So rather than have either vaccine I will only go out wearing a mask, and when I have to, keep out of other people’s way, and look after myself. I’ve never had a flu jab, and I can’t remember the last time I had flu, so I’ll keep doing what I’m doing because it’s worked so far…
Ah Mupsy? But do you know which is which?
I’ve only had flu twice in my life and until you have had it yourself you cannot imagine what it is like.
I couldn’t move out of my bed for almost two weeks, couldn’t even stand as I was so weak. I felt worse then than when I had pneumonia. After three weeks Mr Mags suggested I try to sit out in the garden on a lovely sunny day to get some fresh air. My head was spinning all the time, I thought I’d try to walk a few steps around the garden but when I stood up I immediately collapsed on the ground. He had to get me back indoors.
It was 4 or 5 weeks later that I began to feel better.
Don’t write off flu lightly, there is no comparison between flu and a heavy cold. I’ve been having the flu jabs every year for almost 30 years, never had a problem with them and they have protected me.
This isn’t a ‘sob’ account of my case, I just wanted those who refuse the jab to realise how debilitating real influenza can be.
Here endeth the lesson! ;-)
You do realise thalidomide was not a vaccination? Although it was banned it has since found to be a valuable treatment for certain cancers.
I had the same experience 8 years ago Mags. Prior to that I used to refuse the vaccine but since I would do anything possible to avoid a repeat of the awful pain and suffering including a hospital visit for dehydration and then weeks of debilitating symptoms. I can see how easy it can be to die from it if you are older and with underlying conditions.
It’s good to know you pulled through it, Annie … I didn’t have to go to hospital myself but thinking back, maybe I should have asked for help after the first diagnosis. 
I think Ribena saved my life Mags! According to the doctors I saw drinking plain water apparently isn’t as good (or as yummy)
Sorry Mags, I might have been a little economical with the truth…
You might even have remembered some time ago when I explained that I have in fact had the flu twice like you…
Back in 1972 I had just started a new job, and as we entered the winter months the company had paid (I think you had to pay for the flu jab in those days) to have the whole workforce vaccinated against flu. Being a tight fisted Yorkshireman, I wasn’t going to turn down anything that’s free…
A week later I developed a serious case of flu…Although it lasted for two weeks, I was fortunate in that I didn’t suffer any after effects, probably due to my age and fitness…
The second time was during the new year celebrations in 1995. We traveled to Llandudno, but Mrs Fox came down with it on the eve of new year and was unable to stand or even leave her bed to attend the party. I stayed with her, and dressed in my best suit I spent my time watching the fireworks out of the hotel room window…
I remained free from the flu for the next twelve hours, so next morning I went for a 13 mile run.
That was my downfall, as the day progressed so did my lethargy and muscle weakness. I only just managed to drive home and was bedridden for the next 14 days…So I am well aware of the seriousness of the flu Mags, and I will always try to avoid a future bout. But I will not have the vaccination…
…Incidentally, Mrs Fox goes for her jab next Wednesday…
Why does Mrs Fox have the jab?
So she doesn’t catch the flu Annie…
from you? 
I understand what you’re saying now Bob, I didn’t realise you had had flu twice before so you know how debilitating it can be.
Full marks to you for keeping yourself so fit, long may it continue. 
Prevention is better than cure Annie…
It’s been twenty five years since I last had the flu.
And the source can be traced back to taking someone to the airport who was what appeared to be, full of cold. It later turned into full blown flu, for them, Mrs Fox, and finally me…
For the last twenty five years there have been many strains of the virus circulated every year, I have managed to avoid all of them. Apart from work I’m not a very social bloke and the majority of people I meet I meet outside.
Since then I became a self employed courier, only ever meeting people at a collection or a delivery, so much of the time I was alone in my van.
After eight years as a courier, I joined Royal Mail as a postman. Apart from ‘Bagging up’ in the delivery office I was out on the road alone. I mention this Annie because it might have some bearing on why I never even caught a cold very often.
Since retiring in 2010 there have been even more changes to my lifestyle where contact with other people is limited. I must point out here that I’m not anti social, and I’m always happy and eager for a nag with anybody I meet but it’s usually outside, and definitely not while I’m out running.
So now I deliberately avoid even doing some of the things I loved doing before, like going out for meals or perusing shops and garden centres, or even a trip to the coast or the odd stately home. I also wear a mask whenever we visit the local Tesco or B&Q. So you see, I take my personal protection very seriously, and by doing so I can see no need to burden my body with chemicals that may, or may not work, and it would be very unlikely that I would pass on covid or the flu to Mrs Fox. More likely the other way round…
I’m wondering … if a vaccine is 70%, 90%, whatever, effective, how do we know if it’s worked for us?
Because you can venture out with impunity d00d (or should I say immunity) and if you catch it you were among the 30%…
Thanks … I’ll let you know how it goes.
When they announced on the news that Oxford had developed a vaccine, I thought ‘great’.
Sadly, the next person on TV was saying how we urgently need to treat the rest of the World. Well hold up Mr Foreigner, I would like to think the people of the UK get first dibs and any left over can be sent abroad - if they pay for it, just like we would have to if we bought from America or China.
Tough titties! Bloody Europeans getting Bolshie!
…and I quote…
The University of Oxford vaccine is one of the most progressed vaccines in development globally for Coronavirus (COVID-19). If it is proven to be safe and effective and is approved for use, it will be available in Australia from early 2021, as part of the Australian Government’s COVID-19 Vaccine and Treatment Strategy. In Australia, the vaccine would be manufactured by Australian-headquartered multinational biopharmaceutical company CSL in partnership with the developer, international pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca. The Oxford vaccine is one of nine vaccines supported by the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), a global partnership to accelerate vaccine development.
I don’t think they were talking about the likes of Australia, more likely to be Yemen. :twisted:
Problematic for some.
https://www.guardian-series.co.uk/news/18887423.we-free-ask-questions-covid-19-vaccine/
It is not compulsory, if an individual has any doubts just decline.