Invited for the Oxford vaccine, now scared of side effects. Advice welcome.

[Mumof3andlovingit]

I was so looking forward to the vaccine, yet I’ve read so many stories of the side effects associated with the Oxford vaccine.
Is there anyone who has a positive story to share?
I am 39, low BMI but have mild asthma and chronic low anaemia.
I actually think I’m low risk, but obviously getting the vaccine would alleviate any worries of severe disease.
If you have had the Oxford vaccine, what was it like for you?
I’m booked in for Wednesday so need to make a decision fast.

@Webbetal

To all those who say 'oh I had it and my arm was a bit sore' I'm pleased for you but that really isn't helpful. No one knows the long term side effects of these vaccines. They may have managed to get through the early phases of the trials because of money and collective effort but unfortunately there has been no time to know the long term effects. Also, although Mrna medications have been looked into they have NEVER been approved for use. Just think about that.

I thought about that a lot.

I thought about the theoretical and unlikely risk of significant late-onset complications with the vaccines.

I thought about the real and known risk of significant long term harm from covid.

I decided that the balance of risks was very much in favour of having the vaccine.

I would love the chance to feel ill after the vaccine. I'm way down the list and even further if essential workers (have no issue with they btw if it means schools go back and stay back) are bumped up. 1.5 years off turning 50
Does Covid 19 know I'm only 48...?

My arm hurt when lying on it for the next few nights as you'd expect, but absolutely nothing else. :)

@webbetal I'd have thought it was very much the point when the poster asked for.positivs stories. Had she asked for a balanced review of possible . complications then you would have a point. But she didn't.

All my colleagues have had the vaccine and my parents and in-laws.

So - vast majority just a sore arm, headache, tiredness, fairly mild and short lived or nothing at all

A few had a high temperature and felt poorly enough to have the day off work but again only short lived

Personally I had a bad headache, felt very tired and had a very painful arm.

However I also know many people who have had coronavirus and they were generally much more poorly for much longer. In fact my colleague who had it before Christmas is still only able to work three mornings a week,

Therefore from my very unscientific study my conclusions are that the side effects of the vaccine are tiny compared to the risk from coronavirus.

I know two people who have just been diagnosed with cancer, both had this vaccine last week, no issues at all.

Some really useful tips, advice and encouragement here. Thanks. I suffer from anxiety and since having a new baby, it’s just gotten worse.
As I don’t feel I’m that high risk, I was a little put off having it when I read some of the other threads and the side effects associated with the Oxford vaccine. However, I now genuinely see that the risks of covid are much greater than any risks from the vaccine. After all 15 million have had it now!
A small part of me is now excited about getting it!

So glad to hear you feel more confident in having the vaccine. I think to have the information to be prepared for mild side effects (e.g having some easy to prepare meals in the house, paracetamol available, etc) is really important. Much better to be prepared and not have any side effects than to be surprised and unprepared.

@digitaldays that's fine but your post said
"Vaccinator here. There is no way you would be able to find out in advance what vaccine you will get, and you cannot choose. "
You made a statement, I'm just pointing out that you are incorrect and it's unhelpful to share wrong information

@zenasfuck I stand corrected then. But I highly doubt getting to choose your vaccine is commonplace. I would go as far as to say it's extremely rare.
I would add that it's unhelpful to state in this post that folk potentially have an option to choose.

Just to add I was given a choice of 4 different vaccination centres and was told which vaccine I would have at each vaccination centre. all the health and social care workers had the same information so all the health and social care workers in my local authority got a choice of vaccine.

However my parents and in laws had no choice.

@Webbetal

To all those who say 'oh I had it and my arm was a bit sore' I'm pleased for you but that really isn't helpful. No one knows the long term side effects of these vaccines. They may have managed to get through the early phases of the trials because of money and collective effort but unfortunately there has been no time to know the long term effects. Also, although Mrna medications have been looked into they have NEVER been approved for use. Just think about that.

What would you rather? That we didn't have any vaccines?

The vaccines didn't just get through 'early trials' - they got through all the necessary trials for approval.

Long term effects? How about protection from Covid?

Or are you just an anti-vaxxer?

Your post isn't helping the OP in any way, shape or form.

My sister and parents have all had the Oxford one, no side effects. Brother had Pfizer and said he felt hungover. It seems odd to be more worried about side effects than Covid itself, unless you’re completely confident you can avoid catching it?

I have had full on side effects I have had all but 1 of the listed ones in the "common and very common" list. I won't lie I have felt pretty shit. STICK WITH ME HERE. However I wish I had known that 1st I would have made sure to as much as possible have easily cancelable things next day, have had water and paracetamol beside my bed, have some easily accessible and no prep/cooking required healthy snacks/meals in house. Then if feel a bit crap makes it easier. I wasnt prepared at all.

I felt fairly shit for 48 hours but worst was over in 12. It seems most people have much less than I have. I was "unlucky " although I don't feel unlucky. I feel v lucky to have had vaccine.

With covid symptoms likely to be far far worse and longer and worry about passing it on/breathing difficulties/long covid.

Covid isnt going anywhere. It's getting to the stage where so so many people I know have had it that its seems likely unless you stay inside for ever you will too. So on balance get the vaccine.

Even if you do get a lot of side effects it's still less than with covid.

Awful few days, but far better knowing it would happen and stop than having covid. Would have thought I was getting covid if not for having the jab. Look forward to my second dose despite knowing I will be ill.

The whole of the last year has been such a rollercoaster it’s hardly surprising some of us are on high alert. Like you I have family dependants with additional needs and being well enough to care for them is my overriding concern.

I’m 2 days post jab and having mild side effects exactly as described in the leaflet given to me at the time. Here’s a link to it assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/948335/Information_for_UK_recipients_COVID-19_Vaccine_AstraZeneca.pdf

Still able to care for family members but meals from the freezer and a stack of dvds they like is helping me take things a bit easier than usual. Fully expecting to be fine in a couple of days and will try to remember to come back and tell you.

Best of luck, be brave, you’re protecting your DS from the risk of you getting seriously ill with Covid.