I have reached that age where it is time to get my 'adult shots'. I talked to my primary doctor this week, and we went over some of the shots. I asked If he would get them for me, and he said that the insurance reimbursement is less than his cost to get the vaccines, so I should let CVS or Walgreens handle it. I asked if I needed a prescription and he said, "no, they have taken that away from us too."
At this point I am looking to arrange some time soon to get my flu shot, shingles shot, TPAP (?) (tetnis and something else), and pneumonia.
The questions at had are:
1. What is your experience with these related to side effects? (I have plenty of flexibility with the timing, so I want schedule taking these when it will least interfere with classes).
2. I suppose that the pharmacist will let me know if there is a limit to how many or what combinations of shots I can take together, or IF I will have to stretch these out over a period of time. Do you have any experience taking multiple vaccines, these in particular?
3. While these are the ones I discussed with my doctor, what other vaccines should I consider at this point (Mid 50s)?
Please relate any relevant experiences!!
I got all of these last fall. They were no big deal, EXCEPT for Shingrix. That one was a doozy, with pain and lightheadedness.
Quote
I got all of these last fall. They were no big deal, EXCEPT for Shingrix. That one was a doozy, with pain and lightheadedness.
All at once or one at a time?
Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional.
I have received many vaccines as an adult, and sometimes several vaccines were injected at the same appointment. I have been vaccinated against hepatitis A, hepatitis B (twice; I am a non-responder), Japanese B encephalitis, measles (twice as an adult; prior vaccines were deemed ineffective), pneumococcal pneumonia (twice so far), tetanus boosters, influenza (annually). I have also had the Shingrix vaccine (twice, to complete the series). Possibly I have received other vaccines that I might have forgotten about, like typhoid.
The only time I had any side effect was when I got injected with maybe a half dozen or more vaccines at the same time; by the end of the day I could not raise my arms above my shoulders because the muscles where the vaccines had been injected were so sore. But no reaction other than that. Well, except for the JNJ SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. I had a fever and body aches the following day and was glad of it, because it meant my immune system has been stimulated sufficiently to produce antibodies.
Quote from: clean on September 18, 2021, 10:24:50 AM
Quote
I got all of these last fall. They were no big deal, EXCEPT for Shingrix. That one was a doozy, with pain and lightheadedness.
All at once or one at a time?
Shingrix was taken alone. I think I got the pneumonia and tetanus at the same time, but would have to look back at records. Like many in the US, I drive past a Walgreen's which is two miles from my home. Just got them at times I was picking up meds, and the pharmacists at this location make it really easy.. Also took the old person flu vaccine, and two rounds of Moderna.
Never had side effects for COVID, Shingrix or any flu shot.
T-DAP, though? I was knocked out for a few days and my arm hurt too badly even to go to yoga.
where does one get Japanese B encephaliitis? I have never seen vaxxes for this condition available around here?
Wrt the hep vaxxes, did you take these vaxxes on your own initiative, or did your doc tell you to do so? I am going to ask my doc the next time I see him, if there might be any vaxxes left I ought to take?
Quote from: kaysixteen on September 18, 2021, 10:46:00 PM
where does one get Japanese B encephaliitis? I have never seen vaxxes for this condition available around here?
In the U.S., you can get the vaccine from travel clinics and sometimes elsewhere. But it's not recommended unless you're traveling to areas (in South and East Asia) where Japanese encephalitis circulates. https://www.cdc.gov/japaneseencephalitis/index.html
clean, TDaP = tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis (whooping cough).
Quote from: kaysixteen on September 18, 2021, 10:46:00 PM
where does one get Japanese B encephaliitis? I have never seen vaxxes for this condition available around here?
Wrt the hep vaxxes, did you take these vaxxes on your own initiative, or did your doc tell you to do so? I am going to ask my doc the next time I see him, if there might be any vaxxes left I ought to take?
Many of my vaccinations were preparation for time spent abroad. Many U.S. states require entering college students to be vaccinated against Hep B and meningococcal meningitis. In my opinion, U.S. adults without contraindications should get influenza, coronavirus, Tdap, pneumonia, and Hep B vaccines. Shingrix if they've had chicken pox. And any of the standard vaccines for childhood diseases, like MMR, if they didn't get them as children or are at high risk.
We get flu shots every year, and I've never had a reaction.
Tetanus shots are the worst for me: a really sore arm and feel like I've been hit by a bus for 2-3 days. I also got a measles shot several times as an adult, most recently a couple of years ago (because every time I'd have a titer drawn when pregnant, I haven't shown immunity); I had the same hit-by-a-bus, plus about 100 degree fever, after each time. (I haven't had a titer since then, so not sure if the last one "took.")
