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Covid

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Original poster

Forced to take the vaccine

124 replies

Craponacracker · 02/02/2021 18:03

I feel like I’m being emotionally forced to take the vaccine- I’m not in a patient facing role but via work I’m eligible for the vaccine - think it’s the AZ one. Every meeting there is a push to take the vaccine- about how lucky we are to be in this position and how we should be doing the right thing. I get that but I don’t feel ready.
At home my husband is all over saying the same things and also how I’m putting everyone at risk when I can do something to avoid this. I’m having panic attacks because of this...I’m not saying I won’t take it I just need more time to prepare myself.
I’m also very scared of side effects and long term effects (if any)

OP posts:

MadameBlobby · 02/02/2021 18:58

Had the vaccine I mean

Original poster

Craponacracker · 02/02/2021 18:58

@Lindorballs thank you for being kind- and thank you to the other few posters who are kind and understanding as well

I expected a bashing- this is mumsnet after all. Just don’t have anyone in rl to talk about this.

I feel scared about having a severe adverse reaction
Or a possible bleed like one of the American doctor did - I think that was not AZ
Having a reaction and ending up in the hospital which more or less means I’ll not only suffer with this but will end up getting Covid

OP posts:

CC2021 · 02/02/2021 18:59

You're being totally ridiculous but anxiety isn't always (ever?) sensible. Having to call in sick for a day or two is a lot less faff than having to get someone to call in sick for you for several weeks as you're very ill from covid. It doesn't sound at all like your husband is trying to use you as a lab rat. It's more likely he wants you to actually do something to help yourself instead of working yourself up further into a state.

PuzzledObserver · 02/02/2021 19:01

You can still catch Covid if you are vaccinated - but you are about 90% less likely to. And if you do, it will almost certainly be mild.

You can still pass Covid on if you are vaccinated.... but if it’s the AZ one, new evidence suggests you are about half as likely.

Side effects: a bit of a sore arm. Possibility of feeling fluey for a day or so. Is that really something to be scared of?

Long term effects: not impossible, but vanishingly unlikely. You take more risk every time you step out of your front door.

Long term risks of harm from Covid: significant.

The risk to you is greater from catching Covid than having the vaccine. The risk to others is reduced if you have the vaccine.

Take your time. Look at the facts (not the SM conspiracy theories).

KizzyKat91 · 02/02/2021 19:03

Also, have you thought of the possibility that work colleagues have called in sick as they see having the vaccine as a free pass for a day off? Who’s going to argue with them or judge them if they say it’s because of the vaccine? There’s definitely a sense in my workplace that people have been “milking it” and exaggerating their “suffering”! It’s become a bit competitive over who’s had the worst side effects. I’ve seen people desperately trying to one up each other on Facebook comment threads 😂

notevenat20 · 02/02/2021 19:05

This topic is a little like asking how much pressure you should put on someone not to jump off a cliff. Except really it is like asking how much pressure to put on someone not to press the explode button on a bomb right next to them and you.

bluebluezoo · 02/02/2021 19:05

*OP YABU. Millions of people have safely had it and quite frankly it’s selfish not to.

Millions of people take illegal drugs and drink drive. Shall we all start doing those things too?*

The keyword is “safely”. You may want to check how many deaths there are from taking illegal drugs and drink driving vs. Vaccine.

You’ll find people don’t die from vaccines, where the die in very high numbers from alcohol, drugs and driving.

There is no risk with a vaccine. You’re at very high risk from drugs/drink driving.

The two aren’t comparable at all.

Lindorballs · 02/02/2021 19:05

I think these are understandable concerns. Unfortunately there aren’t any risk free choices. If you don’t have it you are choosing an alternative path that probably on balance has more risks. It feels like it’s not a choice because it’s the default but it is. If you do nothing the path you are on is the unvaccinated one. Your choice of the word lab rat was really interesting. The whole of the world is a giant population of lab rats for covid at the moment. 18 months ago no human had experienced this disease. I think you need to stop listening to people who you perceive as biased or following their own motives such as your husband and your work and get some advice from a health care professional such as your GP. They will no doubt advise you to have it but you can trust that they are motivated by good data and your well-being. I would also then reflect on what you would advise people you care about to do based on that information.

DianaT1969 · 02/02/2021 19:05

Have you had Covid yet? Would you rather catch Covid or have the vaccine? Do you think the side effects from the vaccine are likely to be worse than Covid?

TitusPullo · 02/02/2021 19:06

@OiAlexaShutUp this has to take the award for the most bizarre comparison I have ever seen. No we shouldn’t start drink driving or taking illegal drugs because the risk of something bad happening when you do those things is proven to be really quite high? Unlike having this vaccine where the millions of people who have had it quite safely show that the risk of something bad happening is very very low.

Ponoka7 · 02/02/2021 19:06

@nicky7654, are you not watching the news around why we need to stop the virus circulating and mutating into a virus that can hide, as HIV does? It isn't just about who will die from Covid. As has happened if our health systems become overwhelmed then other things, which may be more of a threat to you, won't get treatment.

From your DH's pov not getting the vaccine, which does reduce transmission, is like smoking in the house. Your choices don't just affect you.

Cornettoninja · 02/02/2021 19:07

What kind of replies are you actually looking for? Do you just want other people who’ll mill around saying ‘hmmm I’m not sure either’ or do you want persuading one way or another?

I’m not being unkind, but unless you know what kind of discussion you want this is all a waste of time isn’t it? Using phrases like ‘lab rat’ when you’re talking about your own husband is really hostile and weird. In true MN fashion your problem there isn’t your vaccine stance

novaparty12 · 02/02/2021 19:07

A friend of mine who treats everything naturally has refused to have the vaccine. She has never been abroad and has no intention to either. She hasn't taken a medicine or drug in 30 years. Her fb feed is full of anti vaxing information. She refuses to social distance, or wear a mask as she believes it is all made up. Hence I have now defriended her. Her 19 yr old son has just moved out because she was forcing him to abide by her rules!!

