Over 50’s jab. What would you do?

[KatieBenz]

Any doctors out there?
I don’t want to waste my GP’s time by getting an appointment for this, but I’m not sure who else to ask.
So I’m about to be offered the latest covid booster as I’m over 50.
Ive had all three previous vaccinations. I felt a bit crap after the 1st Astra zenica, felt fine after the 2nd AZ, but the 3rd vac, Moderna really hit me. The injection point was swollen within minutes and later that day the left side of my face became numb. It recovered after around 12 hours. I reported it to the yellow card scheme and was contacted by them and asked for further information.
The over 50’s vaccinations are done at our local go surgery. It’s very efficient and you are in and out within minutes. Normally, I would be quite happy with this set up, but on this occasion, I would like to discuss things beforehand. Any suggestions?

[ihatethecold]

I’ve recently have the spikevax booster. (Work in mental health)
feel fine apart from an uncomfortable swollen armpit on the vax side.
paracetamol is helping.

[MsMartini]

You should discuss with your GP, OP (I am pro-vax, had all mine). I don't think anyone here can advise you as they would need more details and it won't be a waste of your GP's time.

[Allthegoodnamesarechosen]

No.
but then I haven’t had any of them, and I haven’t had Covid, either.

[NeverTooLateToSing]

I've been called in for Covid and Flu boosters this weekend. I'm mid-50s, and can only assume it's because I have asthmatic tendencies (triggered when I get a cough or cold). I will be taking both jabs, and glad of it! I've had three Covid jabs so far, all Pfizer, and apart from a really sore arm, no other effects. I've never had Covid.

[PeloFondo]

I've just had the new moderna one this weekend along with a flu jab
Had AZ and Pfizer previously and was only unwell with the first AZ
Sore arms, felt sick all night and a sore throat for 3 days but not sure if the throat was related. And I don't know what was the flu jab and what was the moderna

[FlorianImogen]

I'm due 4th booster and flu jab on Sunday. Woke up with a cold, wondering g whether I should still go for jabs. Also I'm 70 no underlying health issues, no reaction to previous jabs, been with partner when he had covid, didn't get covid then. Do I need 4th jab? Impossible to speak to GP for advice.

[Twiglets1]

@FlorianImogen

I'm due 4th booster and flu jab on Sunday. Woke up with a cold, wondering g whether I should still go for jabs. Also I'm 70 no underlying health issues, no reaction to previous jabs, been with partner when he had covid, didn't get covid then. Do I need 4th jab? Impossible to speak to GP for advice.

I would wait until Saturday or even Sunday to make a decision- see how bad your cold gets and how you feel nearer the time. If you’re very under the weather maybe leave it until you feel better

[PilatesPeach]

The Spikeavax IS the Moderna bivalent just a different name. Most times you don't know what you are getting till you get to the vaccination centre (I volunteer at one)

[Mindymomo]

I am 61 and cannot book yet, but I would like it to cover winter months. My DH 64 is having his booster on Saturday.

[Luredbyapomegranate]

Just tell them you only want the Pfizer - they will understand. It just might mean you have to turn up the jabs place a couple times because I guess they won’t always know what’s coming in. I’d aim to get it before the end of Oct

[gogohmm]

I've got mine next week, flu and covid one in each arm. Not sure why I got an invite as I'm still under 50 just but they called me for flu last year, apparently the kids and dp count as vulnerable as on mental health drugs (I'm the only one here not on meds!)

I felt terrible after my first jab (az) but nothing from the second az or the moderna booster. My parents have had 3 Pfizer and the new moderna, no side effects from any

[Luredbyapomegranate]

@FlorianImogen

I'm due 4th booster and flu jab on Sunday. Woke up with a cold, wondering g whether I should still go for jabs. Also I'm 70 no underlying health issues, no reaction to previous jabs, been with partner when he had covid, didn't get covid then. Do I need 4th jab? Impossible to speak to GP for advice.

Leave it till you feel better, but you can decide on the day.

Yes I personally think you should have it, I am, and I’m 20 years younger than you.

I think what people forget is vaccines area huge part of the reason Covid is under control. We can’t guess what variants are coming, but we do know that the vast majority of people who get seriously ill now are the unvaccinated.

[Radiatorvalves]

I’ve just had my invitation (51 no underlying issues) and will probably get it tomorrow. I felt rough with one of the jabs. However husband works in à London hospital and has seen a lot of covid deaths. Personally I think it’s a no brainier. Kids have also had all their jabs. Ones got à school trip to Spain soon and will have to prove it.

[aModernClassic]

@Radiatorvalves

I’ve just had my invitation (51 no underlying issues) and will probably get it tomorrow. I felt rough with one of the jabs. However husband works in à London hospital and has seen a lot of covid deaths. Personally I think it’s a no brainier. Kids have also had all their jabs. Ones got à school trip to Spain soon and will have to prove it.

I'm 52 and received an email yesterday inviting me for my booster. When I went online to book, it said I wasn't eligible.
How were you informed?

[TheFormidableMrsC]

I had the first two but will be having no more because of the horrendous palpitations that came with it. I've had Covid.

[Redqueenheart]

I just had the Modena booster on Tuesday.

Gave me a bit of headache and sniffles. Had light pain in my arm for a day at the injection site. All gone today.

I had the Pfizer and Astra Z previously. No problem.

But if you had a bad reaction before it makes sense to try to get an alternative.

[2pinkginsplease]

I won’t be going for a booster when called, I’ve had the two original jags and then the first booster.
1st jag Pfizer sore arm, sore head,
2nd jag Pfizer sore arm, sore head,
3rd jag Moderna , I was ill, sore head, no energy, sweats, full body was agony, temperature at 40., I honestly thought I was dying, if temperature hadnt come down when it did dh was calling an ambulance,, I’ve never felt so unwell ever in my life.

so I’m not chancing another one. Done and dusted!

[Abraxan]

Not had any real issues with previous vaccines.

3 Pfizer, nothing more than a sore rm and possibly a small headache the next day.
One Moderna - sore arm and felt 'off' day after but not,too bad.

Yesterday had my 5th, the new Moderna I believe, and my flu vaccine at the same time. Both arms very sore. Head aches and headache last night. Feel shocking this morning and not fit to do anything bar lay here in bed to be honest. Achy, headache, both arms very sore, chills, lethargic. Like a flu type bug. Not sure if it's bad timing and a bug I've picked up from school (I teach and lots going round) or side effects if the double whammy vaccines. Hopefully short lived unpleasantness for a longer term gain.

[Abraxan]

I'm keeping up with boosters as I was pretty ill the first time I had covid and ended up with a hospital stay and a long term health issue. Second time wasn't so bad as had access to antivirals within a few days.

The flu vaccine is the one that is more likely to make me feel bad, but who knows this time. Could be a normal bug, the covid vax, the flu vax or a mix of them all.

[PicaNewName]

In your case, I'd only get it done at a hospital site, where you can get urgent attention should you need to.