Flu Jab: Yes Or No?

[Jennykenny]

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

[237SJ]

I would never have it. I have had flu twice in my life but then again, I don't have an factors that would make me more vulnerable to flu. If I did, I would have the jab

[Peter Pedant]

dont think about it
do it
I cant think of any rational reason not to

[EDDIE51]

If you get the chance to have the 'flu jab' grab it as fast as you can!
Real Flu is a KILLER !!! What most people call 'flu' is just a feverish cold.
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/flu-influenza-vaccine/

[sandyRoe]

Is there also a jab against pneumonia available now for oldies like me?

[EDDIE51]

Sandy, pneumonia just means 'fluid on the Lungs'. There are many different causes including falling into water and getting it into your lungs that way. Pneumonia due to fluid build up after an infection like influenza is just one way of getting it. Influenza vaccination is offered to susceptible people when there is a danger of an outbreak.
Jennykenny, grab it while you can!. REAL influenza is a KILLER. What most people call 'flu' is just a feverish cold.

[Sqad]

sandy....yes there is a vaccine for pneumonia, against two fairly virulent types.

Eddie..no....pneumonia is a disease and is not just fluid on the lungs.
Fluid on the lungs is either called a Pleural Effusion OR Pulmonary oedema depending upon it's position.

[Tilly2]

My dad died due to aspiration pneumonia. I don't suppose a pneumonia jab would have prevented that.

[AuntLydia]

I had a pneumonia vaccine last year and was told i only needed the one, not one every year like the flu jab. I believe there is both viral and bacterial pneumonia but I don't know which one the jab covers. I had no side effects other than my arm was sore for a couple of days.

[Sqad]

Lydia....there are two strains of the pneumococcus in one jab, but no vaccine against the viral form.

Tilly....unfortunately no.

[blue1948]

I went last year ,the nurse said "Oh this is your second time " I told I had never had the jab before ,so she checked the screen again and said " yes you had it last October " ,I told her not me as I don't like needles and would remember .When I got home I told the wife and of course she confirmed I had had it the previous year !!!! So they certainly don't help your memory!

[douglas9401]

All the best for a speedy recovery Eddie.

[Celtigra3]

Your Answer...I am 68 and the two times I did not get it I got the flu

[Togo]

This Saturday for me. Have one every year. Also had the Pneumonia jab 3 years ago(lasts for 10 years) and this year I am down for a shingles jab too.

[Georgiesmum]

I had my flu jab on Saturday. It only took a second and I can honestly say I didnt feel a thing.Id advise everyone to GET IT DONE.

[Ellipsis]

I am relatively young and not "at risk" compared to you and other posters but I've paid for a flu jab every year since I had the flu ... I would rather not go through that again!