Had vaccine today...

[foodtoorder]

And I feel a little liberated.
There was a great buzz at the hospital like everyone was pleased to be doing their bit, admin, hca's to deputy director of nursing and medical consultants working on a Saturday to get the job done.

Really succinct information giving to make informed decisions for anyone with concerns, great follow up service.
Couldn't be prouder to work in the NHS or as someone with an at risk condition, having this service looking out for me.
Just wanted to share!

@Sweettea1 yes, we have been doing the lateral flow tests twice per week to catch asymptotic carriers and these are to continue.

That's brilliant OP.

My mum has hers next week sometime (care home). I'm so excited I'll soon be able to see her again in person (I assume I will be anyway )

I’m glad you feel relieved having the jab.

I won’t be getting it, as I’m in the group advised not to. But I’m actually glad about that a I don’t have to consider it. For the same reason I’m glad under 18s are advised not to.

A special moment.

I'm glad to hear of people actually receiving the vaccine. It makes it feel real and the glimmer of hope shines a little bit brighter. I really hope my mum gets her invitation soon.

How wonderful!

Fantastic news OP.
Congratulations to everyone who's already had it, thanks for sharing your news and experience and thankyou for your hard work

That's brilliant news, the more people that get done and less waste the quicker we will be out of this hell

Awesome op happy for you !!! Am sure it felt like quite a money in history

As for the gloating comment , no don’t agree , doesn’t make me feel that way at all ! Makes me feel like we are finally chipping away at this and one teeny bit closer to normality with every vaccine that is done 🤷🏻‍♀️

Moment not money

@Scales2020

Why is it making the arm ache more than a flu vaccine? Is it a larger fluid volume or something?

No flu is 0.5ml, covid 0.3ml so smaller volume. All vaccines have a different profile of side effects, local site reactions were recorded quite commonly with the Pfizer one. It can depend on excipients as well as the actual vaccine part. I’ve found this varies with every vaccine I’ve had tbh, one of the holiday ones made my arm very painful and very difficult to move but others there’s very little reaction.

Thanks for posting this, OP! I felt really happy and excited when I read your post - it made me feel things are really moving now, back in the right direction.

My DD is a nurse (not front-line) and is hoping for early next year.

I'm in awe of the scientists who made this happen. Humans do such bad things at times, and yet sometimes they pull together and make amazing advances that are quite astonishing, like this one.

Thank you

[quote foodtoorder]@scales2020 yes it is more diluted but honestly didn't think to ask the volume in syringe. It def looked like more than flu vaccine though.
My arm doesn't ache now though. [/quote]
I asked! The vaccine is 0.3 ml, and the flu vaccine is usually about 0.8-1ml. Tiny volume in comparison. I didn't feel it at all compared to the flu one.

Happy for you, OP, I think all HCPs whose job puts them at risk of Covid should be able to get it.

@userxx

Wooohooo burn the mask.

I don’t think that’s quite how it works. Even if you’ve been vaccinated you could still transmit the virus to others so definitely not burn the mask just yet!

Im so happy for you OP and it definitely is a morale booster especially for those of us who won’t be seeing family this Christmas due to the risks.

My doctor friend said the COVID vaccine is Intra muscular whereas the flu vaccine is injected just a little way into the skin. That could be what is making this more painful. She says the needle looks longer than that of a flu vaccine needle.

@dicdicnurse nice to know, thanks!

Well done OP and thank you for sharing your story, and for all you’re doing.

@TunMahla gloating? Erm...ok. You a bit tetchy tonight?

@TunMahla

I thought 80 year olds plus and care home residents were supposed to be vaccinated in the December rollout? Are you even frontline NHS? :/

These were my initial thoughts

I haven't RTFT yet but just wanted to say that I'm pleased you shared this. As a person who is below the age getting the vaccine first with no underlying health conditions that I know about and very low risk jobs but who does have health anxiety, I will be so pleased when all NHS staff have theirs as if I do need to go to hospital for another reason, I will feel much safer if most are vaccinated.

@foodtoorder have you had Covid? (that you know of) either way, did you have a test to find out if you have had it? (I don't even know how you test for T-cells - as this is what I'm referring to, not antibodies). Really interested to know as it'll be a game-changer. Thanks.

It makes sense for NHS frontline workers to be vaccinated first because we need them to be well and able to do their work. If there is a shortage of NHS staff then the roll out will be delayed as well. It also makes sense for those looking after people in care homes to be a priority too.

Of course NHS frontline workers should be some of the first to get the vaccine, and I'm I'm honestly amazed at the amount of people I've seen on MN saying otherwise.

@foodtoorder - bit of a random question. I have B12 injections every 12 weeks. It’s not particularly pleasant (though the nurses are great!) as it’s quite a thick substance and has to be injected fairly slowly intramuscular. Is this one the same (ie IM) or is the jab a bit easier?

@princessTiasmum

Just been on the news that some care home assistants are refusing to have the vaccine,this is wrong in my eyes, surely those looking after ill and elderly should have to have it or be sacked Cant wait for my turn, over 75 so hopefully wont be too long Congratulations OP so pleased for you

Why should they have to have it? They don't know yet whether it will stop people being carriers, so it's only protecting the individual that has it as far as they know. If they have it, it could make them more likely to be an assumptions carrier, whereas if they contact covid the chances are they'll have symptoms and know to isolate.