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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

Flu jab - yes or no?

146 replies

BetterCallSaul99 · 17/09/2020 20:45

My parents are in their 70's. Never had it. They are great for their age, fit and healthy.
Me and my husband are pretty much the same. But wondering if it would be for the best. I hear so many stories about people who have been ill after that immunisation I genuinely don't know what to do myself or advise my parents. Me and my husband did have flu a couple of years ago and it was the worst illness we have ever experienced. Would not want to experience it again however isn't it certain strains so having the jab is no guarantee anyway? Thoughts please.

OP posts:

Igotthemheavyboobs · 17/09/2020 20:47

It isn't a live vaccine so you cannot get flu from it.

WhoWouldHaveThoughtThat · 17/09/2020 20:48

I've had for the last few years, partly on the basis that you don't get much for free these days so I'll take it while I can.

Not had flu... yet

kimlo · 17/09/2020 20:49

yes. It only protects against the strains that are in it that year, but that protection is better than nothing if you are at risk if you get the flu.

I have felt ill after a jab but no where as ill as I do when I have had flu.

Abraid2 · 17/09/2020 20:50

I pay for one each year as I don’t qualify for the free one.
Never had any problems. On the other hand, the flu I had some years ago made me extremely ill.

duvetaddict · 17/09/2020 20:50

I get one every year, never been ill from it. I think a lot of people get a cold that time of year anyway and blame the jab.

Spied · 17/09/2020 20:50

I dithered but got the flu jab last year.
Was terribly worried about side effects but I was ok.
I thought potential side effects were likely to be mild on balance compared to a bout of flu.
I think it's especially important now.
The jab is tailored to the main strains that are active this year so I personally think it makes sense.

FippertyGibbett · 17/09/2020 20:52

I have one every year due to my job. Never been ill afterwards.

2020isnotbehaving · 17/09/2020 20:54

Had bad flu once could not move for two weeks. Always pay for the jab. the jab protects you from the main ones that year so it’s possible still get another virus but also stops you getting it mildly and passing it on to a more vulnerable person.

FippertyGibbett · 17/09/2020 20:54

Have your parents had the pneumococcal vaccine ?

2020isnotbehaving · 17/09/2020 20:54

The only sides I get a sore arm for about a week a small price to pay!

youdidask · 17/09/2020 20:55

I genuinely have one of the rare reactions to it - muscle spasm and whiplash like I've been In A car wreck. I'd still have it if I didn't.

I've lost healthy 40 year olds to flu it's no joke

Twigletfairy · 17/09/2020 20:58

I have it every year due to being asthmatic, I've never personally been unwell after it.

My toddler had the nasal spray last year and wasn't unwell with it.

The flu jab is given during the flu season, do quite often a person may already be incubating a viral illness at the time they have the job.

I just do a personal risk assessment. I don't really like the idea of having the jab. But I like the idea of getting flu even less

SmallYappyTypeDog · 17/09/2020 21:03

My Mum used to think the same, until she got the flu that is. Now she is first in the queue each year! She had a mild case and wasnt hospitalised but had post viral issues badly for 2 years and has never recovered full health.

I have it as I am NHS. Never had any problems. Some people will coincidentally have a bit of a cold at the same time (as the season is just kicking off) and blame the vaccine. But the vast majority of people I work with have no issues. Even if it did make you feel a but run down for a couple of days it's worth it.

QueenPaws · 17/09/2020 21:06

I always have the flu one and had the pneumonia one too. Never unwell from them, sore arm one year for a couple of days

plerty2 · 17/09/2020 21:08

I've been having the flu jab for about 20 years due to underlying medical condition. Never had any side effects other than a mildly sore arm for a few days on a few occasions. Also Never had flu! Getting this year's jab on Saturday.

blonderunner · 17/09/2020 21:08

I'd definitely recommend it for your parents. Flu can be a serious enough illness by itself but co-infection with Covid doubles the mortality risk.

Brighterthansunflowers · 17/09/2020 21:09

I always have it. Worst bit was one year I had a very sore arm but usually it’s pretty easy and insignificant and I bloody hate needles!

I’ve actually just booked this years after seeing another thread on the subject. I get it free due to asthma but would pay for it otherwise.

SimonJT · 17/09/2020 21:10

It is not a live vaccine. Someone claiming the flu vaccine gave them flu is no different to saying it gave you the clap.

I have type one diabetes and 20% spleen function, I always get the flu jab. While I know it isn’t 100% effective I have never caught the flu. I’m going in for my jab on Saturday morning, my son has his nose spray next Wednesday.

Kettlingur · 17/09/2020 21:11

We get it every year. As do my parents and in-laws and my grandparents. Never had any issues.

Curiosity101 · 17/09/2020 21:13

I had the jab for the first time last year when I had my baby. He was almost 7 weeks premature and it was one of the things I could do to try to protect him from flu.

I had a bit of a sore arm for a few days but no side effects. And I was really surprised that it didn't hurt at all when I was having it done.

I plan to have it every year from now on (and have to pay for it). The effectiveness varies from year to year but the estimate on average it reduces your risk of contracting flu by 40-60%.
www.cdc.gov/flu/vaccines-work/effectiveness-studies.htm

Meredusoleil · 17/09/2020 21:14

@Abraid2

I pay for one each year as I don’t qualify for the free one. Never had any problems. On the other hand, the flu I had some years ago made me extremely ill.

Same here! Getting it done tomorrow actually 😉

MrBucket · 17/09/2020 21:14

Yes definitely. I only qualify when pregnant but will pay for one this year if not on offer free from work. My husband and toddler will have them via the GP and it will help protect my baby who is too young.

StrawberrySquash · 17/09/2020 21:16

I don't normally bother, but seems sensible to this year. So I've ordered one through work.

Playdoughbum · 17/09/2020 21:20

Asthma so yes. Bit of a sore arm, otherwise no bad effects. My surgery is v efficient and it takes seconds! Already booked mine.

GeorgiaGirl52 · 17/09/2020 21:25

I have had it every year for over 30 years as I was a carer for my grandmother and later my mother. My son has had it for 16 years. Never had any reaction worse than a sore arm. We get the shot at the end of October to cover all the holidays when family are coming and coming and coming and -never- going. Got flu one year in February after the strands had mutated but only lasted four days. If you are over 50 you should get pneumonia vaccine too.

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