How do you feel about the prospect of annual boosters?

[Bonifacethethird]

Just curious really. I know that the flu vaccine is given annually, but when news of the vaccines came out, I think a lot of people would've been imagining it to be a one (well one two dose program) and you're done type of vaccine?

Topical because Chris Hopson (boss of NHS Providers) was on TalkRadio yesterday saying annual boosters will likely be needed for the next five to ten years:

mobile.twitter.com/talkRADIO/status/1406887551634444288

Novavax are working on a covid/flu combo jab. It proved effective in animal studies and they're starting a clinical trial later in 2021. May be ready for winter 2022.

Two and done thanks all the same

I'd have preferred the cheaper approach (will be costly doing annual boosters every year + financial impact of increasing numbers of Long Covid patients).

The cheaper (and more moral) approach of suppress and contain (masks, working test and trace, border control ) until majority of population vaccinated.

But unfortunately the UK has idiots, who lack foresight and specialise in false economy (with a side helping of eugenics learnings) in charge.

Oh well.

I wonder if they could figure out a way to get us to self-vaccinate?

Because, like PP, I cannot fathom how logistically it can work. The first needle in arm was, what, early December 2020 ~ 6 months later, where are we?

Before having the vaccine I would have said yes, absolutely I would have a booster if deemed necessary, but since being vaccinated and suffering with extreme fatigue since, I would be reluctant to potentially worsten my situation.

@LizzieMacQueen

I wonder if they could figure out a way to get us to self-vaccinate?

Because, like PP, I cannot fathom how logistically it can work. The first needle in arm was, what, early December 2020 ~ 6 months later, where are we?

I guess boosters might be just for CEV and CV? (And, depending on supply, available privately for anyone else who wants it).

Boosters have always been on the cards, for the same reason that the flu jab is needed annually - because viruses mutate so the vaccine becomes less effective over time.

I have the flu jab and hope they combine the booster with this.

Usually the flu vaccine is only available for pensioners and vulnerable, not all over 50s. Even the workload of doing all over 50s every year would be immense.

Most 50 year olds are only just getting their second vaccine now. Seems a little premature to jab them again in the Autumn.

And over 60 like the flu jab.

Flu jab wasn't just over 65s and the (millions) of vulnerable. It was also given to young children (because flu can kill the very young) and in recent years was given to school children too.

Flu jab also widely available privately.

Sorry wasn't a jab for children. Flu nasal spray.

Goodness, I had my AZ over 13 weeks ago and still not fully recovered. I am struggling to get my head around whether I can/should have the second dose. Thinking about a booster too is making my head spin............,
PLEASE SAVE ME!

The flu jab is given to lots of people who weren't in a priority group for covid vaccines too. I wonder if they will give both vaccines to both groups or try to separate them out.

Don't worry penni Supply is limited. 'Tight', as the vaccines minister says. No need to panic if you don't want yours. Loads of other people waiting to take it instead.

Want a top up, 100%

If a vaccine every year will keep us all safe / out of lockdown then up for it

Although personally I'd take the second dose if I were you. One dose is only 33% effective. But speak to your GP or 111 if you have any particular health issues or concerns.

If it helps. I had a a few days fluey symptoms after my first. Absolutely fine after the second. Disappointed actually. I wanted a day off! Everyone I know was the same. No side effects whatsoever after the second jab.

Probably worth getting yourself checked out by a GP. It's possible you caught Covid just before, during, or after the vaccine. It might not be side effects. You could have Long Covid.

I hope whatever it is, you get well soon.

I have a flu jab every year and hope covid boosters can be combined with this.

Not sure how it would be possible, logistically speaking. Are community centres, museums, churches etc going to forever be vaccine centres? And that is without thinking about staffing it all.

I have had 11 weeks of headaches, photophobia, eye pain , shocks in teeth, wobbly legs, tingling in limbs, face and body, now at week 13 plus and still have tingling/numbness issues. It is has been a nightmare tbh and I desperately want my second dose. I am devastated at what the AZ has done to me, especially in that it has jeopardised my future Covid protection because I am not sure it s safe to proceed with more AZ or even another type.

The above post is for Tealightsandd

It is a shame the Covid19 vaccines can't come in the form of sugar cubes like the Polio, to order online with supermarket shop!

@Waxonwaxoff0

I wouldn't pay for it unless it was required for travel. I don't have the flu jab purely because I don't want to pay for it. I'd have it if it was free.

I feel £7 is a cost worth paying and lucky to be in a country where it is accessible at that price.

OP, yes I’m happy for the booster and expected and feel lucky that we have it for free and the speed it came out

I’d be happy to. I get the flu jab at work every year.but I would prefer to be able to pick my own date/time/location which wasn’t possible here in Scotland.

I did wonder how this going to work as was always under impression it lasted like flu jab not one time thing.

Once freedom has been restored I think people will see getting a booster in same way do flu jab. As can’t see gov voluntary giving stuff about public so any deaths will be put down as flu not covid.

I should get flu jab as asthmatic & would of done finally last year but pointless given zero chance of outside human contact

Not sure if get booster as still debating if get 2nd dose when time comes as was really ill and not just few days either