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Original poster

Anyone thinking about skipping the latest booster?

421 replies

WoolyMammoth55 · 26/09/2023 12:11

I've had 3 jabs in total so far, and the last one made me REALLY poorly - couldn't get out of bed for a few days, crazy fever, hallucinating.

They didn't stop me getting Covid, which I've had 2 positive tests for since the first jab, and which was mild compared to how bad I was after the last booster!

I've been invited for the next booster and just can't see why I'd get it. I've had 3 jabs already so must have some protection, right? And since I keep getting it despite the jabs, I'm fairly likely to get it again in the next 6 months whether I do or don't get jabbed?

I can't see the upside.

I'm studying hard for a career change and have 2 little kids. If I had a reaction like last time I'd really struggle to keep all the balls in the air...

I'm being offered the booster because of my high BMI but don't have any co-morbidities, blood pressure good, not pre-diabetic, generally well.

Curious to know what others are thinking?

OP posts:
Thread gallery
11
gentlemum · 26/09/2023 12:17

I think you've answered your own question really, doesn't sound like the right thing for you.
You have to just weigh up and make the decision for yourself. I had the first two jabs only (only because work forced us to) and then I didn't have any boosters despite pregnancy and being strongly advised to have them.

Westfacing · 26/09/2023 12:18

I haven't had Covid.

I had the booster on Saturday, Pfizer as were the previous ones, and have had mild flu-like symptoms since. First time having side effects, apart from a sore arm for a day or two

omgsally · 26/09/2023 12:19

Not a chance will I have any more. I only had the 1st 2 jabs because I was travelling in the EU at the time.

HappyHolidai · 26/09/2023 12:19

I'll be having mine. Even after all the jabs, I got Covid before Christmas last year. Wasn't very unwell with it but I didn't get better for months (long Covid)

I would really not want a repeat, nor to be more ill than last time, so am going to do everything I can to avoid it. It may not work, but by getting my booster jab I can do the best I can for my own health.

Parky04 · 26/09/2023 12:22

Only had the jabs to enable me to travel. I'm 3 and out.

Ihateslugs · 26/09/2023 12:23

I will be having the Covid booster as well as the flu jab, I have never had a reaction to the Covid jabs apart from a sore arm. I’ve had a fairly mild dose of covid once after my first two jabs.

I socialise with several different groups of people, some of whom are older than me, and I want to protect them as well as myself.

theemmadilemma · 26/09/2023 12:25

I will take my yearly flu jab, I've not accepted the Covid booster offer.

Ifailed · 26/09/2023 12:26

I socialise with several different groups of people, some of whom are older than me, and I want to protect them as well as myself.

Exactly, it's about raising your immunity so you are likely to infectious for a shorter time.

Parker231 · 26/09/2023 12:26

Why would you take a risk of getting seriously ill? The booster won’t stop you getting Covid but will lessen the symptoms and reduce your chances of needing inpatient hospital care.

Original poster
WoolyMammoth55 · 26/09/2023 12:26

Thanks all. My understanding is (and please correct me if I'm wrong) that the jabs don't reduce your chance of getting Covid, just reduce the severity of the illness? People who have been jabbed are much less likely to be hospitalised, etc?

So if that's right then getting the booster wouldn't protect our elderly friends/family any more once you've had a couple of jabs? You're as likely to get it and as likely to pass it on, just less likely to need hospital treatment yourself?

If there's data I haven't seen that says it reduces transmission then please correct me, I'd be glad to stand corrected - I just haven't seen that.

OP posts:
Mindymomo · 26/09/2023 12:28

At the moment it’s only being offered to those over 65 or whose who have medical conditions that need protection. For my elderly friends it gives them the choice to carry on with their social lives in the hope that if they do get covid, it helps keep them out of hospital. There are massive queues where I live.

Original poster
WoolyMammoth55 · 26/09/2023 12:29

Parker231 · 26/09/2023 12:26

Why would you take a risk of getting seriously ill? The booster won’t stop you getting Covid but will lessen the symptoms and reduce your chances of needing inpatient hospital care.

I'm not convinced by this argument - I assume that the 3 jabs I've already had, plus the 2 times I've actually had Covid and made my own antibodies, will already ensure that I wouldn't get seriously ill with it if infected a 3rd time...

I think this holds up for people who are unvaccinated choosing to get a jab for the first time; but where's the data on the advantages of a FOURTH booster jab?

OP posts:
Whereareallthejellyfish · 26/09/2023 12:29

I had a similar reaction on my 3rd jab, I won't be having another one!

I will take my chances with covid because I honestly thought I might die after that last jab

(Not that I think I'll be offered one as I don't fit into any of the risk groups, but if it got offered out to the rest of us)

Good luck with whatever you decide on OP

Parker231 · 26/09/2023 12:33

WoolyMammoth55 · 26/09/2023 12:29

I'm not convinced by this argument - I assume that the 3 jabs I've already had, plus the 2 times I've actually had Covid and made my own antibodies, will already ensure that I wouldn't get seriously ill with it if infected a 3rd time...

I think this holds up for people who are unvaccinated choosing to get a jab for the first time; but where's the data on the advantages of a FOURTH booster jab?

Edited
Show quote history

The booster has been updated since the original vaccines and boosters and target different COVID-19 variants - similar to the flu vaccine which is different each year.

Original poster
WoolyMammoth55 · 26/09/2023 12:34

My hunch is that it would probably be best for the NHS if I 'donate' this booster to someone elderly or more demonstrably CV than I am...

But I'd love to see some data on the rationale behind this 4th booster jab, if anyone has any please link it! And thanks to all who've responded.

OP posts:
megletthesecond · 26/09/2023 12:39

This booster is a tweaked version of what happens every year with the flu jab. I get a flu jab every autumn so I'll get a covid jab every autumn.
It depends how much help you have with your dc's if you are ill. I don't have help so take every jab offered.

lubylo · 26/09/2023 12:40

Wouldn't know, never had any and won't be.

GarlicGrace · 26/09/2023 12:40

As with everything Covid-related, you can't get data on the effectiveness of a 5th vaccination because there isn't yet a large enough cohort to follow up.

inloveandmarried · 26/09/2023 12:41

The latest strain is making people quite poorly, even the younger ones.

A friend of mine ended up
In ICU with Covid and she was middle aged and healthy. You just can't predict which strain will do damage.

I am opting for my vaccine this time even though my last cold hospitalised me but my last covid was asymptomatic!

You just can't tell.

AlltheFs · 26/09/2023 12:41

If I was eligible I’d have it. I have an annual flu jab (employer pays), Covid should be just the same.

ThroughThickAndThin01 · 26/09/2023 12:41

No I’m not getting this one. I work in a hospital so there will be pressure and disclaimer signed, but I won’t be getting it this time.

PenhillDarkMonarch · 26/09/2023 12:41

I won't.

I just had covid about two weeks ago. Plus my mum - also had the previous jabs - has spent all the last year in and out of hospital with blood clots.

Most likely entirely coincidence but she never had anything like it prior and no one is clear why she has them now.

Combined, the risk and pay off doesn't add up for me.

Parker231 · 26/09/2023 12:44

lubylo · 26/09/2023 12:40

Wouldn't know, never had any and won't be.

Why put yourself at such risk with no protection ?

mycoffeecup · 26/09/2023 12:46

Wish I'd been offered it - healthcare professionals aren't getting it. I'd take it like a shot. Covid is still around and it's still nasty.

irisretic · 26/09/2023 12:46

I’ve had no symptoms with the three latest boosters. You may still get Covid after a booster but I understood it would be milder and that certainly seems the case for me.

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