To think asking someone you don’t really know whether they’ve had the vaccine is a bit personal

[Iheartbed]

I am currently suffering with the rare type of blood clot that’s in the news re the Oxford vaccine - CVST. I got it due to being pregnant and dehydrated (I ended up miscarrying). I may have a blood clotting disorder but don’t know for sure yet.

Not many people know this at work. I work in healthcare and the amount of people (staff and patients) asking me if I’ve had my vaccine bothers me. I don’t want to tell them why I haven’t had it as it involves personal troubles. But I don’t really know why they’re asking either. What’s it to them?
I hate lying. I just want to say “none of your bloody business!”

It is intrusive and upsetting for some people though (like the OP) because of the circumstances. That's why you should probably not go round asking people, because you don't know who that applies to.

It's perfectly acceptable to ask the question. There is no shame in admitting you are not able to have it because of a medical condition. If that causes the asker to feel embarrassed, perhaps it will make them think twice about questioning others.

It's small talk.
Have a stock answer ready & practice not getting too upset by what other people say to you.
Or have people walking on eggshells around you for the foreseeable future, whichever is preferable.

You can shut down general enquiries about whether you’ve had the vaccine pretty easily with ‘unfortunately not, I’m unable to have it at the moment’ and leave it there. If anyone pushes it just say your not comfortable discussing your personal medical history.

Tbh I’m not sure if your clot is really relevant in most cases? Surely general patients/colleagues don’t know you’ve had a clot unless you tell them? Even if they do, the above still applies.

You’ve clearly had a really rough time and I’m very sorry you went through that. It’s important to remember though that most people aren’t thinking of your specific situation when they’re probing you, vaccinations are at the top of the list of things people are talking about right now and will crop up.

I hope that things start getting easier for you soon.

It's rude. And "no" is a complete sentence.

I’m sorry for your loss I don’t think it’s rude to ask if you’ve had the vaccine but I think it’s rude to ask people why they have or haven’t had it, that is personal medical info.

I think it’s a completely unreasonable question. Covid really has resulted in many people taking a massive step backwards in terms of rights.

It’s not someone you hardly knows business if you have been vaccinated or not. Just like it’s no ones business why sone people can’t wear a face mask.

Next you’ll have people stating it’s perfectly reasonable to pull out your medical records and put them on display for all and sundry! I genuinely despair!