DP has been offered the Flu jab. Can anyone talk me through the pros and cons?

[DeJaVous]

He has heard that a lot of (Dutch) doctors and nurses who are entitled to it don't have it, but has no idea why. That makes him suspicious about if it would be beneficial to have it or not.

Anyone know anything about this?

Haven't a clue about dutch doctors and nurses but I have it every year and am fine.

I have it every year too, I'm asthmatic and prone to chest infections and I've always been fine.
I don't know of any cons but then I've never researched it

I used to have it every year as it was offered free at work, never had a problem.

Only cons are related to rare allergies.
A lot of health care pros don't bother because they are exposed to such a huge variety of winter ailments and the jag only protects against a few. However, it does protect against the worst/most common. If I worked in healthcare, I'd definitely have it.

Thanks everyone.

Nicky - do you happen to know anything more about the rare allergies?

I work (well used to) in the health industry and I would rather have it then not. Same as nicky said, it only covers against the most prevelant strain but it is better then nothing.

www.patient.co.uk/showdoc/23068771/

www.immunisation.nhs.uk/Vaccines/Flu/FAQs/C antheflujabactuallycauseflu

Here is some info about it.

Ooops, on re-reading the OP it sounds like DP works in health care. He doesn't he's actually a multimedia designer...

Thanks for the addresses AussieLou. You do likns by putting and around the URL, it's explained next to the box were you type your post.

sorry about that
I am on a german keyboard using german software so am trying to guess where everything is. The keys are in different places and shift is different too.
will ask the 14 year old boy....they know everything

Sprry, no specifics. However, if dh has had other jabs in his life then I'd imagine any allergies would be picked up. The nurse/doc can keep him right though.

Ah, then we're neighbours! I'm in the Netherlands

Sorry nicky, thanks for that. It sounds like he should just have it then really.

well in england but work for german family hence everything in in Deutsch!
I am dutch (by mums marriage) I miss stroopwafles and ollibollen.
I can't wait to order my chocolate letters!!!

What a coincidence!

Ollibollen are great, I've developed a sight addiction to beschuit met muisjes since I've been here!

Do you not miss hagelslag, that's the classic isn't it?

hegelslag sandwiches
mmmmmmmm
I am actively looking for an online dutch shop right now

I had really bad reaction to the jab years ago, would never take it again. In saying that, I have yet to come across anyone else personally. I think I was just unlucky.

AussieLou you can get stroopwafles in Starbucks, Lakeland, Waitrose and quite a lot of health food shops and delis. The secret is out .

im off then to the shops tomorrow!

I read that there's a really, really bad, sometimes lethal, Aussie flu strain heading our way this winter!