[IanW]

Okay peeps,

Due to my asthma I have been offered the Swine flu vaccination. Now I have to confess that reading about this I am a little concerned about whether to have it or not. My thoughts are that surely it is better to have a problem with something that you positively actioned (i.e. had the vaccine) rather than to have a problem with something that you could have avoided (i.e. dye from swine flu when you could have had the vaccine).

What are people's thoughts? Have you been offered? Are you going to have?

Ian.

PS. please try not to scare the cr@p out of me even more than I am managing on my own!

[GasDad]

Originally Posted by IanW

Okay peeps,

Due to my asthma I have been offered the Swine flu vaccination. Now I have to confess that reading about this I am a little concerned about whether to have it or not. My thoughts are that surely it is better to have a problem with something that you positively actioned (i.e. had the vaccine) rather than to have a problem with something that you could have avoided (i.e. dye from swine flu when you could have had the vaccine).

What are people's thoughts? Have you been offered? Are you going to have?

Ian.

PS. please try not to scare the cr@p out of me even more than I am managing on my own!

I'm in the same boat (mild asthma - offered Swine Flu vaccination) - I will be having the vaccination.

I generally have a flu shot every year (if I don't its only through poor time management) - I can't see any difference from a risk point of view between the swine flu shot and the normal yearly flu shot.

Some one will doubtless come along and paste something from www tinfoilhat com to try and scare everyone. But ignore the idiots - its just a novel form of flu - the vaccine has been prepared in the same way that the vaccine is prepared every year, just on a larger scale.

I would much rather take the very very small risk of the flu vaccine, rather than the very small risk of the complications following getting swine flu.

[evilgenius]

Sorry your wrong IMO. So your saying you would take an untested vaccine with almost no contraindications? Your life, your health i suppose.

The vaccine its self isn't the issue I have. Its xtra chemicals in it designed to make your immune system go into overdrive. Adjuvant or Squalene are added sometimes to make vaccines more effective.

The US vaccine has neither but I have read the EU version does have an adjuvant in one variant. My wife is 9 weeks pregnant, and we have decided not to take the vaccine...as it has not been tested in the usual way and time period and the last thing we want besides her contracting swine flu and dying is another Thalidomide type event. as not one single person on the planet is able to predict if there will be any interactions with a developing fetus.

Its hard to know what to do, but I don't trust the government and I trust the makers of said vaccines less, its all about the £££ for them.

[signs]

Have to say it's a hard one this , not for me but my kids .i need to read some more on it

[tom 2000]

Originally Posted by evilgenius

Sorry your wrong IMO. So your saying you would take an untested vaccine with almost no contraindications? Your life, your health i suppose.

The vaccine its self isn't the issue I have. Its xtra chemicals in it designed to make your immune system go into overdrive. Adjuvant or Squalene are added sometimes to make vaccines more effective.

The US vaccine has neither but I have read the EU version does have an adjuvant in one variant. My wife is 9 weeks pregnant, and we have decided not to take the vaccine...as it has not been tested in the usual way and time period and the last thing we want besides her contracting swine flu and dying is another Thalidomide type event. as not one single person on the planet is able to predict if there will be any interactions with a developing fetus.

Its hard to know what to do, but I don't trust the government and I trust the makers of said vaccines less, its all about the £££ for them.

Hi.
So what's with the differing advice coming from UK v The Republic regarding vaccine during early pregnancy?

[GasDad]

Originally Posted by evilgenius

Adjuvant or Squalene are added sometimes to make vaccines more effective.

The US vaccine has neither but I have read the EU version does have an adjuvant in one variant.

Source ?

[IanW]

Some interesting reading (or scary!):

Debate over swine flu shots in Germany

By KIRSTEN GRIESHABER (AP) – 2 days ago

BERLIN — A debate over two different swine flu vaccines overshadowed Germany's launch of a public inoculation program against the pandemic on Monday.

Critics warned the vaccinations campaign could be a "million-euro flop" as many people might refuse to participate after learning they would receive a different shot than one being given to politicians, high-ranking government employees and soldiers.

German authorities ordered 50 million doses of swine flu vaccines, and began inoculating physicians, nurses, rescue workers and the chronically ill this week.

