General COVID-19 Vaccine Discussion

[JohnK]

I've dealt with influenza for decades - Doctor-call has vaccinated more people against it than anyone outside the NHS. The flu is horrid, but society accepted a balance was required and restrictions weren't necessary with effective vaccines. Exactly how it should be for COVID. Let's not forget that covid IS the flu. It's literally a cold virus. You know this. You also know that suddenly separating a specific cold/flu virus for special attention was purposeful.

I'm not sure I agree that we had the balance right regarding flu/colds.

I agree that people have a right to go about their business but I should feel safe going about my business too.

Pre Covid many people would turn up to work with the flu because if they didn't they would not get paid. They would still go out shopping, clubs, pubs, restaurants etc.

Did anyone ever think about the people that were infected? Did anyone ever think about how that person suffered? Or how their family suffered?

e.g. the flu used to knock me about for at least 1 week. Many times it was 2-3 weeks and once it was close to 3 months.

In Thailand it's compulsory to check temperature when walking into 7-Eleven, malls etc. I think that should be compulsory everywhere. Here they would think that violates their freedom.

I used to respect people's decisions not to vaccinate until I almost died from chicken pox. Never had chicken pox as a child and vaccines weren't available until mid 90's.

I understand that people have a right to make decisions about their health but not when that decision can affect others. That compromise I will never accept but powerless to do anything about it.

 

[marki]

I'm not sure I agree that we had the balance right regarding flu/colds.

I agree that people have a right to go about their business but I should feel safe going about my business too.

Pre Covid many people would turn up to work with the flu because if they didn't they would not get paid. They would still go out shopping, clubs, pubs, restaurants etc.

Did anyone ever think about the people that were infected? Did anyone ever think about how that person suffered? Or how their family suffered?

e.g. the flu used to knock me about for at least 1 week. Many times it was 2-3 weeks and once it was close to 3 months.

In Thailand it's compulsory to check temperature when walking into 7-Eleven, malls etc. I think that should be compulsory everywhere. Here they would think that violates their freedom.

I used to respect people's decisions not to vaccinate until I almost died from chicken pox. Never had chicken pox as a child and vaccines weren't available until mid 90's.

I understand that people have a right to make decisions about their health but not when that decision can affect others. That compromise I will never accept but powerless to do anything about it.

Yea I agree I don’t think we had the balance right at all.

 

[RooFlyer]

Just got my second booster - a month before a cruise . It was in MyGov/Medicare and Vaccine digital certificate within 5 mins!

 

[woodyren]

Just got my second booster - a month before a cruise . It was in MyGov/Medicare and Vaccine digital certificate within 5 mins!

I received my second one last week. We have a series of cruises and land travels in August/Sept/Oct.

Mrs Woodyren who is under 65 will now be able to get hers before we leave. Hopefully every little bit helps to get us through the trip unscathed.

 

[Lynda2475]

Access to a second COVID booster vaccine has been expanded to people 30 years and over

Fourth COVID shots have been approved for over-30s, a necessary step to help protect Australians this winter. But we should be doing more.

theconversation.com

Of course I managed to get covid just as it ticked past 6 months and 1 week since I had my 3rd dose, I would have liked a booster before travelling but of course you have to wait til 3 months after your had Covid.

 

[Pushka]

Access to a second COVID booster vaccine has been expanded to people 30 years and over

Fourth COVID shots have been approved for over-30s, a necessary step to help protect Australians this winter. But we should be doing more.

theconversation.com

Of course I managed to get covid just as it ticked past 6 months and 1 week since I had my 3rd dose, I would have liked a booster before travelling but of course you have to wait til 3 months after your had Covid.

If you've had Covid and three vaccinations and travelling soon I don't think you are at any risk.

 

[RooFlyer]

I would have liked a booster before travelling but of course you have to wait til 3 months after your had Covid.

Of course if you don’t report it …

 

[JohnK]

I've now had 2 Pfizer and 2 Moderna.

Still no Covid and hope it stays away. Went to GP earlier in the day for the booster and noticed quite a few people wearing masks. Good to see.

 

[rodkoguma]

If you've had Covid and three vaccinations and travelling soon I don't think you are at any risk.

I have had 5 x vaccines against SARS-COV-2.

AZ, AZ, Moderna, Moderna, and Moderna.

My Ig panels to test for immunity shows I do not have an effective antibody response developed.

This is often the case for people suffering immunocompromise.

Been waiting for Evusheld, which I qualify for as my immunocompromise comes from immunosuppression of beta cells.

For any other travellers out there who are severely immunocomps, find out about the qualifying criteria, and consider Evusheld.

Evusheld is a monoclonal antibody treatment providing antibodies that lasts up to six months, and is offered as Pre exposure protection.

 

[rodkoguma]

I have had 5 x vaccines against SARS-COV-2.

AZ, AZ, Moderna, Moderna, and Moderna.

