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Post by romily on Nov 30, 2023 2:51:31 GMT -5
When I had surgery this summer nobody even mentioned a Covid test. Nor are any of the staff then, or in the hospital I go to now for my physio/gyno appointments now, wearing a mask. I actually can't even recall when I saw anybody wearing a mask in the UK, may it be in public, or healthcare settings (this includes the big NHS hospital). I think the last time must have been at the airport a few months ago, and even then it was only very few people. coronavirus.data.gov.uk/Interesting data - the virus is clearly still around but there seems to be a bit a dip compared to a month ago. The thing is, nobody talks about it anymore, so unless you specifically look for the data you would not know Covid even still exists.
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Post by ozziegiraffe on Nov 30, 2023 5:57:38 GMT -5
I had to do a test before I could have my cataract operation, because I’d had a respiratory infection. Checked with my GP, who recommended I have a booster.
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Post by HalcyonDaze on Nov 30, 2023 5:58:04 GMT -5
Think the UK stopped waste water sampling.
This shows the difference btw current reported tests and wastewater in Perth. You can see when mandatory reporting stopped (as well as things like free PCRs)
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Post by romily on Nov 30, 2023 10:33:09 GMT -5
This is the first time I ever heard of waste water beating tested for Covid...Considering the shambles our water companies are in in general with sewage treatment (oops! there's poop in the river!) I would be surprised if that has ever happened.
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Post by sprite on Nov 30, 2023 12:41:47 GMT -5
It did happen in the UK, but it wasn't publicized or discussed like it seems to have been in Australia?
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Post by HalcyonDaze on Dec 12, 2023 5:45:10 GMT -5
I got the latest booster today.
Things are very confusing now in Australia with the health advice.
The government website (health.gov.au) was updated last week without any announcements, and now says that any adult can have a booster if they are 6 months out from a previous booster or covid infection. And that all people over the age of 75 should get a booster. Your doctor can help you decide.
This has expanded on the previous advice, which was based on ATAGI's (Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation) advice to the health minister that only those over 75 or with various health issues under that age should have a booster. ATAGI haven't changed their advice, but the statement from the health department overrules their suggestion.
There have been various media reports in the past two days, some of which have picked up the changes, others who haven't. Some people are booking for the vaccine and being turned away, others are fine. It all depends on how the provider interprets the ruling, and if they know about the updated health advice.
At my GP today, she asked me if I wanted the new vaccine, and clearly thought it was a good idea if I had it.
So I did.
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Post by groo on Dec 12, 2023 5:56:43 GMT -5
And as someone who has spent part of the past few months in a couple of different hospitals, outside the operating theatres I do not remember seeing masks used, but first step on entering hospital was always a RAT test.
All GPs that I have consulted over the past year or three have neen emphatic in their recommendation for Covid boosters. I'm up to #5 and have never suffered any ill effects.
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Post by romily on Dec 12, 2023 9:34:28 GMT -5
Well, considering speaking to a GP in itself is close to impossible...I have to weigh up the pro's and con's myself. Had very strong reactions to all 4 previous vaccines - so fully expect to be feeling very off, dizzy and weak for two days on this vaccine as well. Considering I am in pain when lying down, and already have inflammation in my body I still haven't made my mind up to be honest. I will wait until I am back from Germany early next week to see in how much pain I am after traveling or if my body coped without a big flare up - there is hope).
And after just checking online from this Friday onward you cannot book appointments anymore - it's only walk in sites that are open after 15th December. I will have a look next week, but it is now unlikely that I will be able to get the vaccine. Walk in sites close on 31st January - then no vaccinations until next autumn. I'll just see if anything locally is open and has vaccine available and will make an ad hoc decision based on how I feel.
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Post by HalcyonDaze on Dec 12, 2023 18:27:12 GMT -5
Wow, that's insane that there are no vaccinations available from end of Jan to autumn!
I'm finding minimal side effects this time round, just a sore arm so far, and I was still able to lie on that side last night and sleep. Much better than the previous mRNA ones. 24 hours in, so will see if anything develops later.
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Post by crazycat on Dec 12, 2023 19:46:20 GMT -5
We had our Christmas party last Friday and now 4 confirmed covid cases since then. We are all back to working from home to reduce the risk of further spread.
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Post by HalcyonDaze on Dec 12, 2023 22:49:17 GMT -5
Hope you managed to avoid it, Crazy.
