope with a flu epidemic on top of covid. What goes in it is always a best guess as they don't have a crystal ball but mostly, not always, they get it right. I haven't been offered one yet but I'll have it if I am. I've been very careful avoiding people, one trip a week for food at a quiet time always with a mask yet I am on my second cold. Just shows how easily it spreads.
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How many people, who have had the 'flu jab annually, die of 'flu ?
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Unfortunately flu vaccination get less effective the older you get. It's the elderly that generally die.
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How many people, who have had the 'flu jab annually, die of 'flu ?
Ummm... Isn't that why you have the jab?
They reckon 50 million people died in the Spanish flu pandemic following ww1, far more than died in the war.
They think they've found a way to protect imunosuppressed people from covid by injecting antibodies into the muscle. I wonder if they'll be able to use the same technique for flu in older people who don't have a good immune reaction to the vaccine.
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I saw that on the BBC news this morning sheila99. They are discovering new things all the time.
Out of interest, how many of the ladies who are not having a flu jab will take up the offer of the coronavirus vaccine ?
I haven't made my mind up about either yet.
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Really interesting article on how the effectiveness of both the Covid, and flu vac, are calculated.
https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20201120/p2a/00m/0na/008000c
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I saw that on the BBC news this morning sheila99. They are discovering new things all the time.
Out of interest, how many of the ladies who are not having a flu jab will take up the offer of the coronavirus vaccine ?
I haven't made my mind up about either yet.
I have had the flu jab and will definitely get the Covid vaccination when available.
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Isn't that over loading the system? I would expect to wait 8-9 months between each.
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My general health anxiety makes me wary of the covid vaccine. I am no way anti vaccinations, just concerned that it hasn't been around that long for long term side effects to show.
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I think that by the time that the general public get offered the C-19 jabs., probably into the New Year, any side effects will be noted.
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But vaccines are trialled a lot longer than a few months. Side effects could take months to materialise. Also it's a new type of vaccine.
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Often new medications are trialled due to constraints in the various countries, then they have to be passed by i.e. NICE. This will be carried out but with a faster time scale. Apparently.
It would seem that there will be several available eventually. This current jab doesn't need to be frozen therefore can be transported more easily.
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Still no sign from our surgery, as to when the 64s and will be offered the flu vaccination.
I had sort of decided to miss out the flu one and have the Covid vaccine. Especially as it is a low flu year. However read about a survey of UK doctors in a medical mag. Apparently 4 in 10 doctors will decline the Covid vaccine.
Now I'm back to square one.
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We have had 2 letters about the 'flu vaccine, 1 from the surgery sent in Sept., another by NHS in a long letter which we received last week. DH has booked his appt., the wait is a week. I'm on the fence.
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Still no sign from our surgery, as to when the 64s and will be offered the flu vaccination.
I had sort of decided to miss out the flu one and have the Covid vaccine. Especially as it is a low flu year. However read about a survey of UK doctors in a medical mag. Apparently 4 in 10 doctors will decline the Covid vaccine.
Now I'm back to square one.
It isn't straightforward at all but it would seem that 6 in 10 doctors would have the Covid vaccine
I understand where you are coming from Hasty, but this is not lotto. I expect better odds where my health is concerned.
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Still no sign from our surgery, as to when the 64s and will be offered the flu vaccination.
I had sort of decided to miss out the flu one and have the Covid vaccine. Especially as it is a low flu year. However read about a survey of UK doctors in a medical mag. Apparently 4 in 10 doctors will decline the Covid vaccine.
Now I'm back to square one.
Where did you see the claim that 4 in 10 doctors would refuse a Covid vaccine? I had my flu jab a month ago. I chased it up with the GP but could have had it done in Superdrug if GP had delayed it any longer.
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It's a medical magazine called Medscape.
I had to register to read the whole article but it's free.
Our GP website still says wait to be contacted for the flu vaccination. Nearly December now. ::)
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DH made his appt earlier this week for next Friday. The Surgery rang me this evening to ask whether I would like to go and have mine at the same time. Talk about wasting NHS money >:(
If we had wanted that option, we would have asked for it. I am not keen anyway and told the Nurse so. I prefer to wait. If DH is OK then I may consider it, purely because we have a pandemic situation.
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Hello ladies.
I was offered a flu jab from our surgery but it was first come, first served and I missed out. Boots are offering the jab free to over 65s but as I am 64 I will need to pay. I don't mind that but when I tried to book I was told they had run out and to keep trying. It looks like I may not get a flu jab at all this year. I don't know how worried I should be. Incidentally I have never had the flu nor taken up the offer of a flu jab.
Take care ladies.
K.
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This is the note on our surgery website.
FLU VACCINATIONS FOR 50-64 YEAR OLDS
Please do not contact the surgery about flu immunisations if you fall into the 50-64 years age group. We have not yet been told when we will be allocated vaccines from the central stock and therefore cannot plan any clinics.
As soon as we receive official confirmation we will contact eligible patients. Please look out for updates on our website.
