Hi everyone just wondering what everyone is doing about get the COVID 19 jab? I’m booked in for my first dose but having second thoughts with the blood clotting that’s happening, I am over 60 so I’m ok to get it but unsure.

Statistics are just that...numbers. I'm not too sure where your figure of 99.98% survival rate originates, but according to the Johns Hopkins statistics, the mortality rate in the USA for people who've contracted covid is 3%. Not 3% of the entire general population, but 3% of people who have tested positive. I have three medical conditions (aside from the cancer) and also was treated for a brain aneurysm. Each of the three conditions have a roughly 40% mortality within ten years of diagnosis. The one affects 5 per 100.000 people, the second one 20 per million people, the third 4 per 100.000 people and the type of aneurysm I had affects 2.4% of all intracranial aneurysms which affect 4% of the population. The percentage of 2.4% of 4% is 0.00096%. Oh...and the breast cancer is 1 in 7 in Australia...used to be 1 in 8. I'm the lucky one who has struck the jackpot with all of these which probably explains why each time I've been admitted to hospital, I have a line of students wanting to do their "long case studies" with me. (It comes up on an internal computer). I've been swooped upon by quite a few of their professors too for teaching purposes. I don't mind, if they learn something that refutes the old chestnut in medical circles of "If you hear hoof beats...think horses, not zebras". The lecturers say to the young students...."Behold...a zebra". These highly qualified doctors have kept me alive well past what was expected, so I think I'll stick with their advice. Each person is responsible for their own decisions regarding their medical treatment and I respect that.

The thing is that people need to understand that blood clots form in a number of different ways and for differing reasons. In the same way, coughs are caused by different problems, and the treatment differs too. You don't treat an asthma cough with antibiotics, and you don't treat pneumonia with ventolin. I'm a bit more knowledgeable about blood clots as I have a condition called antiphospholipid antigen syndrome. This makes my blood "sticky". I've had two pulmonary embolisms and multiple DVTs in both an arm as well as in the legs. I take warfarin daily and have done for over twenty years and will do so for life. My INR (degree of blood thinness) is kept very high and I walk the tightrope of risk of severe bleeding on the one hand, and further blood clots on the other. My husband had a massive heart attack over ten years ago and takes Plavix and Cartia to prevent further clots. He can't take my meds, and I can't take his. The method of blood clot formation is different, as is the cascade of events at a cellular level that poses a risk to us both. The clotting problem with this vaccine is different from both what he and I are at risk for. I've had a good discussion with my rheumatologist, a professor at a major Sydney hospital regarding vaccination, and he has told me that, even for me, with such a track record for life threatening clots, I should still have it, because if I did get covid, that would probably be it for me. My husband spoke to his cardiac specialist as well, and was given the same advice.

Everyone has to make their own decision. While I'm grumpy about the AZ, a little because of the potential side effects but more because of it's efficacy compared to other vaccines, I will still get the shots. I have heard too much from people I know overseas to want to risk our community. I did sit on the fence for awhile but not because I thought that the stories of severe illness and death in the media were untrue - I know from friends and family that they are very true. More because I was waiting for the okay from my oncologist and to see the early effects of the rollout. It is becoming more and more likely that we will have a major outbreak here if the herd immunity is not there. So many countries that have done well, have fallen. I've gone through enough with BC and do not want to get ill, nor to be the weak link that passes something on to someone who cannot withstand it.

For those of us fortunate enough to be in Australia at this time, it seems that we are not being asked to do a great deal - in comparison to many places overseas. The last great flu epidemic claimed, as a conservative estimate, between 17 and 50 million lives worldwide. Given the population was much smaller then, the impact was immense. Many of us have flu shots, which are not without risks. Having had cancer, we know that the unexpected can happen. This coronavirus is called novella because it’s new (not a flu strain) and we don’t know yet what it can or may do. I am happy to have my shots (one already), and wear a mask when asked, to keep all of us as free as possible of the virus. This may be a longer road than we think.

I have chosen to be vaccinated having spoken with my family in UK and understanding the devastating effects it was having there. I am fortunate that it was offered through my work due to being in a support role in healthcare. I was expecting to receive the AZ vac as I am over 50 but ended up with the pfizer vac (i would have had either).1st dose - sore arm at point of entry for about 24 hours, 2nd dose a bit more of a reaction, about 15 hours in, woke up with headache and chills as well as painful arm and a bit of a fever. This lasted about 24 hours but went as quickly as it came with the aid of panadol and rest.I am now fully vaccinated as the wait was only 3 weeks between jabs, I feel that it has given me confidence should there be an outbreak here and benefits outweigh the small period of side effects I felt.Understand as per many posts above everyone needs to make their own decision, I am happy with mine and just wanted to share my experience on this post.

