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Original poster

Flu jab side effects

29 replies

Cloud44 · 20/11/2023 19:48

Trying to work out if I should get the flu jab this year, early 40s, I’ve had it the last couple of years but this year there seems to be less availability. Sounds silly but I’m a bit worried about the side effects, work is really busy at the moment I can’t really afford to be off with side effects and there are a few busy weekends coming up. If you’ve had it this year have you had side effects?

OP posts:
TurkeyTrotToXmas · 20/11/2023 19:49

My arm was sore a bit longer than usual, but that was it.

Notjustfish · 20/11/2023 19:50

Slightly sore arm. I used it as an excuse not to go to yoga that night. It was fine the next day.

SpamIAm · 20/11/2023 19:51

Just a sore arm here too. I have flu and Covid in the same arm and slightly regretted the hour of ballroom dancing that evening, but was less sore than last year.

Scrobbler · 20/11/2023 19:51

I have it every year for over 20 years now - only side effect I’ve ever is a slightly sore arm and only if I poke it. I’ve had flu twice before I started getting the jab and felt absolutely horrific both times, was off work for a fortnight both times, and felt exhausted for several weeks afterwards.

Ethelswith · 20/11/2023 19:52

Short-lasting sore arm - nothing else

I get a sore arm with just about every single jab I have, and thought this one was one of the mildest

UpUpUpU · 20/11/2023 19:53

Just tired the next day. Sore are the day of the jab

NeverWearingHeelsAgain · 20/11/2023 19:53

Absolutely no side effects here. Why are you worried this year if you’ve had it before?

BlackJumpsuit · 20/11/2023 19:54

I had a more extreme reaction this year than usual, normally just a sore arm but this time felt unwell for a couple of days.

WestSussexWitch · 20/11/2023 19:54

I’d rather take the 20 odd hours of side effects of the jab to 7+ days unwell with flu, I get a sore arm and feel vaguely unwell, slightly nauseous and achy.

Clarabellasingsthisbit · 20/11/2023 19:55

Just a sore arm.I had some sniffles and a slight temperature about 48 hours afterwards but I'm not sure that was related as everyone around me was going down with something and I managed to beat it off anyway.

I too had the Covid jab in the same arm,but I didn't have them both on the same day this time.When I got both done together last year,they insisted on doing one in each arm.

HaitchOar · 20/11/2023 19:56

My arm went a bit sore and hard the next day, but that’s it. No other side effects, as far as I could tell.

Watsername · 20/11/2023 19:57

My arm was less sore than normal this year.

Donzybugs · 20/11/2023 19:57

Early 40s here too. Had my first ever flu jab last week. I have just started a new job so was worried about side effects. Got my covid jab at the same time. Both arms were sore for 2 days and was a little off the next day; tired, mild sore throat and earache. I did book for a Friday afternoon to minimise the risk of the side effects impacting work, was fine by Sunday.

icanbewhatiwant · 20/11/2023 20:01

My husband had flu and covid jabs together 6 weeks ago. Covid arm was sore, flu arm fine. No side effects. I had my first flu vaccine 2 years ago as it was free to over 50's. Free last year too. They have stopped it free for over 50's now. It's over 65's only. So I've booked through boots and will pay. I'd rather have the vaccine as my husband is vulnerable. Though not vulnerable enough that I'm eligible for covid vaccine.

Meredusoleil · 20/11/2023 20:11

I had the jab back in September (pay for it every year after catching it in 2017 and being seriously unwell).

Didn't have any side effects this time, when normally always get a dead arm for a few days!

DinosApple · 20/11/2023 20:19

I pay for it every year (40s). I haven't had any side effects for a few years bar the odd sore arm.

I try to book the jab for a Friday just in case there's side effects.

ISeeARedDoorAndIWantToBreakIn · 20/11/2023 20:36

I had both flu and Covid on the same day, 6 weeks ago. The o my thing I noticed was that when I went to bed, my arm was a bit tender when I was laying on it. Not painful, didn’t stop me sleeping, just slightly tender for a few days.

Original poster
Cloud44 · 21/11/2023 14:35

Thank you everyone, still finding it hard to get an appointment.

OP posts:
Tiiredofthiss · 21/11/2023 14:36

I've had no side effects at all this year. I've never had side effects bad enough to miss work though.

Original poster
Cloud44 · 21/11/2023 19:24

I’m just feeling a bit cautious because some people have said they have had worse side effects this year than normal.

OP posts:
Muchonachomiamigo · 21/11/2023 19:26

I had mine at Boots in September. I'm 39 and pay for it every year.
Have a sore arm till the next day. I also get this weird lower back ache. Nothing major!

Neriah · 21/11/2023 19:31

Cloud44 · 21/11/2023 19:24

I’m just feeling a bit cautious because some people have said they have had worse side effects this year than normal.

My friend died as a result of flu. Real flu, not a bit of a cold. Now that is a "side effect"... What people call flu usually isn't remotely flu. If you've seen someone die because they had contracted flu, you wouldn't think twice about a sore arm or a couple of days feeling a bit off.

Original poster
Cloud44 · 21/11/2023 19:32

Is it wise for anyone to get the flu jab regardless of age? It’s only the last year or two that I’ve had it.

OP posts:
CatsWillRuleTheWorld · 21/11/2023 19:53

The flu jab (and any vaccine, really) actually work better in younger people because their immune systems react more strongly. It's offered to older people not because it's harmful to young people, it's not, but because flu is more dangerous the older you get.

I never understood why British people don't get the flu jab generally. I get it every year for as far as I can remember, started as a teenager. It's cheap, it's safe and even if they don't get the right strain for the season it's still better than nothing. Why not reduce your risk of miserable illness?

Snippit · 21/11/2023 19:58

Have it every year, never had a side effect, unlike the bloody covid jab 🤬