However, most Germans will be getting Pandemrix, a vaccine by GlaxoSmithKline PLC that contains an adjuvant, while Germany's politicians, government employees and troops will get Celvapan, made by Baxter International without an adjuvant.

Adjuvants — or chemical compounds that boost the human body's immune response and stretch the vaccine's active ingredient so more doses can be made — are relatively new in flu vaccines, and there is limited data on how safe they are in certain population groups, such as pregnant women and children. No flu vaccines with adjuvants are licensed in the U.S., though they are commonly used in Europe.

Wolfgang Wesiack, the head of the Association of German Internists, warned of "vaccine fatigue" and said many people feared a "two-class health system."

Government spokesman Ulrich Wilhelm defended the vaccination policy, saying last week the two vaccines were equal. He explained that the different orders were simply the result of government departments making their purchases without coordinating.

He also said Chancellor Angela Merkel would get the Pandemrix shot, intended for the general public.

There have been no major side effects reported in any of the ongoing swine flu vaccine trials, including those using adjuvants.

Some countries, such as Canada, have ordered special stocks of non-adjuvanted swine flu shots for pregnant women and children, thought to be most at risk from swine flu. Though the vast majority of swine flu cases are mild, and most people recover without needing treatment.

The World Health Organization recommends countries use vaccines with adjuvants to increase the global supply.

All flu vaccines have the potential to cause side effects, from sore arms and headaches to fever.

Copyright © 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

The UK is doing the same as Canada. Two vaccines, if you read your letter it mentions about certain people having to have a second shot, this is the Celvapan vaccine.

Ian.

[neilneil]

As I understand it, the one we get will be decided purely on clinical need.

Through the NHS we all (Even politicians and government, army, civil service etc) get the cheapest. The only people to get the other flavor is those that have a medical reason eg allergy to eggs where the the vaccine is grown.

-Neil

[IanW]

Originally Posted by neilneil

As I understand it, the one we get will be decided purely on clinical need.

Through the NHS we all (Even politicians and government, army, civil service etc) get the cheapest. The only people to get the other flavor is those that have a medical reason eg allergy to eggs where the the vaccine is grown.

-Neil

Correct.

[evilgenius]

If the vaccine was so safe why are the Americans only giving out adjuvant free vaccines?

[bluevortex]

My wife has been offered the swine flu vaccine. She is 37 weeks preganant now. My initial thought was not to bother at this late stage of preganancy but some thought does have to be given to our little baby being born during the worst flu pandemic in recent years. If we could limit the chance of our child catching this infection is that a risk worth taking? Im undecided

Blue

[Dony]

I got a call today saying I'm a priority case and am booked in for next week. Better start reading up about it!

[gbcasual]

Originally Posted by bluevortex

My wife has been offered the swine flu vaccine. She is 37 weeks preganant now. My initial thought was not to bother at this late stage of preganancy but some thought does have to be given to our little baby being born during the worst flu pandemic in recent years. If we could limit the chance of our child catching this infection is that a risk worth taking? Im undecided

Blue

I'm in very much the same position with my Mrs, her being just shy of 36 weeks pregnant now.

My concern is the official leaflet for Pandemrix (http://www.emea.europa.eu/humandocs/...x-PU-17-en.pdf) states the following:
There are currently no data available on the use of Pandemrix in pregnancy. Data from pregnant women vaccinated with different inactivated non-adjuvanted seasonal vaccines do not suggest malformations or fetal or neonatal toxicity.

So 'different inactivated non-adjuvanted ' vaccines seem fine but Pandemrix which is adjuvanted is an unknown quantity for pregnant women!

BTW, does anyone know if the jab gives any protection to the unborn child or just the mother?

Thanks

Jon

[IanW]

Originally Posted by gbcasual

I'm in very much the same position with my Mrs, her being just shy of 36 weeks pregnant now.

My concern is the official leaflet for Pandemrix (http://www.emea.europa.eu/humandocs/...x-PU-17-en.pdf) states the following:
There are currently no data available on the use of Pandemrix in pregnancy. Data from pregnant women vaccinated with different inactivated non-adjuvanted seasonal vaccines do not suggest malformations or fetal or neonatal toxicity.

