Do you have the flu jab?

[uka888]

Just that really, never had it before but wondering if I should this year. I’m in my 30s.

Not usually but DP has severe asthma so I have been invited to one this year as he was on the shielding list.
Trying to get one is proving slightly difficult though as they don't have any for under 65's.

Yes. Every single year since 2011 since having flu Christmas 2010. That says it all really. I never want to experience being that ill again. I completely missed DC1's second Christmas.

And I've always had to pay for it despite being pregnant 3 times during that time; the timing of the pregnancies meant I never got it for free!

The replies on here seem to reflect what I hear in real life; people don't generally bother unless they get it through work/because they're high risk and get invited. They think I'm a bit unusual I think

Yes, but not through choice. If I don't have it, the consultant will stop a medication that I am on. Bastard!!

I do. I'm diabetic. But even before I was diagnosed I used to get it via a voucher from the local authority for all school staff. (They aren't concerned about us, they just don't want staff absence to have an adverse effect on schools)

Nope. Always felt grim afterwards and I'm healthy and trust my immune system.

Do it. I always do.

This year it is especially important to keep flu rates down so that it is not competing for hospital neds with coronavirus.

To the poster who said that she did not need it because she is 30 and fit and well I would say (1) immunisation is not just for the benefit of the individual, but also of the community (2) Flu can become very serious, and being young and healthy does not always protect you from that. (3) Even with a bout of flu that is not serious, post-viral problems can happen - e.g. CFS - which can be long-lasting and life-changing.

I cannot agree more with those saying they never want to be that ill again. It is horrific. I was a fit 36 year old and was laid low like never before. Childbirth was much less painful. I still get pain in my ribs 10 years later which harks back to it.

lweji do you mind me asking how you know that the thing you had that wasn't that bad was actually flu?

I've had the flu jab the past few years as get a voucher through work. Not managed to get an appointment this year in Manchester - heard there was a shortage. We're still working from home for the foreseeable future and are barely seeing anyone, so think we might give it a miss this year.

Every year since my last flu. I collapsed and had to spend the night at A&E where they thought I had had a heart attack. It took me months to fully recover.

Normally yes. I've been badly ill with flu a few times now. Still can't get one locally, nowhere offering them privately because of low stock and we don't have any supermarket pharmacies here (not even a Superdrug, we have Boots, Lloyds and Well+.) I don't think I'll be getting one this year now but will keep hoping.

Yes.

I’m asthmatic and I have the flu jab every year, courtesy of the NHS. I usually feel a bit under the weather for a day or two afterwards, which is reassuring as the vaccine is doing its job and provoking an immune response.

Every year without fail. After having flu and being unable to walk for three weeks and being off work for 4 ... never again!

@AvoidingRealHumans

No. 30 and fit & healthy, I trust in my immune system. I don't let my children get it either.

Why not!? Flu can be deadly for anyone. Unlike with coronavirus, children are vulnerable to the flu. It can kill.

Why would you not want to protect your children?

No Ice had it a couple of times in the past and I dont like the side efffects. Also ironically the years I had it I was the most poorly. I do let the kids get it but tbh after this year I may stop them getting it as I don't think they need it.

I have it most years - definitely this year at the start of October.
I had mild fluey symptoms which the surgery warned wd affect 10% of people - lasted for 24 hours as they predicted - I don't recall having side effects in previous years.

@uka888

In the local Asda pharmacist they have availability which has made me think maybe I should - boots have no availability and I wouldn’t qualify to have it at the doctors but I’m not sure . Has anyone else had it at their local supermarket pharmacist?!

Yes I had mine in Asda first week of October and paid

This is the first year I've had the flu vaccine. I'm assuming something triggered the summons from my GP as I've never been offered it before.
I still remember how wretched I felt last time I had flu 45 years ago. I was off school for three weeks.

Yes. Husband, DD and I all had it for the first time this year in an Asda pharmacy. We are healthy but across the population, more flu vax means fewer hospital beds taken up with people with complications. And flu plus covid could be life threatening for anyone, no matter how much faith they have in their immune system.

There was a similar thread to this with peoples experiences with having the flu. It was frightful to read. I’m not sure if I’ve ever really had the flu. But I never want to get it! I got the flu jab through work and I’ve never bothered to get it before. But corona has changed my mind. And there is some slight evidence to suggest it may help recover from corona.

Yes. I'm mildly asthmatic.

I paid £15 for an egg free one as I'm allergic to eggs.
I had Covid this year as well so don't want to be ill again!

Yes; work in a school. It's a lovely vaccine really; needle is tiny and you barely feel anything. Bit of tenderness at the site on the day, maybe a bit of sinus discomfort a few days afterwards but that's it I find.

@ChelseeDagger

What do you mean? Why shouldn’t you have the vaccine is you have autoimmune disorder?

No. I'm 53 with absolutely no health issues.

It's interesting to see the number of, 'Had flu before-now have jab' people.

I have the vaccine every year since being pregnant to protect the tiny ones in my household not eligible for the nasal spray vaccine. DD had it for the first time this year- DH and I have also been vaccinated to protect newborn DS.

Flu is more dangerous to children than COVID. Healthy kids have died of it and the under fives are one of the most at-risk age groups. I'm surprised at the number of people not letting their kids have the painless nasal spray vaccine.

Yes.

My friend at uni died of flu at 18.

My stepsister died of flu at 50.