Who got the influenza vaccination this year 2024 and how did it go?

[RunningwithScissors]

I got my flu shot at the beginning of Nov, which was a little over a month after getting my Covid shot. The Covid shot gave me the usual vaccine wonky feelings afterward, but the flu shot hardly gave me any at all. Maybe two hours of feeling weird, that's all.

I know we can get both shots together, but that feels so hard on my body that I prefer to space mine out.

Next I will get my shingles shot in a couple weeks. That will be my first time for that one. How did you all do with your shingles shot?

Also, I just turned 50 this year, so I guess I should look into getting a pneumonia shot too. I'll see what is recommended as I don't know off the top of my head for that one when we are supposed to start getting it.

 

[RunningwithScissors]

I have experienced something bad with flu shots in the past (and this is NOT about the shot itself, which is safe and reliable, but about the PERSON administering the shot). That is, I am a skinny person and don't have a lot of "meat" on my arm. Twice I have had the person administering the shot push the needle in too far and give me a bone bruise. It is very painful and lasts for several months.

So if you have a skinny arm, I recommend reminding the person administering the shot to please be careful they don't rush and push the shot in too far so that it hits your bone. One time my bone bruise was so bad I had to have my husband help me pull shirts on and off over my head for several months afterwards.

 

[missy]

I got my flu shot at the beginning of Nov, which was a little over a month after getting my Covid shot. The Covid shot gave me the usual vaccine wonky feelings afterward, but the flu shot hardly gave me any at all. Maybe two hours of feeling weird, that's all.

I know we can get both shots together, but that feels so hard on my body that I prefer to space mine out.

Next I will get my shingles shot in a couple weeks. That will be my first time for that one. How did you all do with your shingles shot?

Also, I just turned 50 this year, so I guess I should look into getting a pneumonia shot too. I'll see what is recommended as I don't know off the top of my head for that one when we are supposed to start getting it.

The shingles vaccine gave me adverse effects. Fever. Chills. Aches. For approximately 36 hours or so. Totally worth it of course. And you may not experience that. I tend to have extreme reactions to vaccines with the exception of the flu vaccine these past few years. Good luck!

 

[missy]

I have experienced something bad with flu shots in the past (and this is NOT about the shot itself, which is safe and reliable, but about the PERSON administering the shot). That is, I am a skinny person and don't have a lot of "meat" on my arm. Twice I have had the person administering the shot push the needle in too far and give me a bone bruise. It is very painful and lasts for several months.

So if you have a skinny arm, I recommend reminding the person administering the shot to please be careful they don't rush and push the shot in too far so that it hits your bone. One time my bone bruise was so bad I had to have my husband help me pull shirts on and off over my head for several months afterwards.

Ugh I’m so sorry that happened to you. I’m on the thin side too but our pharmacist who always administers the vaccines to us never injected too far.

 

[RMOO]

I got my flu shot at the beginning of Nov, which was a little over a month after getting my Covid shot. The Covid shot gave me the usual vaccine wonky feelings afterward, but the flu shot hardly gave me any at all. Maybe two hours of feeling weird, that's all.

I know we can get both shots together, but that feels so hard on my body that I prefer to space mine out.

Next I will get my shingles shot in a couple weeks. That will be my first time for that one. How did you all do with your shingles shot?

Also, I just turned 50 this year, so I guess I should look into getting a pneumonia shot too. I'll see what is recommended as I don't know off the top of my head for that one when we are supposed to start getting it.

I got the two-part Shingrix vaccine pre-pandemic, and had adverse effects as Missy did: fever, chills, body aches and vomiting (once) with the first shot. With the second, I had a milder reaction and no vomiting. My DH had very minor reactions to both. Still much easier than getting shingles, but I would recommend that you have nothing planned for the following day in case all you want to do is snuggle up and watch movies from bed all day.

 

[Lookinagain]

I got the two-part Shingrix vaccine pre-pandemic, and had adverse effects as Missy did: fever, chills, body aches and vomiting (once) with the first shot. With the second, I had a milder reaction and no vomiting. My DH had very minor reactions to both. Still much easier than getting shingles, but I would recommend that you have nothing planned for the following day in case all you want to do is snuggle up and watch movies from bed all day.