Rowenasemolina · 02/02/2021 19:08

You are not being forced to take the vaccine. However I do think that you are in the NHS you should choose between taking the vaccine or resigning, and passing your role on to someone vaccinated

bigbird1969 · 02/02/2021 19:11

Well my view is we all have a duty to get the bloody vaccine, i dont want to be stuck in lockdown forever more, yes as with all vaccines there are side effects, i got the vaccine on sunday and apart from a dead arm thats it. My son has allergies and I am worried about him but will be guided by the medics. My husband is terminally ill and hasnt seen his parents or brother for many months, So I have zero sympathy for folks anxiety....if 90+, 80+ etc can head to get the vaccine, like my DH parents have then just get bloody on with it. I hope for those that refuse have to wear badges and stay in there bubbles and the rest of us can get on with living.

elastamum · 02/02/2021 19:14

No one is being forced to take the vaccine. But if you refuse it, you should recognise that the future health of the population (and I don't mean just being protected from COVID) and our economic future is dependant on the majority of people making a different choice to yours.

southeastdweller · 02/02/2021 19:19

@bluebluezoo

*OP YABU. Millions of people have safely had it and quite frankly it’s selfish not to.

Millions of people take illegal drugs and drink drive. Shall we all start doing those things too?*

The keyword is “safely”. You may want to check how many deaths there are from taking illegal drugs and drink driving vs. Vaccine.

You’ll find people don’t die from vaccines, where the die in very high numbers from alcohol, drugs and driving.

There is no risk with a vaccine. You’re at very high risk from drugs/drink driving.

The two aren’t comparable at all.

No risk with a vaccine? How do you know? And did you know that narcolepsy was linked to the swine flu vaccine?

yearinyearout · 02/02/2021 19:21

Your husband is right.

bluebluezoo · 02/02/2021 19:22

No risk with a vaccine? How do you know? And did you know that narcolepsy was linked to the swine flu vaccine?

Because if vaccines caused deaths at the same rate as illegal drugs or drink driving, they wouldn’t be approved.

Narcolepsy us a side effect, not a death. The rare occasions a death may be linked to a vaccine - anaphylaxis for example, the risk is still so low as to be none.

Ethelfromnumber73 · 02/02/2021 19:23

[quote Craponacracker]@OiAlexaShutUp I think you are going to be flamed like I am being right now (by some)

I am very anxious - struggle with anxiety and this Pressure is not helping.

I’m very scared of getting Covid and aware the risks are greater but I’m not ready for the vaccine. Some of my colleagues have had some side effects not life threatening but enough to call off sick due to high temperature and chills. I feel that I might end up worse off-not rational thinking - I know but I just cannot shake this feeling.

I feel stuck between a rock and a hard place...

Work obviously want people to vaccinate as they want the workforce- if I am to suffer an ill effect well it’ll be another ‘data’ for them/ nothing more

My husband is trying to use me as a ‘lab rat’ - he is way down in the list so would I be if not for my work place[/quote]
Hi OP,

It's your choice of course so don't feel pressured as there isn't 100% uptake in most workplaces. The risks from Covid are likely to be far higher than from the vaccine though, and millions of people have now received it uneventfully. I'm one of them. I had it three weeks ago at work, had a sore arm for 24 hours and felt a bit rough the day after but still okay enough to work. I took the after effects as a positive sign that my immune system was responding. The main person who you being vaccinated will benefit is you! It reduces your chances of becoming seriously unwell and for me, after months of that being a possibility, feels reassuring (I'm still taking all the usual precautions obviously, which also helps). The other thing to consider is that if you say no now it might be many months before you get this chance again. If I were you, I'd be snapping their hand off. Other thing to mention is that it's not at all painful at the time- and I hate injections! Best of luck with whatever you decide

Mumtofourandnomore · 02/02/2021 19:23

I’m sorry that you feel anxious. I see it that you could have the vax, be nervous about a reaction for 24 hours - but almost certainly be absolutely fine, and in a few weeks you will have antibodies and hopefully feel less anxious.

Or, you could choose not have the vaccine, and be anxious for months and months when restrictions lift etc that you might catch Covid. The virus will still circulate even when everybody is vaccinated - only everybody else will be less careful, because they are protected.

I understand your worries, but the vaccine is much safer than Covid. Your dh is probably pressuring you because he’s worried about you not having it. I think you should have it.

ivykaty44 · 02/02/2021 19:24

@JS87 unless the vaccination is 100% then we do know

Fembot123 · 02/02/2021 19:27

@Oblomov21

You need to educate yourself. Your anxiety is over-ruling your common sense and that makes me very cross. Please look up all the info re why you should.

Well if it makes you cross..

Xerochrysum · 02/02/2021 19:28

I think you shouldn't take it if you don't want to. But you need to understand that your action has consequences too, like many people including your family questioning your decision. But I think no one should be forced to do something you don't want to. And if you can't stand by your decision and decided to take it, then it's not that you were forced, you made your decision yourself, no one had hold you down and injected vaccine against your will.

mootymoo · 02/02/2021 19:29

If you don't fancy having it I'm sure there's other people who would be grateful for your job. If you work in a healthcare or care setting it should be your duty to have it to reduce transmission. We are desperate for it and have to wait until summer because our jobs aren't important enough (and am public facing). I honestly think it should be compulsory for now, we need to protect those who cannot have the vaccine like children and some medical conditions

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