A friend of mine in the UK had it just over a year ago and said it was horrible, and has had lasting effects for her (she was under 70 and they weren't starting vaccinating until 70 in the UK at that time) so I am keen to get it. If the programme is likely to be extended further to cover over 65s then I might wait a while but if not I would buy it privately. Next time I have to go to the health centre I will ask, but I suppose the receptionists might not know either.

Bob, the flu and covid jabs will be available for over 60s from 23 October so it won't show on the app for your wife just yet, the option appeared for my husband a day or two before the first appointment date for over 70s so if she tries next Monday or Tuesday it might be there.

Thanks Lynn yes we thought that would be the case.

I have COPD and have not stopped having a mask with me when out and about. If I'm anywhere surrounded by people (usually supermarkets) I put the mask on.

Were you advised to do this by your medics or do you do this because it makes you feel safer and how do people react to you?

Rosemary

Bob, the facility to make appointments for the vaccinations for those aged 60 and over was available for me on the Clicsalud website this morning, I have made my appointment for tomorrow morning.

Thanks Lynn yes we checked this morning and my wife was able to make an appointment for next Monday.

I asked the nurse who did my flu and Covid jabs this morning whether the shingles vaccine programme was likely to be extended to those over 65 in future, but he had absolutely no idea (I didn't really think people working in local health centres would be any better informed than we are). I will wait to see what is announced about eligibility next year, and if it's just going to be for those who actually turn 65 next year again then I'll buy the vaccine privately. If ever there's a cut off point for being entitled to something, I am guaranteed to be on the wrong side of it!

I haven’t had shingles but I know people who have and they are quite a bit younger than 65. It is not a pleasant experience. IMO it is well worth paying to have the vaccine.

Totally agree with you. It is absolute torture. No way of gaining any relief from the nerve pain, impossible to get comfortable at any time of the day or night, makes you feel like you are going quite mad.

rosemary

Respiratory Consultant said "it may stop that one instance when you are exposed, at worse it will do you no harm". No reactions from people, maybe a quick glance but to be honest I don't care. I've had pneumonia in the past, I've had TB but when I had covid it was the first time I thought I may die so I'll wear a mask.

I'm based in the UK (Wales) but spend at least three months a year away from home per year and I always wear a mask during flights. I hydrate before boarding and don't take it off until I've landed.

I like the consultants idea of it doing no harm. You have to do what feels right to you and makes you feel comfortable no matter what anyone else thinks or says.

Rosemary

My wife retired as a (very) senior mental health nurse with a 40 year pension then within months covid arrived and she was called back; within weeks the demand on mental health services shot through the roof and got even worse during lockdown. People for the first time in their lives were getting serious anxiety attacks, bouts of depression and paranoia and like many general nurses she was working 12 hour shifts in her case as a mental health crisis intervention nurse in a large hospital.

The NHS were confronted with something never seen before, a global pandemic and they met the challenge head on so when I see people spouting off conspiracy theory nonsense about covid/vaccine/masks it makes my blood boil to be honest.

Rant over.