I got the two-part Shingrix as well, during the pandemic, and didn't have any adverse effects. I do know one person who had something like @RMOO experienced, but she's the only one. Most of my friends had either no, or very mild reactions. I've never had shingles, but from what I hear, they are horrible, so I'm thinking even some adverse effects from the vaccine are still better.

 

[empliau]

My first shingles shot (Shingrix) I got the same day as my flu shot. Totally fine, they assured me.

Maybe for some.

I was so sick. For nearly a week I was in so much pain that.I couldn't even lie down in my bed. I dozed in a chair.

The second Shingrix made me feverish, with head and body aches, for about 3 days. I didn't have any other vaccines with it - I learned my costly lesson. And sadly, it's still so much better than having shingles! Three grandmas in my family had it and they suffered.

 

[missy]

I got the two-part Shingrix vaccine pre-pandemic, and had adverse effects as Missy did: fever, chills, body aches and vomiting (once) with the first shot. With the second, I had a milder reaction and no vomiting. My DH had very minor reactions to both. Still much easier than getting shingles, but I would recommend that you have nothing planned for the following day in case all you want to do is snuggle up and watch movies from bed all day.

100% true. I had shingles in 2014 and the vaccine is a breeze compared to shingles. I strongly recommend everyone getting the shingles vaccine if you can.

 

[Ella]

Folks, a reminder not to discuss politics here. Some posts have been removed. Public health discussions only, no politicians or references to political parties.

 

[tyty333]

I got both shingrix vaccines and had the worst sore arm. I remember my Dad gave me a side hug and I was in so much pain.
Other than that, no fever or aches that I remember. The sore arm lasted a few days though.

 

[jaaron]

I found Shingrix pretty unpleasant, but vastly preferable to shingles! My husband was fluey for a day or two post-Shingrix for both doses.

Flu shot this year, no reaction at all.

Covid, separately from flu shot, my husband and I both chose Novavax and had zero reactions.

 

[seaurchin]

I got the influenza and covid shots at the same time. No problems.

 

[Arcadian]

I got my flu shot yesterday and feel like total caca today.

I've never had chickenpox and I waffle if I should get the shot or not.

 

[missy]

I got my flu shot yesterday and feel like total caca today.

I've never had chickenpox and I waffle if I should get the shot or not.

Definitely get the shingles vaccine. Yes it will probably cause you to feel not so well for a day or two. Totally worth it. Both my dh and I got shingles when we were young and oh boy. It was unpleasant. I highly recommend getting the vaccine. Hope you feel better soon

 

[missy]

I got the influenza and covid shots at the same time. No problems.

Yeah same. No real adverse effects at all from the flu vaccine. Now let’s hope it protects us

 

[Arcadian]

Definitely get the shingles vaccine. Yes it will probably cause you to feel not so well for a day or two. Totally worth it. Both my dh and I got shingles when we were young and oh boy. It was unpleasant. I highly recommend getting the vaccine. Hope you feel better soon

My parents tried when I was a little kid. We all had measles and mumps together, but when it came to chicken pox, they got it and I never did. I literally took care of my oldest nephew when he had it as a little kid he was 3-4 I was 13 at the time) and still didn't get it. confirmed via blood test it isn't present.

but it does concern me as I'm over 60. My dad had a shingles flare at 70 and it was pretty terrible. My mother never had shingles or chickenpox either, and the only adult that ever had the shot that I know of was my sister (after bone marrow transplant she had to get all the vaccinations) she told me that was the worst of the bunch.

At any rate this flu shot is kicking me in the butt. I've gotten sick from it before but its been a very long time; I'm sweaty, nauseous, poopy (yeah i know but well comes with it) and ridiculously tired. Chugging pedialyte as I'm feeling so terrible.

Hopefully your shot was uneventful.

 

[missy]

@Arcadian I’m sorry you’re experiencing adverse effects from the flu vaccine and hope you feel better soon

 

[Begonia]

Good morning. So I have just a bit of a sore arm this morning. Greg has no effects at all.

It's odd the past few years there have been minimal to no side effects for us for the flu vaccine. I wonder if our immune system is working if there is absolutely no reaction. I mean I know it is possible but so strange because in the past I used to get a strong reaction to all vaccines.

