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Original poster

Overweight and terrified of the vaccine

40 replies

ACupOfTeaSolvesEverything · 03/05/2021 21:44

I’m 43 so can book my covid vaccine now. I’m pro-vaxx, I believe in science and I’m all for it. However, I’m also 4 stone overweight and panicking I’m going to get a blood clot and die, leaving my son motherless. I know that’s not rational but fear isn’t... can someone please talk some sense into me?
I’m otherwise fit and healthy, decent blood panel all came back good (bloods done privately because my mum died before she was done living and I don’t want that to happen to me. I know that’s anxiety talking btw) I don’t smoke, I don’t drink alcohol, I eat 5+ a day literally the only card against me is my weight but all I can think is blood clots. I wear compression socks on long haul flights would that help the day of the jab? Someone talk me down here!

OP posts:
orangejuicer · 03/05/2021 21:49

I don't know if this will help but I'm very overweight and I was fine - a day feeling hungover that's it. Most people I know who have had it have been the same.

Terminallysleepdeprived · 03/05/2021 21:50

Hey op,I am 41 nearly, and a good 5-6 stone over weight. Had my vaccine today. Not ill effects other than a banging headache and a sore arm.

The risk is for those under 30 fro. The info I have read so please try not to worry!

CousinKrispy · 03/05/2021 21:50

Hugs OP. No wonder you feel anxious with all the media around this, and after a year of stress and anxiety for all of us.

The risk of blood clots from the vaccine is truly tiny and a far lower risk than complications from covid would be for you.

I'm sure others will be along soon with more specific data to help.

Cookerhood · 03/05/2021 21:53

It's not the same sort of blood clot so compression socks are irrelevant. Go for it, Covid is more of a danger to you.

SnoozyBoozy · 03/05/2021 21:53

I am 42, 6 stone overweight and i do drink alcohol (at weekends). I had the vaccine a couple of weeks ago and so far all is good. The likelihood of getting blood clots is sooooo small, and I don't know that it's even related to weight anyway.

You are far more likely as an overweight person to die from covid. I don't mean to sound melodramatic, but I don't think the vaccine is too much of a worry.

choosername1234 · 03/05/2021 21:56

You are many 100s of times more likely to get a blood clot if you contract covid than from the vaccine.

PuzzledObserver · 03/05/2021 22:16

I’m twice as overweight as you, 57 years old, have had both jabs and am absolutely fine. I also had Covid - which was far, far, far riskier to me than the jab (I also have diabetes), and came through that unscathed as well.

Your anxiety is just that - anxiety.

Wolfiefan · 03/05/2021 22:19

I’m fat. Blush
Just had my second AZ a week ago. I would be far far far more likely to be very ill or die from COVID than from a tried and tested vaccine.

CarrieBlue · 03/05/2021 22:20

Far more likely to get a blood clot from covid

Oly4 · 03/05/2021 22:22

Covid is killing overweight people.. it is a well known risk factor for who ends up in hospital and very ill.
You are far more at risk from Covid and leaving your son than you are from the vaccine.
I think you know this but I thought I’d spell it out.
I understand your anxieties but please protect yourself with the vaccine. The risk of clots is tiny

olympicsrock · 03/05/2021 22:24

The risk is miniscule! The vaccine is NOT related to deep weight thrombosis and being overweight . It is cerebral venous thrombosis which is very different . Stop worrying !

Justdowhatyouweretold · 03/05/2021 22:26

I'm overweight and had mine yesterday, I've not had any side effects apart from a slightly sore arm.

I'm 43 too.

Happymum12345 · 03/05/2021 22:39

I think I’d rather die from a block clot than covid. I’m sure you’ll be absolutely fine. Try not to worry.

m0therofdragons · 03/05/2021 22:44

Go for the vaccine and chat to them about your concerns. You’ll have a chance when they go through the consent. You may even find they’re giving pfizer rather than az anyway - Dh was vaccinated on Friday and was surprised to have pfizer.

AuntMarilla · 03/05/2021 22:46

There are ways to avoid the AZ vaccine so that you don't have to worry. Just look for where they are doing Moderna or similar.

Rainbowsandstorms · 03/05/2021 23:37

The type of blood clots associated with the AZ vaccine are a very specific type that occur alongside low platelet levels. Research is ongoing but it’s thought they are caused by a rare autoimmune response and no specific risk factors have been identified, so your weight shouldn’t put you at any greater risk of suffering from a clot after the AZ than someone with a lower bmi. That said the risks from covid increase with a bmi over 30. The current rate of the rare clots is 9.4 in a million but they are more common in the younger age groups. It’s likely your benefits from the vaccination outweigh the risks but only you can make that decision. It may be possible to find out if anywhere close to you is offering Moderna. I hope that helps.

weegiemum · 03/05/2021 23:57

I'm overweight and 50, waiting for my 2nd jag and am far more afraid of getting COVID than the side effects from a vaccine.

Northernsoulgirl45 · 04/05/2021 00:14

I am late forties about 5 stone overweight and was fine. Will definitely be having 2nd AZ vaccine.

msby · 04/05/2021 00:22

I’m slightly younger, overweight and I’ve had both AZ jabs. All fine. Not even an achy arm with the second.
I lost a healthy relative to Covid and another was lucky to survive.

UnmentionedElephantDildo · 04/05/2021 00:33

Bottom line is that high BMI is associated with poorer outcomes if you get covid.

Your risk from the disease is much higher than risk from the jab

ilovesooty · 04/05/2021 00:39

I don't think I can add to what's been said but I hope you feel reassured and get your appointment soon.

Welshmaenad · 04/05/2021 06:59

I've had both doses of the jab as I'm a frontline worker. I'm overweight and have also had a dvt in the past, I'm also very inactive as I'm physically disabled (neurological condition). I was absolutely fine.

The risk of blood clots from actual Covid, or indeed the contraceptive pill, is far higher than the vaccine.

nancywhitehead · 04/05/2021 07:47

Oh bless you.

It is really, really not rational. You have a much, much higher risk of a blood clot and other complications from catching Covid than you do from having the vaccine.

There is a strange psychology around this and I think it's because the vaccine is something you are choosing to do to yourself. But Covid is out there and if you catch it at 4 stone overweight it could be bad.

Please get the vaccine - it's by far the safest of your two options!

If you have ever taken the contraceptive pill, your risk of a blood clot from that was far, far higher than the Covid vaccine too - but people don't seem to worry about that.

It is a minuscule risk.

nancywhitehead · 04/05/2021 07:50

Think of it this way...

Would you rather be injected with Covid, or injected with the vaccine?

If you don't have the vaccine then you are keeping open your risk of contracting Covid, and you are basically saying you don't mind if you get it, you'll take your chances.

Surely the vaccine is the better option.

everythingthelighttouches · 04/05/2021 07:52

I misread your title as

“Overweight and terrified of the virus”

and thought..

Well I can see why you wouldn’t want to catch it if you’re overweight but at least now you won’t have to go round for much longer avoiding spending time indoors with family and friends and in lockdowns... just have the jab!