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Original poster

Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine and the side effects

999 replies

LeSquigh · 19/01/2021 06:44

Morning all

Many of my colleagues have now received the first dose of the Oxford vaccine and every single one of them has reported side effects, quite a large number have had to take time off work and been bedridden. Are we in the minority or is this true for all that have it? Not really looking forward to my turn!

OP posts:
Davros · 03/03/2021 09:34

DH and I both had Ox-AZ and had NO side effects, not even a sore arm.
He has Parkinsons, pre-diabetes, is overweight and 62. I have Scleroderma, have had cancer twice (mastectomy January 2020), overweight and 61.
So it doesn't always give side effects, but one is likely to hear about it when it does

Imkindreally · 03/03/2021 09:48

Just placemarking - had AZ about an hour ago - will see how I get on

CheltenhamLady · 03/03/2021 12:58

DH and I had it on Sunday.

I had no side effects at all, he was fine initially, then 36 hours later he felt achy and had mild flu-like symptoms. He is over it now (Wed) though.

lifeturnsonadime · 03/03/2021 13:39

I had the AZ yesterday. Was fine until I woke up in the night shivering and with a head ache. Today i have brain fog, no energy and muscle pain especially in my legs and feel nauseous. I can't get warm except in bed. No temperature though.

I had zero expectations of side effects as I know loads of people who've had the vaccine, many the pfizer one, who have had nothing more than a sore arm.

It's definitely not a case of mind over matter.

NellePorter · 04/03/2021 07:54

I had AZ yesterday, felt fine all day. Woke up in the night with terrible stomach pains and nausea. Not actually sick but I didn't get much sleep. This morning I feel like I've just got a really nasty cold.
I wasn't given a leaflet. I was told the main side effects but not what to do if I got them, or any others. I also wasn't asked if I was taking any medication. I don't know why I only thought of these things in the middle of the night, and not while I was there Grin

Shellingbynight · 04/03/2021 09:46

I had my vaccination earlier this week at a major hub, booked through the central website and was given a date for my second jab in May.

I was given the AZ vaccination and I did have some side effects - I was surprised because I have the flu vacc every year (asthma) and never have any effects from that.

As I went through the screening process at the hub, they told me that some people get side effects, and to drink plenty of water and take paracetamol before you go to bed. I did that, but I woke feeling unwell in the night and had a thumping headache that lasted 24 hours, paracetamol and nurofen didn't shift it. No idea if I had a temp as I don't have a thermometer, but I didn't feel hot or shivery.

As others have said, it feels like a really bad hangover! However I carried on more or less as usual during the day. 36 hours later I feel much better, just a sore upper arm/shoulder. I'm 63.

Four of my friends (in their 60s/70s, 3 male, 1 female) had AZ and had no side effects.

My mother is 86 in a dementia care home, she had the AZ vaccination in January and they did not report she had any side effects, obviously I can't see her, but they usually tell me if she feels unwell.

Sexbasedrights · 04/03/2021 09:52

They DO tell you the side affects. It’s in the leaflet they give you. My parents were also told before being given the injection and then given a leaflet, told to read it. They read it. That many do not listen or read is on them. Side effects have not been kept a secret.

They made clear to me when I signed up to take part in the trial there are possible side effects and made clear the most likely. From day one of this they have been aware and upfront about what all this entails.

Flaxmeadow · 04/03/2021 10:03

I'm lucky to be in an area that is way ahead with the vaccine programme and was offered it via a GP phone call
Had the AZ vaccine in the morning at about 11am, hardly felt the needle go in. By 5pm was starting to feel a bit out of sorts and tired. By 8pm I was shivering and aching allover. Had to go to bed with extra blankets and even a heavy coat on top of them as I was so cold and shivering, probably didnt help that I was catching up watching Snowpiercer Grin in bed. Then just before falling asleep I became hot and a little bit feverish. Woke up the next morning feeling slightly drained but OK and felt normal by lunchtime.
Pleased and grateful to have had the jab. Thank you NHS Flowers

NellePorter · 04/03/2021 10:55

I was aware of the side effects but I didn't realise they would be such that I would need to take a day off work. My parents (70s) didn't get any, but I have now read that they are worse the younger you are (I'm in my 40s). I have managed to keep some toast down, my arm is now very sore. I definitely wasn't given a leaflet. I am still very grateful to have had the vaccine!