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Post by romily on Dec 13, 2023 3:36:28 GMT -5
NHS only does an annual flu and Covid booster in autumn - was the same last year. But I didn't realise booking finishes this Friday 9when I am traveling to Germany).
I might try to see if I can find in a pharmacy locally end of next week to get the booster Friday before Christmas. because next year they might catch up with the fact that I am not a carer anymore, and I might not be eligible anymore. And there is no clear indication if the vaccine will (ever?) be available privately.
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Post by HalcyonDaze on Dec 13, 2023 3:43:52 GMT -5
Heh, well good thing I saw my GP yesterday.
The health department has released a poster today that clarifies things and it shows I'm in a group where a dose is not recommended (unless my GP interprets my various chronic issues as worthy. She was fired up yesterday about the idiocy of some of the response, so she may still have done so)
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Post by wombatrois on Dec 13, 2023 5:01:42 GMT -5
I got the latest booster today. Things are very confusing now in Australia with the health advice. The government website (health.gov.au) was updated last week without any announcements, and now says that any adult can have a booster if they are 6 months out from a previous booster or covid infection. And that all people over the age of 75 should get a booster. Your doctor can help you decide. This has expanded on the previous advice, which was based on ATAGI's (Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation) advice to the health minister that only those over 75 or with various health issues under that age should have a booster. ATAGI haven't changed their advice, but the statement from the health department overrules their suggestion. There have been various media reports in the past two days, some of which have picked up the changes, others who haven't. Some people are booking for the vaccine and being turned away, others are fine. It all depends on how the provider interprets the ruling, and if they know about the updated health advice. At my GP today, she asked me if I wanted the new vaccine, and clearly thought it was a good idea if I had it. So I did. I was going to post in what's pissing you off today, but then this was up the top. Boy am I pissed off. I booked a booster at a pharmacy this afternoon only for them to call to cancel because I'm not in the recommended group. I gave her an earful (I know it's not her fault she's just the messenger, but I told her my reason and they still refused). So I booked another pharmacy that had a slot near me, went there only to be declined again. FML. They are following ATAGI guidelines (note, they are not rules) and can't give me one. WTAF? There is a covid outbreak and colleagues and friends are dropping like flies. They would give one to someone slightly older than me no question. So I've now booked one for next Tuesday with a GP. They assured me they would be able to provide it for me. What is wrong with people? I have a 96 year old father who my sister and I are primary carers for and just because I fall outside the "age" limit they are denying me a booster. Neither Dad or I have had covid and I certainly don't want to be the one to kill him. I'm really livid actually.
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Post by romily on Dec 13, 2023 5:27:02 GMT -5
That seriously sucks - here you would qualify simply by being a carer!
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Post by ozziegiraffe on Dec 13, 2023 7:14:35 GMT -5
I’m hoping to book one over the holidays, now that the next version is out. GP recommended I do.
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Post by Liiisa on Dec 13, 2023 17:36:51 GMT -5
As rom said, that seriously sucks --! And here you would qualify simply by being alive.
What are these people hoarding these vaccines for? They'll expire at some point.
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Post by Queen on Dec 13, 2023 17:58:14 GMT -5
Just checked our "rules"
It's pretty much if you're old, have pre-existing conditions then it's recommended. Everyone else is OK without.
But if your GP recommends it or if you care for someone else elderly or with a pre-existing condition you can also get it (not sure what evidence you need for that).
Also fun fact there's been a 57% increase in the virus particles in the waste water in the week 4-10 december over the previous week. So I might see if I can persuade a clinic to give me a shot (I haven't had one since getting the actual disease in June 22 - it's not been recommended)
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Post by Queen on Dec 13, 2023 18:03:57 GMT -5
What are these people hoarding these vaccines for? They'll expire at some point. Yes, rationing/prioritising made sense when we first had vaccines but now? I don't think so. I wonder how much gets dumped. Oh also, a certain blond leader of a neighbouring country apparently was concocting plans to militarily seize vaccines from production labs here... we're all so very pleased with that thought.
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Post by Liiisa on Dec 13, 2023 18:14:52 GMT -5
Um, yikes
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Post by scrubb on Dec 13, 2023 18:21:27 GMT -5
I heard on the news that more people died of covid in 2022 in Saskatchewan than in either 2020 or 2021. I'm not sure how 2023 numbers are looking. The gov't (which is a bunch of right wing assholes and whackjobs) stopped tracking covid publicly so it's almost impossible to find numbers independently.
