Thinking this year is more important than ever to have flu vaccine?

[ellieboulou33]

Big debate on our class what's app about the annual school flu vaccine, I've kept quiet with my opinion as prefer to remain neutral on these group chats but have replied saying my children would be having it.

On here I'm anonymous so can give my view which is, I think it's so important this year more than ever to vaccinate!

With everything going on I think any additional protection is a bonus.

A few mums are ranting that they don't trust it and for those that ARE vaccinating our kids, we had better take time to look up what goes into it.

AIBU to be pro flu vaccine?

YANBU. More important than ever this year.
If kids catch flu, they will need to then be tested for Covid as the symptoms are similar, family will need to isolate etc until they have test results.

Flu is an unnecessary strain on the system, it's going to be a bad enough winter as it is.
Plus flu can be bad enough on it's own anyway, DS has ended up in hospital with it in the past. He's not entitled to a jab on the NHS so last year we got him a private jab, planning to do that again this year.
Me and DH have both been having the flu jab for a few years with no issues apart from a slightly sore arm the day after, well worth it in my opinion.

What is CIDRAP? Who funds it?

Yes it won't protect against Covid but double the mortality risk if you get Covid and flu at the same time. Get it if you can!

I agree. We (all relatives/children) get it. I think those that can get it should, to create herd immunity for those flu is dangerous for. That's as well to take pressure off the NHS.

I had mine today. If it’s offered, my children will also have it.

I have had flu, and it is utterly debilitating. I have asthma, I can’t afford to play fast and loose with these illnesses.

I was 29, healthy, got the flu, which turned into pneumonia. I’ve had bad asthma ever since.

Anyone who thinks flu can’t touch them is an idiot.

Get the jab if you can, let your kids be vaccinated at school. Save the NHS from a double whammy this winter.

[quote Funkypolar]I shan’t be having it.

www.cidrap.umn.edu/news-perspective/2017/09/study-signals-association-between-flu-vaccine-miscarriage[/quote]
@Funkypolar. Here is a good response the that study, explaining why it doesn’t prove a link.

www.tommys.org/pregnancy-information/im-pregnant/midwives-answer/can-flu-jab-cause-miscarriage

36 Pregnant women died from flu between 2009 and 2012 in the UK and Ireland. Flu vaccination is currently recommended for pregnant women to protect Both mum and baby.
www.rcog.org.uk/en/news/doctors-and-midwives-express-concern-as-six-in-ten-pregnant-women-miss-out-on-the-flu-jab/

I'm offered it every year at work. I don't usually bother but I'll take it this year, figure that can help to take the pressure off a bit whilst we deal with Covid

I’m eligible for a free one but the GP surgery aren’t sure when they’ll be getting stock of the vaccine for under-65s although they’ve been vaccinating the over-65s with their specific vaccine for a couple of weeks. They’re thinking possibly the end of Oct/early Nov so I’ve booked to get mine done at Boots next week.

I always get nervous at health appointments, could anyone tell me what to expect from having it done at a pharmacy as it says to allow 15 minutes? I’ve always had it done by a practice nurse at a flu vaccine clinic which takes seconds.

I had flu last year. Myself, my husband and my 3 year old are booked in for next week for the vaccine. Flu is truly horrid.

DH and I both had our flu jabs today at Boots. DC will be having the nasal spray at school. Why wouldn't you? Even in a year where we don't have to worry about a pandemic, I'd rather not risk the flu.

I still won’t be having it but of course other people can choose to have it if they wish.

We vaccinate otherwise but none of us have the flu vaccine

Thank you for all your replies, the group chat got so bad I muted it!

I was itching to respond to some of the ridiculous texts of some parents, some were vicious and completely ignorant. At least I know now who shares similar morals to me.

My dh has swine flu in 2009, turned into pneumonia and was in intensive care for 3 days, this is a man who has been to the doctors about 6 times in the 15 years we've been together, so we as a family are very pro flu vaccine.

I have a PhD in immunology and 20 years experience in the pharmaceutical industry. All my colleagues choose to get the free flu jabs at work. I'm horrified at how many people here are saying they won't let their children have a vaccine that stops them spreading an endemic and potentially deadly disease, particularly during a pandemic.

But, but, but, they’re pushing us all to have it because it has the same symptoms as Covid then they can lock us all down again and Bill Gates can finish bringing in the New World Order.

Fucking idiot conspiracy theorists.

Dd has already had it at school. I only have 1 out if 3 dc eligible for the nasal school vaccine, but I think this year, more than ever, it is really important.
Bit of a numpty question, but I’m quite happy to pay for myself and other 2 dc to have it, how would I arrange that? Roughly how much is it? Do you go to the doctors or the pharmacy?

I always refused the flu vaccine for both dc. Then my perfectly healthy ds got flu one winter, aged 8, I have never seen anyone so poorly in my life.
He ended up in hospital but thankfully recovered, I vowed never to decline something that could prevent such suffering again. It was just awful to see him like that

I am fairly meh about flu vaccines. Each to their own. As opposed to measles where I think those that don't get it are 'not very sensible'.

We are having it this year to try and avoid additional isolating though.

News from the southern hemisphere is that flu season has been super mild/non-existent even in places where Covid is spreading. The mask wearing/reduced social contact has stopped it in its tracks. Fingers crossed we see the same here.

www.boots.com/online/pharmacy-services/winter-flu-jab-services

It's £14 @Maryann1975, if you're not eligible to have it for free.

From what I can work out from conversation people are worried about it increasing the risk of catching other viral respratory illnesses? So usually not really an issue but if covid is also doing the rounds?
Other big issue is people worrying about kids getting fever, which is normal side effect and not being able to get a test, so no school.

I get it every year.

Being healthy isn’t really relevant, by choosing not to have it you are increasing your chance of contracting flu, but more importantly you are increasing the your chance of making someone else unwell. Medical staff who choose not to get the flu jab are knowingly putting the people they care for at risk.

@Devlesko

Nah, wouldn't touch it, neither will my kids (grown up), nor for their kids. Read up about it, then make up your mind. I bet there will be far fewer cases anyway as most will have covid. Or be protected by masks and all this hand sanitising.

That's a ridiculous idea, it's like saying people won't get a stomach bug because they have had a cold.

WhatsApp group sounds like a nightmare. Parents in my DS's class were discussing this in the playground last year and everyone has their own opinions. But some are awful when they don't agree with another person.

But yeah my children have had it every year at school so will do the same this year...

@MadisonAvenue

I’m eligible for a free one but the GP surgery aren’t sure when they’ll be getting stock of the vaccine for under-65s although they’ve been vaccinating the over-65s with their specific vaccine for a couple of weeks. They’re thinking possibly the end of Oct/early Nov so I’ve booked to get mine done at Boots next week.

I always get nervous at health appointments, could anyone tell me what to expect from having it done at a pharmacy as it says to allow 15 minutes? I’ve always had it done by a practice nurse at a flu vaccine clinic which takes seconds.

We are having ours done at Boots next week too as I was very impressed with their service last year. I assume it probably takes longer as they have to check all your ID, health history etc as meeting you from scratch whereas your surgery will have all your info on their system.

It was a very simple procedure as they go through your history, explain the vaccine, do it and then you end to sit outside their room for a while to make sure you don’t have a reaction to it and when clear you can leave. Very smooth and straightforward.

Hope that helps 😊