Has anyone had the swine flu vaccine?

[Nicola Jane Rippon]

I live in the UK and am in the first group (most 'at risk' due to asthma) to be vaccinated at my local surgery to be offered the immunisation. I have called to confirm that I am attending the clinic. Has anyone - particularly in the UK although I'm interested in all views - had their jab yet? I am a bit needle phobic (although I am more than grateful to receive some protection, since I fear swine flu on my lungs even more!) and just want someone to tell me it was ok!
Yeah, I know I'm a wimp (and I know loads of you out there have to endure regular injections and worse) but until the letter came I forgot how much I dislike injections!
And, I am not so bad because I was about to arrange my seasonal flu jab - which will now have to wait!
Also, does anyone know how long after I have the swine vaccine, I have to wait to have my seasonal one?

[maureen]

Hi Nicola, I plan on getting the flu shot when it becomes available in my area. I can get the shot, but not the nasal spray (which has the live virus) because of my autoimmune problems. I have already had the seasonal flu vaccine....I hate shots too!
Maureen

[Darlene Evans]

I got the vaccine last week, I am a health care provider. Yes, your arm may ache for a day or two- but it is no different from the pain I have daily. I tell all my coworker- you know your arm pain, that is what I feel all over, everyday. Ohhhh they say with a glint of understanding.

[Nicola Jane Rippon]

You are, of course right in what I am sure you are thinking and are far too polite to tell me - that I am being a baby! Having adjusted to this by now I am keen to get on with it! I have an event to go to in the evening and an aching arm is not about to stop me, (I get nasty bouts of tendonitis so weird feeling hands/arms is nothing new - although not nearly as bad as your issues!) I am very, very grateful to be getting mine relatively early - especially since there were reports that the initial high-priority vaccinations might take four months to complete and we are only a week into it!
Thank you both for your reassurance and the reminder what a wimp I am!

[Annie Martin]

I have had my swine flu vaccine, about a week ago now.

I was in the first group as well, with the whole compromised immune system. I had to wait in line for 4 hours! but most of my family works in health care and believe it to be well worth it. The needle itself didn't hurt, but my arm was in pain for a solid 4 days (much more than the average flu shot which I'm quite used to...). It's not anything worse than what most people here normally go through though.

I know of people who had their seasonal vaccine in one arm the same time they had the swine flu vaccine in the other arm, so I'm not sure if there is any problem in having to wait at all.

Hopefully it went well for you!!

Annie

[Nicola Jane Rippon]

I get to go this coming Saturday - 14th - and there is a clinic open for three hours. They are only calling a few people at a time at our surgery as the vaccine has been supplied in bottles each containing 10 doses so once they open one they have to jab 10 people or it goes to waste! Also, being on the NHS the entire population will (eventually) get the vaccine for free, so that's a big plus point!

[Nicola Jane Rippon]

I've just got back from having mine. At our surgery it was quick, very well organised and I was the 32nd person in line. The place opened at 10am and I was done, dusted, rested and jabbed and back out the door in 20 minutes! Hurrah for the NHS! Needle you can barely feel (and I had my seasonal vaccine in the other arm at the same time!) now just a bit of aching so far so good. SOOO glad I've had it done!