I’m in Scotland and received my blue letter today to get my flu vaccine because of severe asthma. The letter says I can also have my Covid booster at the same time, which I’d be eligible to have and would like to do. It’s been more than six months since my second Covid vaccine.
On 30 July, I had a right side mastectomy, reconstruction and sentinel node biopsy. Thankfully, no cancer was found in my lymph nodes.
I know that we’ve to be careful about blood tests/jags on the side of lymph node removal to prevent lymphodema. So, I’m wondering if anyone knows if I could have both jags in my left arm on the same day? Dr google brings up various news about getting the 2 jags in 2 arms. But not sure what us breast cancer people should be doing??
Also got my blue letter today!
When I got my first covid vaccine in May (during chemo), I was also recommended to get the flu vaccine but they said they wouldn't normally do two vaccines within a week of each other. So I had the covid vaccine, then went to my GP surgery a week later and got the flu one. Same arm for both - the opposite arm to my surgery.
Flu vaccine should be ok to get via your GP so perhaps get the covid booster done, then go to your GP for the flu one a few days later just to be safe?
Last year I had flu and pneumonia shots at the same time. I was not allowed to have them in the same arm, would have had to go back for the other. I decided to just have one in my cancer side (had full node clearance) and had no issues relating to lymph system.
Hope that helps x
Karen
Hi Owlsfriend, did you end up getting your vaccines at the same time in the same arm. I'm going for mine shortly and have the same question
Hi all, when I had travel jabs post surgery they wouldn’t give more than one injection in the same arm on the same day. So I had to space them out. I’m going to a pharmacy tomorrow (which I arranged myself) for my flu jab and will hopefully have my Covid booster mid November, 6 months after my second dose. I’m not keen to risk anything on surgery side as I already have mild lympheodema in that breast. Don’t think you need many days between injections but I can’t remember as it was a couple of years ago. Xx
I went for my 3rd covid dose last week, and the the vaccinator offered me the flu jag too and said she could do both in the same arm, 1 inch apart.
I declined the flu jag in the end because I had last year's flu jag only two months ago (long story - chemo), but was glad to know they could do both in the same arm.
I’m glad you mentioned this as it hadnt crossed my mind. I have my flu jab booked for this Saturday and they’re trying to bring forward my 3rd Covid jab - not sure if it’s the same throughout UK , but in Wales, if you’re in a vulnerable group they’re giving a 3rd full Covid jab around now and your first Covid booster will be in 6 months time. My specialist has had to email them about bringing mine forward due to my chemo etc.
Hi Beatthebreast
I had 3rd Covid vaccination and flu vac in the same arm at the same time about 10 days ago. Both in arm away from node removal. Nurse told me to consider it a 3rd dose and said that a 4th dose may be necessary before a booster dose. They dont know yet what we immunocompromised folk will need as the research is still being done.
Slightly uncomfortable arm afterwards, but not bad. First two were AZ, this time Phizer.
Really pleased to have got them.
WallyDug
Hi
I was in the same position as lymph nodes removed from left side and have mild lympodema so I had my covid booster first in my right arm then I was advised to wait 7 days for my flu jab and it was injected 2cm lower than my covid jab (as advised by GP & pharmacist) so....I didn't have them at the same day but a week apart and all good ... hope this helps xx
I’m in Scotland too. Right side mastectomy and lymph node clearance. Got my Covid booster and flu jab 12 days ago and had them both in my left arm at the same time. AZ for first two and Pfizer for booster. Felt ill with first two but absolutely no problems with the booster.
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