I got the "regular" pneumonia shot when diagnosed with diabetes in 2019, and in talking with my doctor this past week, got the Prevnar-13 on Monday. I felt a little rough for a couple of days, but not too bad.
I got a pertussis (whooping cough) booster a few years ago, since my original kid-age shots' immunity was likely gone, and there was an outbreak in the area and on our campuses.
I don't think I'm immune to smallpox, though I had several doses of the shot as a baby/kid. Everyone I knew had that scar on the back of the upper arm, but I don't have one. I guess they don't even give that shot anymore, since smallpox has been gone from the US for so long now.
I can't remember if I got the meningitis shot about 10 years ago, or not; I know I'd thought about it because, again, it was around our campuses.
And we got the Moderna doses back in the spring. The first was OK, but the second laid me low for a week or so.
CDC adult immunization schedule https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/index.html (https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/index.html)
I had TDaP and MMR several years ago, during a whooping cough outbreak. My childhood immunizations were so long back that she said it would be good to get both TDaP and MMR, but insurance probably wouldn't pay for them. I paid for both gladly, as I was living in a state that let parents decline childhood vaccinations with no reason given. Had both shots the same day, with just a slight red bump at injection site.
My current doctor recommends reasonably healthy adults wait until age 60 for shingles and pneumonia vaccines, so I'll get those next year. Had my COVID-19 shots earlier this year, with my only reaction being sleeping a full day after the second one. I need to swing by pharmacy for flu shot this month.
I've done fine with the TDaP and pneumonia vaccines and I get the flu vaccine every year with no trouble. Shingrix was a ride--just a sore arm after the first, but the second dose was "sore arm down to my fingertips--ow!" for a couple of days plus a solid day of "wait, flu?" symptoms. Still glad to have it--everyone I know who has had shingles has classed it as their most painful experience ever, so no thanks.
Even so, the second dose of Shingrix was better than the cholera vaccine I got when I was 11 or so (military kid about to spend a lot of time overseas). That one sucked.
I've had everything spork recommends except for the Hep B vax. I am wondering why no doc has ever told me to get it- might my PCP think, perhaps, that I had already gotten it? I never did get a Hep B (or any Hep strain) vax, by itself, but could it have been piggybacked along with some other vax?
I got my flu shot at work about 2 weeks ago now I think.
Yesterday I went to Walgreens and waited a while, but then was told that the pharmacist was the only vaccinator on duty and that I should come back tomorrow.
Today I went, and the line was longer! I went to another one, and the line there was even LONGER!!
I went home and called my insurer. The insurer (blue cross) transferred me to the pharmacy group (Express Scripts). I found out that I was NOT limited to using Walgreens as I thought!
I called CVS (a 1/2 mile from my house!) and while waiting on hold the recording gave instructions on how to schedule online. The closest time was only an hour out, so I completed the forms and got THREE shots.
I got the shots for TDAP, (or TDAB), Shingles Part I (I understand I need several of these) and Pneumonia (the 23 one).
They gave me TDAP and Pneumonia in one arm and the shingles in the other arm.
That was 3 hours ago. I dont know if it is my head overthinking, or if I am starting to feel the 'side effects'.
But they are started! I have to get Shingles Part II in 2 to six months.
I'm mid-50s.
COVID did nothing to me, although it did give my wife (late 40s) a rough, flu-ish day.
The Shingles vaccine hurt my arm for about a week.
Otherwise I was fine.
My elderly mother got shingles and I flew across the country to take care of her for four weeks. I definitely do not want that rash.
Never took the shingles vaccine, and ended up getting it a few years ago. I was very, very fortunate to have an extremely mild case. I got the rash, but no pain.
I've had it twice. I RAN to get the vaccine when I could.
it has been 24 hours now.
I had some arm pain last night, and even when I was trying to sleep, the pain/annoyance went to my shoulder/back.I didnt feel all that great last night eitehr.
At this point, though I think that I am feeling better.
I am dealing with Examity and an error or 2 that they made yesterday proctoring exams. Im glad that I m not undergoing the side effects as that would make the entire issue with examity so much worse!
As I have heard such terrible things about shingles, I am glad I got round one of the shots. Ill be sure to schedule the next one for either early December, or early January (after Christmas).
I took off the bandaid from yesterday's shot! I can see the hole from the injection!!