Thank you for your understanding.
Please note: We are still able to offer flu vaccinations to patients in all at risk groups - please contact the surgery as soon as possible to book in for your flu jab.
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We haven't had any hold up in our region. We should not have to pay for any jabs, GPs get paid £15.00 for each 1 so they will want to get stocks ASAP! I don't understand that either but it's always been the way :-\
I am waiting to see what effect DH gets from his. I will have it 'to protect the NHS' not because I require one. If it was like smallpox when 'flu could be eradicated, I would feel differently. But the vaccine is 12-18 months behind anyway. I am not worried as we don't mix except when shopping and even then avoid most people ;).
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I've just been contacted to get one (under 65). I'm not sure I'd bother in a normal year but I will this year. There are people who are imuno suppressed or too ill to have it so I feel I am protecting them as well as the nhs. The more people who are vaccinated the less chance there will be a flu epidemic.
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That's my thinking sheila99. That way I won't need to rush when the C-19 vaccines are rolled out until all those that require them have been treated.
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I've just booked to have mine done at the local pharmacy. I feel the same as you sheila99 ;)
That's my thinking sheila99. That way I won't need to rush when the C-19 vaccines are rolled out until all those that require them have been treated.
But I thought you were reluctant to have it done CLKD...surely the sooner the better, in case they run out - then you'd be moaning about that & the NHS not being efficient I suppose :D
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:na: ......... there is no chance of our County running out ;-). When I spoke with the Nurse yesterday I was told they have a good supply. If the jab availability runs out I'm not too worried as I haven't had 'flu since 1990. Also, we don't mix ;) . I am reluctant due to the latter.
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When I spoke to my surgery this afternoon they said they had 1400 vaccinations available but 1900 patients who are eligible - so although they also have a good supply they could still run out. ::). I decided to take the opportunity of having it done at our local pharmacy instead as it was a more convenient date/time.
I don't mix much either CLKD but you do go to antique shops to fill up your cabinets & your local shop to pick up a few bits & pieces .... It doesn't matter that you haven't had flu in the last 30 years, you are older now & your resistance may be lower than back in 1990.
We are all surely more vunerable than we were 30 years ago. :)
Cazikins :cat48: :cat48: :cat48:
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Hello ladies.
I was offered a flu jab from our surgery but it was first come, first served and I missed out. Boots are offering the jab free to over 65s but as I am 64 I will need to pay. I don't mind that but when I tried to book I was told they had run out and to keep trying. It looks like I may not get a flu jab at all this year. I don't know how worried I should be. Incidentally I have never had the flu nor taken up the offer of a flu jab.
£8 at Asda pharmacies
Take care ladies.
K.
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It is dreadful that supermarkets/Boots are allowed to offer any injections ! What procedures are in place should some have a bad reaction?
Especially when we are being told to keep away from others. As for paying ? we've already paid into the Health Service :-\
Tnx for your concern Cazikins - I go masked with sanitiser. How's the arm this morning?
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Ha ha, just had a text from my surgery. They must have been listening.
Now I have a quick decision to make.
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You are right FrannyB, but the weaker immune system of the elderly means the flu vaccination is less effective. You need a healthy immune response to vaccine to get the benifit.
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Hello again ladies.
Apparently as we age our immune system becomes less efficient, it is slower to react to threats so vaccines have a reduced protective effect and then it is slower to down regulate so a chronic auto immune illness becomes more likely. One of the big problems with COVID is the cytokine storm that can develop when the immune system overreacts to the virus.
I will continue to search for my flu jab and will definitely be in the queue for the COVID vaccine as well.
Take care ladies.
K.
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Well I have just booked mine, for 5th December.
Still not sure if it's necessary but hay ho.
I am expecting it to be a long time before the healthy under 65s get offered the Covid vac.
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I saw that on the BBC news this morning sheila99. They are discovering new things all the time.
Out of interest, how many of the ladies who are not having a flu jab will take up the offer of the coronavirus vaccine ?
I am so ready for the vaccine if it means an end to the pandemic. I think I've felt a little calmer since hearing the great news from the Pfizer, Moderna and Astrazeneca trials and I feel now that the uncertainty at the heart of COVID-19 pandemic is no more.
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You are right FrannyB, but the weaker immune system of the elderly means the flu vaccination is less effective. You need a healthy immune response to vaccine to get the benifit.
I think that's why they add the adjuvant into the over 65 one. I had to have the under 65 as that's the egg free one (sensitivity). There was much discussion between the doctors and in the end it was decided it would be better than nothing ;D
Taz x
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DH was asked B4 the needle was prepared whether he is allergic to eggs. I think that question should have been asked when he made the appt.! He came out with a useless leaflet ...........
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The 1st vaccine has been approved :o but has to be kept cold for transportation. Then thawed ...........
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.......... the idea that care home residents will be 1st in line has been altered a lot in the last 24 hours.
I've booked my 'flu jab appt. :-\
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Just had my flu vac this morning.