Shellingbynight · 04/03/2021 12:02

Here's what I was given - a pack insert plus leaflet, both list side effects

Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine and the side effects
Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine and the side effects
NellePorter · 04/03/2021 12:43

@shellingbynight
That's helpful, thank you

Livpool · 04/03/2021 13:53

Just had mine so hoping for no side effects - especially as I am on annual leave tomorrow!

AnxietyDrivingMyLife · 04/03/2021 14:49

I feel so scared to haVE mine-

CometCupidDonnerBlitzen · 04/03/2021 16:18

Did anyone who had an extended reaction in their arm still have a hard lump/itchiness at 10 days post-vaccine. I thought it was getting better yesterday but a bit concerned it seems worse again today.

DaveDave · 04/03/2021 17:18

How long did the AZ side effects last for everyone? I'm on day 3 of feeling a bit flu-like, suddenly thought maybe I should get tested? Seems too long for side effects.

NeedToGetOuttaHere · 04/03/2021 18:07

I had mine on the Thursday evening. I was starting to worry by the Monday but then I woke up on the Tuesday morning 100% back to normal.

ShrinkingViolet9 · 04/03/2021 18:13

@DaveDave

How long did the AZ side effects last for everyone? I'm on day 3 of feeling a bit flu-like, suddenly thought maybe I should get tested? Seems too long for side effects.
Monday (February 15, 4.15pm) AZ vaccination: OK, apart from an hour or so of stiff neck on same side as vaccination arm in the evening.

Tuesday: Minor muscle ache in upper arm if lifting. Upset stomach. Felt lethargic, chilly and generally off colour.

Wednesday: Minor muscle ache in upper arm if lifting. Still felt off colour.

Thursday, all symptoms resolved.

Am late 60s.

Leaflet sent out with invitation to book via a vaccination hub says:

"Although feeling feverish is not uncommon for two or three days, a high temperature is unusual and may indicate you have COVID-19 or another infection. . . Symptoms following vaccination normally last less that a week. If your symptoms seem to get worse or if you are concerned, call NHS 111."

Although I felt chilly, I had no raised temperature.

BobsDouble · 04/03/2021 18:47

One of my friends, a very fit and healthy 70 year old, was ill for 4 days afterwards. Everyone else I know has been ill for about 24 hours.

Livpool · 04/03/2021 19:19

When did anyone's side effects start? I had my vaccine 7 hours ago and still feeling fine. I am 40 if that makes a difference

GintyMcGinty · 04/03/2021 19:22

No symptoms here. Had mine 48 hours ago.

ShrinkingViolet9 · 04/03/2021 19:41

@Livpool

When did anyone's side effects start? I had my vaccine 7 hours ago and still feeling fine. I am 40 if that makes a difference
The following day (apart from a stiff neck in the evening on the day of vaccination).
Furrybutts · 04/03/2021 19:50

Had mine at 9am this morning.
I feel fine. Panicking now though about how I may take a turn for the worst overnight.
Would symptoms have started by now if I were going to get them?

Cookerhood · 04/03/2021 19:57

My headache/fever started about 8 hours after the injection & resolved within 24 hours. Slightly tender arm for 3 or 4 days but nothing much, not as bad as my flu jab this year. Honestly, it's nothing to worry about.

Livpool · 04/03/2021 20:01

I am on leave tomorrow so having a glass of wine. Hopefully that will stave any symptoms 🤞🏼

Cloudyrainsham · 04/03/2021 20:14

I had AZ a week ago, no dude effects at all.