I noted that the shot hurt more than usual, and the pharmacist said that they were out of the smaller gauge needles. Well I can assure you that I have the evidence that they were!!
I take allergy shots weekly and even right after the shot, I am hard pressed to see the injection site. These are quite visible !!
OUCH!
Still hurts some! Maybe tonight I will sleep better. I dont expect that my shoulder will hurt, BUT now that I SEE the holes....
Somewhere it was written, "A mind is a terrible thing..."
Is anyone else seeing the title of this thread as, "Adult Vacations"?
Must be late...
M.
Another year, another shot update!
Today I got both a Flu shot and the updated COVID shot.
I had intended to get the flu shot at work, but they seem to be keeping the dates of the events secret! I emailed HR, and they emailed back that 'it was last week" Then the one in charge of scheduling them replied with a future date, which I remembered about an after it ended.
So today I went to the county sponsored Covid place. There were 4 people ready to inoculate the massive crowds clammering to get the newest version of the shot. In other words, I was the only one there for them, so the wait was very short!!
I then drove to the local Walgreens, because they seem to be the insurance preferred company to use to get the shot (if not done at work). It looked like no wait there either, but the front counter person said that the pharmacist would have to print something, and then it got busy, and the counter person had forgotten about me!
By the time they were ready to give me the shot, there were 3 waiting, but they others were grumbling because they didnt know I was waiting before them and thought that they were first in line, but i was in there less than 90 seconds, so they remarked, 'Wow, That Was FAST!".
All was well, But then I went for lunch (to go). I ate my lunch and as soon as I finished all I wanted, i started to throw up for the next few minutes (upsetting My Bride).
So I hope that was not a harbinger of a bad weekend to come! I have preliminarily reserved tomorrow to be for recovery. Still plenty of work to do, and I wont be able to afford to be off Saturday AND Sunday.
Fortunately, after the post lunch 'events' I was able to spend several hours today working on other work things (writing nominations for Emeritus status for some faculty).
But that is the update!
In the last year, has anyone else updated their adult shots including Shingles, Pneumonia, tetnis, flu, COVID, or whatever Whooping Cough is called these days?
From clean: the pharmacist said that they were out of the smaller gauge needles. . I am completely needle phobic because I am of the generation which received injections (think polio) from reusable needles. Huge, reusable needles!. Even today's little needles are traumatic for me.
Fortunately, Polio for me was a sweet tasting substance that was squirted in my mouth. (I remember that). I remember getting small pox, which was not a needle exactly but a round something that sort of strapped to the doctor's thumb.
Fortunately for me, I guess, I have to give myself injections for allergies every week, and now (another issue) a b12 shot once a month, and THAT is a big ass needle!
In olden days, as a PhD student I had to have regular blood panels drawn for a genetic issue (cholesterol... the total is low, but the parts are out of whack with very log 'good' and very high 'bad' kinds). IF I could go in and get the blood drawn and then leave, all was well. But if I had to wait too long before, and especially after, then I had time to faint! If the would just draw my blood and let me leave then all would be fine and I would get on with my day, but IF/when I had to wait 'to see if I had a reaction', then dammit, you are going to have a reaction!!
So I understand!
However, it is better to have even THAT kind of reaction, than to have shingles, or COVID (for 3 weeks like I did this summer!) or the flu!
Consider having someone take you, and make it a positive event! Have Ice Cream after or some other reward for 'being a good pin cushion'.
(I always ask when I am given a shot (which I have to have when I get new vials) 'Do you want me to scream or cry for the new people? I know you have a reputation to uphold!' After doing that once, they are fast to say, "no" now!... I guess that I startled someone!
Quote from: clean on November 12, 2022, 06:06:36 AM
Fortunately, Polio for me was a sweet tasting substance that was squirted in my mouth. (I remember that). I remember getting small pox, which was not a needle exactly but a round something that sort of strapped to the doctor's thumb.
Most children ended up getting the Sabin oral vaccine, instead of the Salk shot. I was another child unlucky enough to have a doctor who believed in the Salk vaccine. The doctor and the local public health office were a place of fear for me, since I usually got shots when I went there. One night I overheard Mom telling Dad that she would be taking me and my brother to get our shots the next day. Talk about dread!
But you know, I've seen people who got polio as children and were left disabled for the rest of their lives. I've heard horror stories about the last great polio epidemic in this country.
That must have been a time of great terror for parents and children. No wonder that generation rushed to embrace vaccines when they became available! I guess perhaps the vaccines did their work of eradicating dreaded childhood illnesses too well. People lost their fear of disease, and came to believe in internet-created killer vaccine bogeymen instead.
