Doctors - do you get the flu jab?

[Neverhadakiss]

And if not, why not? I spoke to a nurse who said she never gets it. She was a bit vague, mentioning the ingredients as a reason. I was a bit surprised and wondered if that is typical..?

@Neverhadakiss the live vaccine spray has derivatives of porcine gelatine. While faith leaders have said the vaccine is suitable for Muslim and Jewish people some choose not to have it. You're right about the injection not having the porcine gelatine but it's offered as an alternative for those who choose not to have the live one for faith reasons rather than dietary preference.

I get it because I'm not selfish.

I get it because I am selfish. I don't want the flu. I had it once, about 15 years ago, it was bloody awful. Never felt ill from the vaccine either.

Always have it.

My patients don't deserve me to be an asymptomatic vector, so its more for their sake than mine.

Always get it. I've seen too many kids die of it over the years to want to have that on my conscience.

I've never had the flu jab. I'm a hcp in an outpatient clinic (not a GP practice), so the patients are generally well.

I've never had the flu (probably will now I've said that). I've had the required immunisations for my job already, I wouldn't be allowed to work without them. So if the flu jab is essential, why isn't it compulsory?

If anyone could educate/persuade me I could change my mind, but for now I'll take the least medical intervention possible for the job.

ICU nurse, have it every year, my kids get it every year and my husband and parents will be having it too. I've seen too many people die from flu.

Student Nurse and HCSW. I had it last year and will present my arm for this years at the first possible opportunity.

I get it every year. Why wouldn’t I? Protects me and protects others. A no-brainer.

I’m a nurse and also have asthma. I’ve had flu once as a teenager and it was horrendous, I’ve had my flu jag every year since apart from last year as I missed all the clinics and just didn’t get to the GP, I had a nasty chest infection for the first time in my life. Probably coincidence but I’ll be getting my jags again from now on.

HV & nurse - I always have it. I used to work on ITU when we had the H1N1 epidemic. It was terrifying seeing patients on ECMO who were previously fit & well.

Also make DH have it. DS will have the nasal one this year too.