Flu Jab: Yes Or No?

[Jennykenny]

I’m 67 and thinking about having the flu jab thus year.
Any thoughts?

[murraymints]

I try to get it if I can stay cold free in order to do so when available...

[Theland]

I am 67 and had it for the last few years. Getting it again soon. Have COPD so a dose of flu could kill me.
Go and get it.

[MallyJ]

No...can't bear injections. I do have a fairly good immune system too. Years of constant bombardment by germs of various types in classrooms seems to have helped that!

[LadyCG]

I have one every year and now its very rare I get the lurgy.

[murraymints]

have been unable to get the jab the last few years because of infection...and have been subjected to lengthy nasty bouts that have been very debilitating... must check at Lloyds/ASDA/Sainsbury dispensaries

[Sqad]

If you have any underlying medical conditions e.g diabetes, heart disease etc then have the jab, but if not then it is up to you.

From what i gather, the flu jab is innocuous against the really bad form of the virus...Japanese strain i think.

[johnk]

I've never had it and not had flu for 40 years. They're only guessing what strain will be around for each winter so it's pretty hit and miss.
If you're not healthy it's probably best to get it. Best to be careful about touching hard surfaces and your face and wash your hands

[roopower]

I'm also 67, I have asthma and have the jab every year. So far I have never had any problems except a slightly sore arm.

[Jennykenny]

A bit conflicted now.
Was very badly affected by flu last year - spent a lot of time in bed.
But also feel very run down at the moment. Maybe it would make me feel worse.
Think I’ll hold off till I feel more on top of things.
Thanks all.

[emmie]

not for me, i have already turned down the offer.

[Baldric]

First had one following Surgery when I was 58, had one every year since, no problems at all.

[Georgiesmum]

Yes. I have mine every year, I never miss, in fact Im having mine again this Saturday. Last year I had people all around me complaining of flu symptoms and I stayed fine.

[dannyk13]

Had it for years,No ill effects,

[douglas9401]

Yes. Especially if your daily life involved hard surfaces, apparently.

I was told yesterday morning that the NHS roll out had been out back to November for some reason.

[rowanwitch]

Definitely yes, I feel really rubbish a few days after mine but nothing like as bad as flu feels.

[berksemikohen]

I am doctor. In my opinion you should drink green tea three times a day.

[ethandron]

Rang the surgery yesterday and have our jabs booked for a week on Saturday, so I don’t think what youve heard is correct Douglas.
Also, this year there are two different jabs, one for over 65s and one for under 65s. Apparently the over 65 one improves the effectiveness of the jab for older people.
We’ve both been having the jab every year for quite a while and have never had any problems with it, nor have we had flu.

[Gill1941]

Depends on your general health. If prone to chest infections, etc.
As johnk says hit and miss if they get the strain right.
Last had flu 50 plus years ago. Last cold over 2 years ago. Never have flu jab and don't want it.

[queenofmean]

Being a Type 1 I’ve always had it. But I managed to end up with flu once but I’d rather have the jab than the Flu. Dad and I go on Tuesday for it.

[Tilly2]

Last year I had a flu jab in one arm and a pneumonia jab in the other arm. It was fine.

This year, it's just a flu jab.