My Ig panels to test for immunity shows I do not have an effective antibody response developed.

This is often the case for people suffering immunocompromise.

Been waiting for Evusheld, which I qualify for as my immunocompromise comes from immunosuppression of beta cells.

For any other travellers out there who are severely immunocomps, find out about the qualifying criteria, and consider Evusheld.

Evusheld is a monoclonal antibody treatment providing antibodies that lasts up to six months, and is offered as Pre exposure protection.

One handy meta resource with links to various state health departments and the state prescriber guidelines for Evusheld is here ...

Evusheld - MS Australia

Here we detail MS medications and the current advice regarding a third booster shot of the COVID-19 vaccine for people living with MS.

www.msaustralia.org.au

 

[Lynda2475]

you've had Covid and three vaccinations and travelling soon I don't think you are at any risk.

However, had us under 65s not been denied access to a booster i would have stayed on schedule and likely not have got Covid last week. Every non-retiree i know who has got covid in last 3 weeks had their 3rd booster pre xmas, so we were overdue a booster. That said none of us haver been seriously ill either.

 

[RooFlyer]

Welcome to AFF @rodkoguma

 

[Pushka]

However, had us under 65s not been denied access to a booster i would have stayed on schedule and likely not have got Covid last week. Every non-retiree i know who has got covid in last 3 weeks had their 3rd booster pre xmas, so we were overdue a booster. That said none of us haver been seriously ill either.

Not the case at all. Having four shots is no guarantee you won't get Covid and never has been. We both had Covid a month ago. Which was 6 weeks after MrP's 4th vaccination and 8 weeks after my 4th shot. My niece was the same. But as you say we were not severely impacted.

 

[drron]

Access to a second COVID booster vaccine has been expanded to people 30 years and over

Fourth COVID shots have been approved for over-30s, a necessary step to help protect Australians this winter. But we should be doing more.

theconversation.com

Of course I managed to get covid just as it ticked past 6 months and 1 week since I had my 3rd dose, I would have liked a booster before travelling but of course you have to wait til 3 months after your had Covid.

The advice to wait 3 months is that there would probably be a bigger antibody rise with a longer wait -as should have been done with Pfizer initially.
But there are a few exceptions such as if you are starting an immunosuppressive drug you should get the booster sooner.
One other is if travelling overseas. We are taking advantage of this and having our third shot ~ 7 weeks after covid and just before travel. As we are off on a cruise hopefully preventing that positive test. not really worried by covid as I was asymptomatic.
We checked with the local vaccination centre who were fine with us getting dose 4.

 

[Lynda2475]

Of course if you don’t report it …

Not an option for those of us who need a clearance certificate for work and upcoming travel.

One other is if travelling overseas

Which was my main reason for wanting a booster 6 months after my 3rd dose but that wasn't permitted because I am well under 65 (believe me i tried). And I just did a RAT and still a feint line (not a nice solid one like when I tested positive on Sunday) so by the time I'm out of iso there will be 3 weeks or less until I fly , and given plan was to get a different vaccine I'm not willing to risk unknown side effects that close to departure (ideally would have got boosted 6 weeks out to allow for anti-body build) as I cant miss anymore work because I need that spending $ (no paid sick leave for us consultants).

 

[MARTINE]

I am early 60’s
Had 4th vaccine yesterday
AZ AZ Mod Mod
Woke up during night aching all over and slept until now
Feeling much much better
Its not Covid (well RAT neg) no sore throat /cough etc
Had this after first AZ - all settled 24 hrs and same here.
Plan Italy Oct

 

[tgh]

I have been "saving" my fourth hit to use as trip insurance later this year.
As it spins out I am not a great chance to go anywhere much this year and the media hyperbole about the coming doom wave has me wondering…..to shoot or not to shoot...

 

[JohnK]

I have been "saving" my fourth hit to use as trip insurance later this year.
As it spins out I am not a great chance to go anywhere much this year and the media hyperbole about the coming doom wave has me wondering…..to shoot or not to shoot...

Is this a new variant?

 

[love_the_life]

Not the case at all. Having four shots is no guarantee you won't get Covid and never has been. We both had Covid a month ago. Which was 6 weeks after MrP's 4th vaccination and 8 weeks after my 4th shot. My niece was the same. But as you say we were not severely impacted.

Agree, we have just come out of ISO - both had 4 vaccinations and it didn't stop us getting COVID. Not terribly ill but certainly were unwell (like a bad cold/the lurgy) with fatigue. Maybe the vax helped to mitigate the symptoms.

 

[Pushka]

Agree, we have just come out of ISO - both had 4 vaccinations and it didn't stop us getting COVID. Not terribly ill but certainly were unwell (like a bad cold/the lurgy) with fatigue. Maybe the vax helped to mitigate the symptoms.

We have to think that the vaccination helps. The rarity is finding someone who hasn't had Covid now. Like my brother and SIL. And she works at Covid testing station. Hope you feel better soon.