100% the flu is miserable and I will never on purpose skip a flu vaccine. No way. Having had the flu once was quite enough.

Vaccines are life saving despite the controversy surrounding them and it does concern me that vaccination for certain childhood diseases are falling by the wayside for many. We will see a return of diseases that were once previously eradicated. Ugh.

OK off my soapbox. May everyone remain well and healthy!!!

Only once eh? That's impressive. I regularly get the flu about every 3 years. Line of work and all that.
Flu is frightening.

Glad your Vax went relatively well!

 

[missy]

Only once eh? That's impressive. I regularly get the flu about every 3 years. Line of work and all that.
Flu is frightening.

Glad your Vax went relatively well!

I worked in healthcare for 30 years. But never got the flu (with the exception of 2005 when I did not get the vaccine). So for me the combination of continuously washing my hands (working with patients I was very conscious of not spreading germs) and getting the yearly flu vaccine kept me well. I know the flu vaccine is not always a good match but this combination so far has worked very well for me. I no longer am in healthcare but I am still fastidious about minimizing the spread of germs. It really works. Not foolproof but nothing is. Hope you remain healthy this year and next @Begonia

 

[tyty333]

I got my flu shot yesterday and feel like total caca today.

I've never had chickenpox and I waffle if I should get the shot or not.

Sorry you're not feeling well, @Arcadian . You probably already know this but if you get exposed to someone with
shingles you can get chickenpox. You seem to have some super immunity against chickenpox though!

 

[Begonia]

I worked in healthcare for 30 years. But never got the flu (with the exception of 2005 when I did not get the vaccine). So for me the combination of continuously washing my hands (working with patients I was very conscious of not spreading germs) and getting the yearly flu vaccine kept me well. I know the flu vaccine is not always a good match but this combination so far has worked very well for me. I no longer am in healthcare but I am still fastidious about minimizing the spread of germs. It really works. Not foolproof but nothing is. Hope you remain healthy this year and next @Begonia

And you as well dear missy!

 

[Lentibulariaceae]

I have immune system issues and am actually “allergic” to the flu (long story) but this year wasn’t so bad. I was in bed with a fever and running nose for four days but it cleared up relatively quickly.

 

[MMtwo]

Flu shot left a itchy bump COVID had mild 24 hour reaction too. Mostly pain and a goose egg and itchy spot.

 

[Arcadian]

Sorry you're not feeling well, @Arcadian . You probably already know this but if you get exposed to someone with
shingles you can get chickenpox. You seem to have some super immunity against chickenpox though!

I always thought it was weird but as kids mom took care of us all and when dad got sick she took care of him, so why she never got it either was a mystery.


I'm much better today thankfully.

 

[autumngems]

Got my flu shot last week, no issues at all.

 

[FL_runner]

I got my flu shot back in Sept (I work in healthcare so I got it as soon as it was available). No issues!

I did get Flu B a few years ago even though I was immunized and it was miserable. It was the first time I had ever actually had influenza! Then my whole family has RSV last year!!! Fingers crossed that the flu shots offer good protection this year, and that you all have a happy and healthy holiday!

 

[missy]

I got my flu shot back in Sept (I work in healthcare so I got it as soon as it was available). No issues!

I did get Flu B a few years ago even though I was immunized and it was miserable. It was the first time I had ever actually had influenza! Then my whole family has RSV last year!!! Fingers crossed that the flu shots offer good protection this year, and that you all have a happy and healthy holiday!

I used to get the flu vaccine every August when I was working (in healthcare too) but I then realized the earlier I got it the earlier it wore off so to speak. So now I get it in November trying to hedge my bets. Meaning if we get it too early we are not protected in late winter as much but if we get it too late we can get the flu in autumn so really it is just doing the best we can with a vaccine that is short lived. Here's to hoping we all remain well and healthy this holiday season into 2025

 

[Amber St. Clare]

I get the shot every year and then I got a terrible case. Was in bed for a week.

 

[autumngems]

Hubby down with respiratory thing, I am going for my pneumonia shot today.

 

[missy]

I’m sorry @autumngems and hope your dh has an easy and speedy recovery
Good luck with your vaccine today