So 'different inactivated non-adjuvanted ' vaccines seem fine but Pandemrix which is adjuvanted is an unknown quantity for pregnant women!

BTW, does anyone know if the jab gives any protection to the unborn child or just the mother?

Thanks

Jon

I am sure that if you kick up a fuss, you should be able to get Celvapan (two doses)?

Ian.

[Noggin1980]

I've not been called in yet but last time I visited my doctor he said I was in the highest risk group so I'm sure ill be called in soon. I'll certainly be taking it, after having a mild cold recently and finding how much it destroyed my ability to breath in fact it was actually a bit scary going to bed like it I'd really like to avoid getting flu.

[IanW]

It is a shame that this vaccination seems to be yet another example of the NHS postcode lottery. I have been offered the vaccine, but those who live near me, in a difference PCT, have not.

Ian.

[uncleclives]

Just had it this evening and the annual flu jab due to my asthma. Will report any side effects

[IanW]

Originally Posted by uncleclives

Just had it this evening and the annual flu jab due to my asthma. Will report any side effects

Fab, hope to hear from you tomorrow.

Ian.

[IronGiant]

I will take it when/if offered as I am in a risk group.

Vaccination: possible sore arm, possible mild flu like symptoms, possible allergic reaction...
Swine Flu: Flu like symptoms, death in risk groups...

Not a hard choice.

Particularly as my identical twin brother in another PCT had the jab a week ago and is still with us

Dave

[uncleclives]

Well woke up this morning with the sore arm where I had the swine flu jab the other arm where I had the normal flu jab is fine. Also have a sore throat and ear ache in my left ear for some reason. Apart from that Im alive and feel fine.

[IanW]

Originally Posted by uncleclives

Well woke up this morning with the sore arm where I had the swine flu jab the other arm where I had the normal flu jab is fine. Also have a sore throat and ear ache in my left ear for some reason. Apart from that Im alive and feel fine.

Great, glad to hear it is not too bad. Let us know how long the side effects last.

Ian.

[uncleclives]

Update - Well Im starting to feel much better my swine flu jab arm still feels quite tender though. So I think there is not much to worry about longterm.

[xit2050]

Originally Posted by uncleclives

Just had it this evening and the annual flu jab due to my asthma. Will report any side effects

There should be 2 to 3 weeks between the two... you can't have both at the same time.

[uncleclives]

Originally Posted by xit2050

There should be 2 to 3 weeks between the two... you can't have both at the same time.

So whats going to happen to me ?

[IanW]

Originally Posted by xit2050

There should be 2 to 3 weeks between the two... you can't have both at the same time.

That's not what it said in my letter, it said it is perfectly safe to have both together.

Quote from NHS.

The swine flu vaccine can be given at the same time as other vaccines, including the seasonal flu jab. If you are normally advised to have the seasonal flu vaccine each winter, you need to continue to receive this every year to ensure that you are protected against most of the flu strains in circulation.

Full details here.

Ian.

[IanW]

Originally Posted by uncleclives

Update - Well Im starting to feel much better my swine flu jab arm still feels quite tender though. So I think there is not much to worry about longterm.

How ya feelin fella?

Ian.

[TommyVecetti]

Originally Posted by evilgenius

If the vaccine was so safe why are the Americans only giving out adjuvant free vaccines?

It's slightly better tested is what I heard, and safer for pregnant women.

[Toddyhead]

Work have just offered us the jab - bit squeamish about needles though so I'm not sure I'll take them up on their offer

[IanW]

Originally Posted by IanW

How ya feelin fella?

Ian.

Hello, are you still there?

Ian.

[Mark Hodgkinson]

My two kids have just been offered the vaccine, one is aged nearly 4 and the other is 9 months both with no underlying health problems.

I'm in a total quandary about this for obvious reasons but the jab they have been offered is of the two dose variety (Celvapan?) which as I understand it is the non-adjuvanted version.

My instincts are saying they should have it but the lack of data troubles me greatly.

Has anyone else here had their kids offered the jab yet and what do you intend to do?