Was warned to expect to queue in the surgery car park but went straight in. Whole thing was less than 2 minutes.
I wonder if the take up in the 50-64 age group is as high as expected.??
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Hello ladies.
My husband is 64 and had his jab a few weeks ago. He was given an appointment time but when he arrived at the surgery it was first come, first served and patients were queueing round the block.
Take care ladies.
K.
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Had mine this morning, 2 hour time slot but went straight in. Feels like a bruise on my arm but no other symptoms.
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.... yet ;) .........
Production line springs to mind. Need I ring ahead to insist on a Chair ? :-\
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Ours was done in the normal consulting rooms with a chair so you could choose to sit or stand. Yes, it was very efficient. One way system, in and out in a couple of minutes.
Thought I'd escaped anything worse than a sore arm?? How long before you feel rough if you're going to?
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Probably by now ;). It may feel heavy in the morning as well as being aware of the muscle. Let me know so that I can change my mind B4 Monday :-\
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Thanks Teresa, I'll keep my fingers crossed for another 2 days. They're keen to point out it isn't a live vaccine so hopefully it will be OK.
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I'm sitting, waiting for side effects ;D.
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Tnx. Nil of note thus far ::)
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Hmmm... two days later I felt a bit off too. I don't know if I can put it down to the jab though, I have a cold (despite social distancing!) and am on the last days of utro which wipes me out too. Waiting for the covid jab now. Anyone know someone who's been called for it?
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I was told B4 the jab last night that I may feel flushed in a couple of days :-\. ? why ? I would put that down to scurrying around doing chores :D
Most people are getting C-19 vaccine in hospitals due to this batch needing to be kept frozen. It can be moved 4 times ..... so Hospitals with freezer space have been given priority. Hopefully more vaccines will be approved sooner rather than later as it will take months B4 those treated today will know of any ill effects: ?? there's a gap with this 1 between today and the booster ??
The arm that wasn't jabbed as ached ever since ;D
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I had the flu one Thurs eve, and felt rough on Saturday afternoon. I had a snooze and let husband and son make the tea. ::) ;)
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Does that mean that the immune system has been kicked? I was told that it isn't a live vaccine so one can't get 'flu. However, the medical profession as so adamant that they didn't believe my MinL who was very ill - 3 times after it! Co-incidence. Well no, actually.
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I don't know - I heard something on the radio but didn't listen properly, about why some people feel a bit ill. They said it is just the effects of your immune system reacting and not that you have an illness.
The last time I had flu, I had to sleep a lot. Couldn't stay upright. I remember wondering if I would wake up again. So I thought feeling a bit off with the vaccine was probably worthwhile.
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I had 'flu twice. In 1988 and 89, exactly 12 months apart other than 1 day. Both times I went to bed fine, work aching all over, sensitive to light, could't lift my head from the pillow ....... had to be carried for the bathroom for 3 days :-\. Lots of anadin and liquids. Felt weak for 5 days after, didn't get dressed. I knew it was 'flu. Any1 who walks around thinking that they have 'flu, hasn't. It is said that putting a fiver on the bedroom floor, someone with 'flu wouldn't even notice let alone try to reach it!
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Yes I think I got off lightly with mine, although it took a good month to recover properly.
Fiver on the floor ;D If it had been fifty I wouldn't have bothered :o
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Hello ladies.
I have managed to book a flu jab at last! This will be my first time lol.
I went to a pharmacy and at 64 I was expecting to pay but it seems they are free to the over fifties as of 1st December.
Take care ladies.
K.
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2nd C-19 vaccine likely to be approved :-*
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Hello ladies.
I have managed to book a flu jab at last! This will be my first time lol.
I went to a pharmacy and at 64 I was expecting to pay but it seems they are free to the over fifties as of 1st December.
Take care ladies.
K.
You'll be fine Kathleen.
Had mine on Saturday. No sore arm or other symptoms. :)
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Hi
I’ve booked mine for Friday morning. Not really sure I want it, as having that, then the COVID one looming, seems a bit much.
Jeepers xx
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Just to be aware :o
People with a history of significant allergic reactions should not have the Covid vaccine, the medicines regulator has warned, after two NHS workers experienced symptoms on Wednesday.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/dec/09/pfizer-covid-vaccine-nhs-extreme-allergy-sufferers-regulators-reaction?CMP=twt_gu&utm_source=Twitter&utm_medium#Echobox=1607511512
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-55244122
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I've just been reading that. I have to have the egg-free flu vaccine and I have allergies to some antibiotics :-\
Taz x
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Thanks hasty, that's reassuring. :-*
Jeepers xx
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There will probably be several with reactions ......... as it's C-19 we need to be aware. MayB it happens with the 'flu vaccine but it doesn't make headline news?
It is unlikely that the populous will be in line for any of the C-19 vaccines that come on line for months so having the 'flu jab shouldn't interact . One can delay it if offered after all.
My arm ached last night and I thought it would be stiff today but thus far, OK. The site itches though .
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My arm has been OK - surprisingly ::)