This summer I wasn't eligible for the newest booster - they had a list of vulnerabilities (age, active cancer, etc.) that I didn't quite fit into. But if I'd asked my GP for a letter saying that I would benefit from the vaccine, then any pharmacy would have given it to me. (I have no spleen, and have (inactive) lymphoma, and my white blood counts have all been suppressed since I finished chemo 7 years ago, so I am at least theoretically compromised.) My key reason for wanting it is because I spend a lot of time with my 93 year old mother and my 96 year old MIL and - as wombat said - I do NOT want to be the person who kills them by passing covid along to them.
I was planning to ask my doctor for the letter so I could get the shot before taking a trip in mid October (thought I'd rather not spend half my vacation isolating if I got it on the flight), but I didn't have to because it became available to anyone who wants it, and they even had big walk in clinics for mass processing people again. My guess is that the numbers in hospital were getting high again and they wanted to ward off another crisis. Hopefully it worked.
ETA: I can't remember if that was my 6th or my 7th shot. It was my first Moderna shot (all the others were pfizer). With the pfizer I've had absolutely no reaction at all, ever, so I was a bit concerned because a LOT of people felt really crappy after Moderna boosters. But I once again had no reaction other than a slightly sore arm - although I was quite tired the evening I got the shot, and maybe a little bit more tired than usual the next day.
I had the flu shot the same day, other arm.
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Post by HalcyonDaze on Dec 13, 2023 19:10:40 GMT -5
I’m hoping to book one over the holidays, now that the next version is out. GP recommended I do. Apparently doses haven't made it to regional NSW yet, so check with your provider when you book. (which is another thing to be pissed off about)
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Post by ozziegiraffe on Dec 14, 2023 2:42:33 GMT -5
Interesting, Hal. Thanks for the heads up. I will definitely ask when I call them. I want to donate plasma next week, so am looking at after Christmas.
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Post by wombatrois on Dec 14, 2023 8:52:21 GMT -5
I completed the pre-vaccine online form just now, so let's see if the GP cancels me!
I have a back up plan - J knows a pharmacist down in home town, so if the GP fails I will try and wangle a shot via pharmacist. I'm actually considering doing it this weekend to just get it done, then cancel the GP.
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Post by romily on Dec 20, 2023 8:29:58 GMT -5
Just thought I'll update this - no idea what changed in the last week but suddenly I see people in masks again, and hand sanitizers everywhere. Read an interesting article at the weekend about why people get so ill with Covid now (but don't need hospitalization) basically down to low level of antibodies, but T cells are still fighting the virus. www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-67726685So decided to get the booster - was only walk in pharmacies, but easy enough, I just turned up, and they didn't really care, just took my NHS number and got the new Pfizer vaccine. I have a stinking cold which is not ideal but no reason not to get the vaccine - so we will see how nice the side effects will cooperate with my sore throat and blocked sinuses..
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Post by Queen on Dec 20, 2023 12:50:27 GMT -5
Well I got covid instead so that's improving my immunity to it - right?
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Post by romily on Dec 20, 2023 13:04:11 GMT -5
Q, that sucks big time! Hope you are not too poorly. And yes, it will boost antibodies but not the way you want! Covid seems to be on the rise - anecdotal no data yet here in the UK.
Feeling dizzy and out of it but no idea if that's the head cold or the booster. Having an early night and am glad to work from home tomorrow so can take things slowly. Right now the world is spinning around me as soon as I get up quickly!
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Post by lillielangtry on Dec 20, 2023 13:38:30 GMT -5
You would have been turned away in Germany with a heavy cold. It was also a question you actively had to answer before the flu jab. I'm surprised they gave it to you, but certainly hope the side effects are brief!
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Post by princessofpenguins on Dec 20, 2023 15:06:15 GMT -5
Well I got covid instead so that's improving my immunity to it - right? Same here... got it before I was supposed to get the latest booster. Pingu got it first, from school I suppose. At least he had two doses of the vaccine previously... Not sure when we can all get our boosters, but we will do so the moment we can...
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Post by Queen on Dec 20, 2023 16:41:12 GMT -5
The only reliable measure of covid rates in the Netherlands is the wastewater count - there's no mandated reporting any more. Right now the wastewater rate is higher than it's been since they started measuring in September 2020. Rates of hospitalisation are rising but not to the frightening levels we saw in 2020.
But I was not eligible for a booster, so here we are.
I won't need to be hospitalised but I am not a happy bunny. I'm a very tired, fed up, and achy bunny.
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