COVID 19 jab | Online Network

FLClover
Member
4 years ago
I agree @sooziqu. I think blood clots are quite scary and dangerous. I refused to take the pill and also Tamoxifen cos of that. And I wore my compression socks religiously post surgery to avoid blood clots. I’ve had an u/s a couple times after flying to Europe and back cos I had calf pain and was so scared. So I wouldn’t say that’s something to just be ok with.
During my treatment last year, none of my specialists wore masks (they didn’t feel it necessary and I trust them). I also didn’t, especially for radiation, and thankfully I’ve been fine. There’s nowhere near enough research done on this vaccine. We don’t like having chemo, which has been around for years, due to its terrible side effects. Same with hormone suppressing drugs etc. So I’m not sure why I wouldn’t have the same concerns about a vaccine with almost no research done on side effects.
In regard to the virus itself, I haven’t seen ppl dropping dead on the streets like Louie flies, thank the Lord 🙏🏻. And media tends to over exaggerate facts, this is well known, as history has taught us. So my belief is that covid is another strain of flu that is best dealt with with a strong immune system. Putting foreign and poorly researched matter in my body doesn’t help my immune system, so I’d rather avoid it. I’d rather stack up on magnesium, vitamin D and C, calcium and zinc. That’ my best bet.
This is just me and my opinion on the vaccine. I’m not negating others’ opinions on it. People are free to do what they want ♥️
June1952
Member
4 years ago
I am booked in for the AZ next week and my husband is over 70 so will get the Pfizer. A friend who is in her 50s had the AZ last week and said she had a heavy head (like a cold) the next day but is fine. All overseas friends have had the AZ with no side-effects at all.
As 'they' say the blood clotting issue is different to the 'normal' blood clots people can suffer we just have to trust them to a degree, I guess. I am thinking that we are not privy to any other medical conditions of the poor people who have the blood clots but if we are sensible and report issues quickly we should be able to get over any clots as other 'statistics' have done. Us BC ladies are possibly more aware of our bodies and not hesitant to ask for help !
My GP seems to think it is very important to have the vaccination and we had a 4 weeks gap between that and the usual flu vaccination.
Me ? I guess I will be brave and go ahead - with my Will in place 🤣🤣🤣🤣
Afraser
Member
4 years ago
For those of us fortunate enough to be in Australia at this time, it seems that we are not being asked to do a great deal - in comparison to many places overseas. The last great flu epidemic claimed, as a conservative estimate, between 17 and 50 million lives worldwide. Given the population was much smaller then, the impact was immense. Many of us have flu shots, which are not without risks. Having had cancer, we know that the unexpected can happen. This coronavirus is called novella because it’s new (not a flu strain) and we don’t know yet what it can or may do. I am happy to have my shots (one already), and wear a mask when asked, to keep all of us as free as possible of the virus. This may be a longer road than we think.
BlackWidow
Member
4 years ago
Ditto comments from @June52 above. I had the AZ as I do not qualify for the Pfizer. Had a headache but remain attentive to myself and no other issues so far. If there is a COVID breakout and it moves swiftly like it did in Melbourne last year then I'd rather know I have some protection. It is a hard decision but the odds of getting the virus could quickly be far greater than that of getting the clots. We've all had to make hard decisions with our BC and had to trust our medicos so what is different ? Sometimes we went along quite blindly hoping for the best. I am a sook, I'd rather be a little ill than have to be ventilated. Good luck with your decision and the future. May we all stay well.
sooziqu
Member
4 years ago
@FLClover, I take everything you take too. I'm also not sure I'm like the Tamoxifen either, and that is my third drug. I am still
FLClover
Member
4 years ago
You’ll be fine @June1952, you do know how to look after yourself. And as you said, if you feel any side effects you can report them straight away 👌🏻♥️
FLClover
Member
4 years ago
@BlackWidow it’s true we’ve had to blindly trust our medicos, especially at the beginning when we knew nothing on the subject. In my case specifically, however, I started getting massive anxiety about my surgeon, and my gut was going wild telling me that something was wrong. I didn’t know what, but something. So I researched, gained info and possible reasons as to why, and switched surgeons. Second surgeon confirmed all my suspicions. The more time goes by, the more info I find out about first surgeon and medial stuff in general, the more I know I was absolutely right not to trust him. One of the best decisions of my life, changing him. I feel the same about this vaccine. Every cell in my body is telling me not to take it. Research into that is also steadily proving why I’m right. I’m a massive sook too, and very wary of stuff done to my body. That’s why I believe this decision is best for me. It’s not selfish, if I thought I was a threat to others I’d stay away. I just don’t believe I am. And I don’t believe all this is necessary.
But each to their own. I also first and foremost wish well to others. I don’t like seeing anybody suffering.
I hope all you ladies are safe, healthy and well, no matter what decisions you make about this vaccine or any other medical matters 🙏🏻♥️
arpie
Member
4 years ago
I am hesitant just now to have the jab - as I just can't afford to get ill. Hubby can't have it as his immunity is compromised whilst he is on chemo - and if I get ill, he would have to go into care as he just can't fend for himself at all - altho he is fine with showering, dressing & general day to day stuff - but not really able to do food, eating & taking of medications (including oral chemo) which is essential as he is diabetic as well.

So I am sitting on the fence for a while ...... plus it hasn't been offered to me by our GP Practice yet, even tho I am nearly 70 & over 50s are supposed to be getting it in NSW!
FLClover
Member
4 years ago
Trust your instinct @arpie, you’ll know what is best. I hope you’re healthy no matter what cos hubby does really need you, and I know how distressed you’d be if he had to go into care 😕.
🍀🍀🍀
♥️
MicheleR
Member
4 years ago
If you are in 1b category but under 50 can you get pfizer?