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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:
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LizzieSiddal · 26/09/2023 12:47

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.

You do understand that people have to have the flu jab every single year because of different flu variants? Covid is the exactly the same!

You say you have a high BMI, so you are at an increased risk of being hospitalised if you get Covid and haven’t been vaccinated, but it’s entirely up to you! No one is forcing you to have the booster.

HelpMeGetThrough · 26/09/2023 12:51

Not bothering with them at all.

I had my annual flu jab only because I have no choice on that, well I do, but my medication will be withdrawn if I don't.

Nurse at the surgery was like a chugger, hard "sell" to sign up for the shingles and covid vaccines.

I wonder why 🤔

burntoutnurse · 26/09/2023 12:52

Nope, public health ring me once a week to make sure I've still opted out (I'm a nurse) I've had 4, each one made me incredibly poorly, have also had Covid 3 times

andonceagain · 26/09/2023 12:57

HelpMeGetThrough · 26/09/2023 12:51

Not bothering with them at all.

I had my annual flu jab only because I have no choice on that, well I do, but my medication will be withdrawn if I don't.

Nurse at the surgery was like a chugger, hard "sell" to sign up for the shingles and covid vaccines.

I wonder why 🤔

What do you mean you wonder why?
The NHS is on its knees financially and is still offering these vaccinations. There is no weird or sinister motivation behind this - it's to protect you and the general population from illness.

Issummernearlyover · 26/09/2023 12:59

I had my fourth and DH his fifth on Saturday and we had the flu jab at the same time. We had sore arms, but otherwise fine. I've had Covid once and want to avoid the new variants.

ilovesooty · 26/09/2023 12:59

Had mine last Saturday.

No point in engaging in discussion with eligible people who've decided to opt out. Their decision.

fluffi · 26/09/2023 13:04

I wish I could get another booster but I’m not eligible and you can’t get them privately :(

Shadypaws23 · 26/09/2023 13:06

I had it with my flu vaccine so dunno which caused the slight side effects
Sweaty/hot overnight, felt a bit rough and achy. Fine the next day
Was my 7th or 8th one

whereaw · 26/09/2023 13:08

I won't have it and really wish I never did in the first place!

VanillaFlotilla · 26/09/2023 13:11

I'm a big believer in vaccines but I probably won't be topping up my covid vaccine for the same reasons as you OP. My last dose (Christmas season 2021) sent into a horrible state and I still got covid and was unwell for months. I'm not just feeling it this time around.

gamerchick · 26/09/2023 13:18

I don't think I'll be offered. I'd have it if I was.

I had the flu jab recently. That fucker knocked me on my arse, arms still sore now. The past couple of years it wasn't that bad. Felt rough as a badgers arse

gamerchick · 26/09/2023 13:21

HelpMeGetThrough · 26/09/2023 12:51

Not bothering with them at all.

I had my annual flu jab only because I have no choice on that, well I do, but my medication will be withdrawn if I don't.

Nurse at the surgery was like a chugger, hard "sell" to sign up for the shingles and covid vaccines.

I wonder why 🤔

There's a shingles vaccine? I'd have that like a shot, shingles looks like it properly sucks

Iwasafool · 26/09/2023 13:22

18 months after covid, not quite over long covid and I'm beginning to think the joint pain is never going away. I can't get the jab fast enough.

DivingForLove · 26/09/2023 13:22

Those people who still think they’re protected clearly don’t understand how flu jabs work either. I have a flu jab every year - it’s not cumulative.

Issummernearlyover · 26/09/2023 13:23

Shingles is for over 70s only as it's really nasty for them, even worse than younger people. My DSis looked into getting it privately but couldn't find anything.

AutumnCrow · 26/09/2023 13:23

It'll be my 7th covid jab on Thursday, at a hopefully not packed out pharmacy. Flu jab last week. Didn't receive a reminder from the NHS/GP for either, despite being on immune suppressant treatment - I booked online. I rely on MN for updates these days!

Currently chasing round after my GP surgery to get the Shingrix (shingles) vaccine. It shouldn't be this hard for patients who DO want vaccines as per the Green Book. <sigh>

I think I'm past caring what other people do now, as long as they're honest with me about it when it's relevant. But I do wish there was more data for people like the OP in order to feel a bit more secure about their decisions (for themselves and those around them).

Xenia · 26/09/2023 13:24

As I said in March 2020 it will be like the flu vaccine - so if you are old or sick probably best to have it. I haven't had a covid vaccine and caught covid mildly only in summer 2022 and won't be getting it, but it is a personal choice - if you don't want it don't have it.

Webex · 26/09/2023 13:24

I'm the opposite I'd like a booster! I pay for the flu one every year and would like the opportunity to add covid.

Willow12345 · 26/09/2023 13:25

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.

This. I'll definitely be having it to protect vulnerable elder family members.

Iwasafool · 26/09/2023 13:26

gamerchick · 26/09/2023 13:21

There's a shingles vaccine? I'd have that like a shot, shingles looks like it properly sucks

Show quote history

It is vile. I had it years ago, I was low after death of one of my parents, I was only a teenager and I was run down and then got shingles. I was ill, the pain was awful. My boyfriend took me to the cinema when I was starting to get better. We came out and it was raining and the rain drops hitting me made me cry as it was so painful.

Sounds like I'm a sickly soul but apart from shingles and covid I've never had anything bad. Did suffer from migraines and cold sores pre menopause, that was fun every month.

itscurtainsnow · 26/09/2023 13:26

I thought the group of people who are eligible for it is quite small now? Not the mass rollout there was a couple of years ago. I’ve been offered it as pregnant but unsure whether to get it or not as I’ve been so ill when I’ve had the last jabs.

Twiglets1 · 26/09/2023 13:26

Unfortunately I don’t qualify as “only”57 and despite being eligible for a free flu jab which is on Saturday (due to having asthma) that doesn’t qualify me for a Covid booster.

I would pay to get one privately if I could.

AFieldGuideToTrees · 26/09/2023 13:28

Yes, I'm having mine, I'm 54. I had covid in April and was so ill with it. It was awful. But not as bad as the first time I had it in March 2020. I don't want to go there again.

AutumnCrow · 26/09/2023 13:29

Issummernearlyover · 26/09/2023 13:23

Shingles is for over 70s only as it's really nasty for them, even worse than younger people. My DSis looked into getting it privately but couldn't find anything.

It's now available on the NHS (via GP surgeries) for anyone 50 and over who has a weak immune system. Two separate jabs. I'm trying to contact my GP about it but no luck so far.

Boots Pharmacy also do it privately (for anyone) - again it's two separate jabs, and costs £450 in total.

Good luck.

gamerchick · 26/09/2023 13:32

Iwasafool · 26/09/2023 13:26

It is vile. I had it years ago, I was low after death of one of my parents, I was only a teenager and I was run down and then got shingles. I was ill, the pain was awful. My boyfriend took me to the cinema when I was starting to get better. We came out and it was raining and the rain drops hitting me made me cry as it was so painful.

Sounds like I'm a sickly soul but apart from shingles and covid I've never had anything bad. Did suffer from migraines and cold sores pre menopause, that was fun every month.

Show quote history

Ah I'm sorry man. That's what I mean, everyone who's had shingles I've spoken to or encountered has a similar description of a nightmare. It sounds quite scary.