Mid-50s.
Shingles shot had no effect that I could discern. I nursed my mother through shingles. It is to be avoided.
The first COVID made me slightly fluish the next day, but that was it.
The COVID boosters had no effect on me except this last one which seemed to make both my wife and I very lethargic for the day afterward. We got the flu shots at the same time after a long trek to Costco, so maybe that had something to do with it.
You'll be fine.
I got 3 Covid shots last year, in Feb and March, and the booster in November (Moderna).
After the first Covid shot I had a terrible reaction - fever, aches, throwing up, the works, out of action for 3 days.
I hydrated much better after the second one and had a milder reaction but didn't feel good for a couple of days.
Very minimal reaction to the first booster.
Then after 2.5 years of safety I got a bad bout of Covid (likely a newer omicron strain?) in September this year so I am delaying the next booster till Jan or Feb.
But, last month I got my first shingles shot dose (that did hurt) and my annual flu shot (barely felt it in comparison). I had an awful weekend, pain, fever, and couldn't get out of bed or move my shingles arm for 2 days. I did have a bout of shingles in my 40s and that was so awful that I started the vaccine series this year. I am not looking forward to my second dose in January/February.
I am also terribly needle phobic - fainting and all the drama. I don't get shots in drugstores etc. I have to go to the doctor's office. I have figured out what to say and how to position myself to reduce the fallout - breathing exercises don't work but light chitchat with the nurse (any topic except them warning you what and when they are doing to you) is more effective.
I developed knee swelling and pain out of the blue last December that is still going on. They have been trying to diagnose me for about a year now to no avail. My own hypothesis is that it's reactive arthritis following Covid immunization. There are some case studies published that can be found in PubMed, but there is no way of testing or proving this.
Quote from: poiuy on November 13, 2022, 12:42:44 PM
But, last month I got my first shingles shot dose (that did hurt) and my annual flu shot (barely felt it in comparison). I had an awful weekend, pain, fever, and couldn't get out of bed or move my shingles arm for 2 days. I did have a bout of shingles in my 40s and that was so awful that I started the vaccine series this year. I am not looking forward to my second dose in January/February.
I know someone else who got shingles in their mid-40s and it was very painful. Makes me want to get vaccinated now instead of waiting a few more years. From what I gather, getting a shot prior to 50 (without being immune compromised) would make it "off label" and require a doctor's authorization and probably won't be covered by insurance.
I am pleased to report that I had no real symptoms from Friday's shots.
As I indicated in an earlier post, I threw up after the shots when I ate lunch (Wendy's) an hour after the second one, but I take other shots in my tummy that cause nausea if my stomach gets too full, even if it is just too much water/diet coke!.
I scheduled Saturday to be 'sick' but I did not have any issues. My Covid shot arm is still sensitive if I rub the shot area. The Flu Shot arm is fine with no pain at all when rubbed. SO I enjoyed a day of 'unauthorized fun' avoiding any and all work.
The update from the Covid shot folks is that I got the updated version, and unless the CDC moves to make it an annual update, that this will be my last one.
Quote from: clean on November 11, 2022, 04:34:41 PM
In the last year, has anyone else updated their adult shots including Shingles, Pneumonia, tetnis, flu, COVID, or whatever Whooping Cough is called these days?
I did all but COVID in late 2020. Only the Shingles was an issue for me. Since I've don the flu each year, and had 5 Moderna COVID shots with no issue.
Doc now wants me to get Prevnar for Pneumonia. Anyone taken that?
Done all of them but pneumonia (a little too young to get it free) , but I know plenty who did that, had no problems.
Whooping cough (pertussis) is linked with tetanus, and you generally get the booster every 10 years. I think it was once called DPT
(Diptheria, Tetanus, Pertusis) , but might have a different name now. In any case, you get that initially as a kid, and then are supposed to keep getting the decadal boosters.
It's now called DTaP. Diphtheria, Tetanus and acellular Pertussis. They improved the Pertussis vaccine formulation, hence the new name. Yes, you should boost that one every 10 years.
I think I'm all caught up on everything (got my covid booster and flu shot last month) except that I'm a few years behind on tetanus or DTaP. I meant to get it two years ago during a routine appointment with the doctor, but the appointment went awry and I totally forgot and didn't bring it up at my recent appointment for similar reasons. I'll probably try to get it at a drug store at some point rather than have to deal with him any more than I have to. I wonder if I'll still have a reaction to it.