To wonder if lack of covid boosters this Autumn is government cost cutting

[Hulabalu]

And if it is cost cutting , isn’t it a short sighted one? The more people get sick the more the cost to /,strain on NHS?

And wouldn’t it be sensible to “run a please be considerate and wear a mask if you have symptoms?” campaign . Not just for Covid but a cold / cough / sore throat ?

Ah makes sense with the population size.

Also I may be showing scientific ignorance here but are they working on improving the vaccine? Or is it as good as it gets? It’s understandable with potentially loads of unpleasant side effects that will put people off. Or is that how it has to be?

You might actually be refused it when you turn up…happening a lot in our area and pharmacies have got signs on their doors saying the equivalent of please don’t take it out on them!

I had a long explanation of why the flu jab is necessary in pregnancy and all the complications the flu can cause for pregnant women and their babies. But no mention of COVID.

I have a flu jab booked for next week, it offered to add Covid onto the booking (I said no as I often get unwell). I’m 50 with no health issues.

DH had one on Saturday, he popped into the pharmacy and asked if they were doing them and they just gave him one (he does have health issues but they didn’t ask).
I had covid last year and it was awful, I had to cancel my covid jab as I was ill with it at the time.

Me and DH are booked in for both flu and Covid at the GP surgery on Saturday so I don’t know if they will give us both. We are in our 50’s and DH works for the ambulance service so don’t know if he will get his Covid this year. He qualifies for the flu for other reasons. They might give me the Covid one as I’m on immunosuppressants, but I’m not sure I qualify.

i never said mandate it. I suggested people show consideration by masking up and keeping distance from others if they’ve got something . It’s not hard to do that .

From your op....And wouldn’t it be sensible to “run a please be considerate and wear a mask if you have symptoms?” campaign . Not just for Covid but a cold / cough / sore throat ?
So. Gov run this twee campaign, but don't mandate it?

Ambulance staff (and HCPs in general) aren't eligible for covid vaccine this year, just flu.

You may get a covid vaccine if on immunosuppressants but it depends what you're on, and possibly what dose. The eligibility criteria for immune suppression is quite complex.

What are the symptoms of this current strain?

Yes that’s what I thought. I’m on 3g daily of Mycophenolate mofetil.

It was like the first wave for me. I had sweats, weakness, migraines, vomiting, blurred vision, and was unable to eat or drink for 3 days. Sorry 😔

oh and a sore throat that never quite became full blown.

Hmmmmm. Conspiracy theories at their most gullible?

I’m with you. I’m also immunocompromised and got the invitation to have both the flu and COVID jabs. I do feel that some people might need it way more than I do though.

I’m a teacher, full time. Nobody at my school is testing, as far as I’m aware.

I agree with you OP on the point that the lack of Covid boosters is cost cutting and doesn’t make sense. I think at least the groups that received it last year should be reinstated to receive it again. I’ve heard so many people have had Covid recently (confirmed with testing) even over the summer and mostly they’ve felt quite unwell.

I wouldn’t have been entitled to free vaccinations even under last year’s requirements, but I’ve really don’t want to be unwell so I’ve paid for both my flu and Covid privately. Had the Covid last week and there were plenty of bookings available at my local pharmacy. Some posters mentioned strains of vaccine, I’ve just checked and mine was Comirnaty LP8.1.

In terms of masks, I do keep one in my bag and I would put on if someone is coughing and sneezing next to me on public transport but I wouldn’t wear otherwise.

Started with diarrhoea with me and then progressed in to a fluey bug which consigned me to bed for 5 days with horrific fevers. It’s more than two weeks since it started and I’m still snotty, coughing and tired.

That’s a really cunty comment

True though which is why it appears to bother you.

Believe what you will!

I thought that too. I was unbelievably ill when I got the new strain recently. It was like the first time all over again. I was so ill I never want to catch it again. I can’t believe they would let other people get that unwell when they still have underlying conditions.

Covid boosters are being provided on the nhs to those who are high risk for hospitalisation/ severe illness.
In 2025, that is those people who are aged over 75 and those who are immune suppressed.
They won't continue to use criteria / data from back in 2021 because it is no longer relevant.

Chronic sickness, diarrhoea, fever, confusion, vision impairment, cracking headaches and completely incapacitated, and I couldn’t even keep water down. Hospitalised despite being healthy. Still unwell 5 weeks later but getting better. It is beyond SHIT. The naysayers won’t feel so relaxed when it’s their turn. The worst strain by far.

I don't really understand your comments. I have cancer and my immune system is being hammered by chemo. Why do you think it's OK to make cuntish comments about people like me who are just trying to protect themselves? I can't get my head round that, what difference does it make to you. It doesn't matter if it's covid or a cold, either could have severe consequences for me.

I am really feeling for you. I would genuinely consider cutting back your contact inside crowded areas. Our hospitals are now actively monitoring. That’s how I know I had the latest strain. The consultant wore a mask and said it was really nasty. Unusual to say the least. Look after yourself this winter.