Flu Jab.

[melv16]

For the first time I've been offered the above. I know of some people who swear by it, others say it makes them ill.
Comments, please.

[wolf63]

I have had the jab for a few years and have had no problem with it. I haven't had the flu during this period either.

[Sqad]

I am never convinced of the efficacy of flu jabs and have never had one.........or flu.
My advice...if you are over 65, suffer from heart problems, lung problems, diabetes then have the jab.
Yes.....it makes some people ill, but i am afraid that it is a case of "suck it and see."

[paddywak]

I've been getting it for years and never had any problems with it,I've never had flu either.

[Baldric]

Mrs B and myself have had them for a few years now, Tash who lives with us has had them for years because of her Job (NHS) no-one has had any ill-effects.

[sunny-dave]

Had a jab for years now (initially because of my NHS and Care Home work) and never had any problem beyond a slightly sore arm and, just once, a bit of a sniffle (which I might have had anyway).

Never had the 'flu since I've been having the jab.

[Prudie]

I have never had one and it doesn't appeal to me - mainly because I avoid anything that involves surgeries and GPs like the plague if I can. This gets asked about on here every year and most ABers are vehement that it has had no ill-effects on them at all.

[jno]

I have them and haven't had any problems. But as the formulation changes each year, because the virus does, past performance is really no guide to future effects. As Sqad says, you just have to try it and see. As far as I'm concerned, flu is debilitating and I'll do my best to avoid it.

[Baldric]

Vehement? No, just positive.

[gness]

I'm with Prudie on this....I was entitled and encouraged to have one when I was looking after MrG.....but I'd just rather not.....x

[woofgang]

Deffo a personal choice thing. I never had one for years while working in the NHS because I figured I was young and healthy, complications unlikely and I had a husband who could look after me and the dogs if I became ill. I have had flu twice in my life, once when I was a teen and before there was a flu vac and then again as a young adult. It is not a bad cold or a minor thing both times I was completely flattened by it, the first time with hallucinations.
Anyway ff to now. I live alone with the dogs and it would be very difficult if I had flu, REALLY difficult if I got any of the complications, so I get the vac. I get a sore arm and 24 to 48 hours of feeling off colour and I think its worth it.

[AuntLydia]

Melv I was offered the flu jab a few years ago when medication I was given suppressed my immune system. I had always been dead against it but the GP said if I did contract the Flu while on this medication I could die. I have been getting them now for three years and had no problems whatsoever, I would strongly suggest getting it if your health would be severely compromised if you caught the Flu. Even if its not 100% effective at least it gives you a bit of cover.

[woofgang]

oh by the way I buy mine at the local pharmacy. 5 minute job, no waiting and no appointment needed. No "while you are here lets talk about xyz" just the vac and out the door.

[sunny-dave]

If you are over 65 it is free at a pharmacy (as long as they have an NHS contract to provide it) - just need your GP details.

[sunny-dave]

As an example :

http://www.lloydspharmacy.com/en/info/flu-vaccination

[woofgang]

golly hadn't realised I might get mine free this year

[dannyk13]

Had it for years without any ill effects..

[roopower]

Due to the fact I'm asthmatic I've had the jab for years and apart from a slightly sore arm have had no problems

[-SharonA-]

I now have the jab regularly, as I used to get flu badly resulting in weeks off work. When I first started, my arm hurted badly, so much I couldn't lift it and I also developed flu symptons. I took a break from it and restarted about 5 years ago and touch wood, no problems yet.

[jamesnan]

Both my husband and myself have had the jab on advice from our doctor, and neither of us have suffered any side effects.

[anneasquith]

Take it. Prevention always better than cure .