Very nervous for my vaccine on Thursday...

[coffeeandbooks]

22 and have severe health anxiety alongside panic attacks, I'm so scared to have the vaccine and face potential side effects

I have the flu jab yearly which worries me enough but there's been so much bad press about the vaccines lately- I wish they would let me know which one it is so I can research it.

I haven't had Covid (that I know of) and stuck to all the rules but had a very active and busy summer when we were allowed last year, theme parks, pubs, restaurants etc

AIBU?

Don't rush to believe the negative publicity, OP. These vaccines have been properly trialled in accordance with all the usual research procedures. Just go out there and do your bit - for yourself and for everyone around you.

I had the astra zeneca vaccine and I'm not going to lie, I did have side effects. That night I had a high temperature and felt very shaky, but I looked on it as my immune system doing its job and actually felt reassured. I was fine after that and I feel totally fine about having my second one. I'm prepared for any reaction and whatever happens, it's not as bad as covid. Good luck to you xx

I got a card at my first one. What’s the bloody point of a sticker?

I'm 55 and had AZ on Saturday. Feel 100% ok, arm not even sore, so relieved to have the vaccine.

Side effects are rare, and usually very minor.

My son has had a different experience. He had AZ because of being in a more vulnerable group. He also has health anxiety. He has literally locked down for a year. He did get fluey type side effects for over a week. His side effects were probably among the worst. He is still so fucking grateful for the jab as feeling completely shit for a week won't kill him or leave him permanently disabled, but Covid very likely would. Fluey shit week or death? Not a hard choice.

You need to think about comparing the tiny chance of feeling sick, to dying or being permanently disabled.

@Significantown

I got a card at my first one. What’s the bloody point of a sticker?

If I get a sticker I'm going to keep it for posterity. Don't know what they are for though!

I had mine yesterday. I wads eligible due to an underlying health condition. DH kept telling me how ill I would feel afterwards if I had the Astra jab. I had the Astra jab, but have felt absolutely fine. Just a bit of a sore arm.

When we were checking in, a lady in front of me told the nurse she was feeling anxious and they took her to a curtained off area, so that she could have some privacy.

If you mention how you're feeling when you go, they will be able to reassure you. It was all very calm and organised.

I’ve already had a vaccine through work but both DP and DF are due this week (one is early due to conditions and one is late due to mobility issues) and I was starting to feel apprehensive due to the recent headlines.

But then dd started with a cough and sore throat this weekend so we had her tested. She’s been tested before but this time I was very worried about the results and when her negative came through I was so relieved. I realised a big part of my worry was that DP might have been exposed (and all the risks that go with him catching covid) and would have to cancel his vaccine appointment this week.

On balance, for me anyway, the risks and worries that come with covid far outweigh any concerns about the vaccination.

I understand your anxieties. I've recently had the AstraZeneca and was nervous because of the scare stories of symptoms the next day from a friend. A doctor friend suggested taking paracetamol that evening and the next day as a 'just in case'. I had a sore arm and was shattered the next day but that was it. Whether it had anything to do with the paracetamol I'll never know but if you can take it, I'd suggest that.

I volunteer at a Covid vaccination centre and a lot of people are nervous. The team are very good at helping you--let them know when you arrive and they'll keep an eye on you. I really admire people who feel the fear and do it anyway: they are helping ALL of us in a very important way.

I had AZ on Saturday myself and felt mildly flu-ey for 24 hours, that was all.

I've just had a text from my surgery, asking me to book my vaccination - this is in addition to my NHS letter I received last week. They are after me! 😆

We ran out of stickers within the first week at my vaccination centre. People did like getting one though!

@Horsemad

I've just had a text from my surgery, asking me to book my vaccination - this is in addition to my NHS letter I received last week. They are after me! 😆

Come on @Horsemad get it booked.

I hear you! DH booked tomorrow morning .Me Wed morning .Felt anxious all weekend .I just think this time next week all be over! Handhold from me! xx

@choirmumoftwo

We ran out of stickers within the first week at my vaccination centre. People did like getting one though!

I’m hoping to get one after my second jab! I got one for the flu vaccine but I want one to add to my covid memorabilia collection

Imagine my hypothetical grandchildren. 'Gran can we see the masks you had to wear in 2020 and that sticker you got for the jab again? And did you really have to keep 2 metres away from other people? Tell us about the loo roll thing again''. Like when my Gran used to show me her ration books.

I had mine yesterday. Extremely well organised. Doctor who asked medical qs of me also gave time for any questions from me.
Injection itself the least noticeable injection I’ve ever had - really almost didn’t feel it at all. All in private cubicles so if had felt teary or worried I would have felt ok about that and able to ask qs etc.
Where I was quite a few had relatives waiting outside (distanced) to take/walk home. I did some shopping on way back as I was out already. Felt absolutely fine.
Currently slightly spaced out /knackered. Others report ‘bad hangover’ type side effect. I’ve got food and drink and headache tabs in just in case. Plus plenty of tv stacked up in case I retreat to bed/sofa. Currently just v tired.
Good luck op. To my mind no question that what it will reduce risk of for me personally and for all of us, is vastly better than side effects etc.

sparklingbrook I’m so upset that I forgot to get my sticker but I don’t think o would have worn it visible as so many younger are very I certain about when they will get theirs etc. Also don’t mind some thinking I’m younger than I am (no underlying conditions)

I didn’t get a sticker (or a lolly). Hurumph.

Ffs - there were lollies ?!
Now I’m fuming. Also wondered if there might be a sit down sweet tea biscuit moment as when donate blood. I was chucked out without ceremony

There are LOLLIES?

Well there where when I was at primary school (jelly tots to be precise).

@Sparklingbrook

Imagine my hypothetical grandchildren. 'Gran can we see the masks you had to wear in 2020 and that sticker you got for the jab again? And did you really have to keep 2 metres away from other people? Tell us about the loo roll thing again''. Like when my Gran used to show me her ration books.

Did you keep the letter from BJ too? I’ve got that along with one from the chief exec at the hospital I was working in. I’m imagining enthralled grandchildren being regaled with tales of the great toilet roll shortage of 2020

My daughter has kept a covid diary and memorabilia/photos (grandma waving to get through the window etc!) for my one year old granddaughter to look at when she's older. It's pretty cute!

Waving to HER through the window! I wasn't trying to get through it!

I have a picture of the empty loo roll aisle in the supermarket from last year. I must have BJ's letter although not sure where.
My nephew was born last year and we got a couple of brief windows to visit between lockdowns. All the photos of me and my parents with him but 2 metres from him will need explaining when he's old enough. And why it was just him and his parents for his first Christmas Day.