Chills, fever, agonising muscle pain, headaches, cramps: these may sound like classic symptoms of Covid or flu – in fact, they’re just a few of the distressing side effects Mail on Sunday readers have experienced after having the flu and Covid vaccine at the same time.
We know because we were inundated with letters after our resident GP, Dr Ellie Cannon, reported in her column last week that she’d heard of patients being knocked for six by the double dose – and asked for more information.
While most readers reported no problems, others said that they had difficulty getting back on their feet.
Some people had reactions from their Covid jabs in the past, while others didn’t.
Chills, fever, agonising muscle pain, headaches, cramps: these may sound like classic symptoms of Covid or flu – in fact, they’re just a few of the distressing side effects Mail on Sunday readers have experienced after having the flu and Covid vaccine at the same time. Many readers stated that the flu and Covid vaccine were easy, while others claimed they struggled to recover.
Graham Davies, 76-year-old retired IT consultant, from Crawley (West Sussex), said, “We had our first Covid jabs January and April, and felt nothing but an aching hand, mild nausea, and a headache.
“In October, we both received our Pfizer flu and Pfizer jabs. My wife (74 years old) was hospitalized for 2 days due to severe pain, nausea, severe headaches, loss of appetite and taste, and nausea.
Although my symptoms weren’t quite as severe, I experienced nausea and loss in appetite. Within four days, we felt much better and returned to our normal lives a week later. We won’t have to get two shots at the same.
Amanda Morgan said that her mother, 78 years old, suffered a serious reaction to the double vaccines. For 48 hours, she was totally bedridden with flu-like symptoms.
“She has been doing well, but she is now questioning the rationale behind giving her two shots in one shot. It is possible that it is efficiency but this seems doubtful.
The decision to offer the two shots on the same day was made for practical reasons – rather than attending two appointments on separate days, patients could simply turn up and get vaccinated against both viruses.
Jonathan Van-Tam (Deputy Chief Medical Officer) suggested that ministers could hope for flu jabs, booster Covid shot and some ‘caution’ in order to avoid lockdowns in the upcoming ‘dark months.
The announcement came amid worries about influenza season. People’s immunity may have decreased. NHS workers warned the public that they may not be able to handle a double-whammy of Covid and flu.
Jonathan Van-Tam (Deputy Chief Medical Officer) suggested that ministers could hope for flu jabs, booster Covid shot and some ‘caution’ in order to prevent a lockdown during ‘the darker months’.
He said, “The most important thing is that, in the event you get called for your booster or your flu vaccine, you should go to your doctor immediately.”
There is no reason to change the current annual flu jab appointment. It will simply include an annual Covid jab.
According to research, there are no negative effects from having both vaccines at once.
Researchers from University Hospitals Bristol, Weston NHS Foundation Trust conducted a study with 679 people over 18 years old. They will receive their second dose.
Each was given a dose of the Pfizer or AstraZeneca vaccine and one of three brands of flu vaccine, or a placebo jab – in their other arm.
The combo was given to some on the same day and others three weeks later. The side effects of the Covid jab were noted.
About three-quarters of the volunteers receiving both vaccines reported at least one side effect – fatigue and muscle pain were most common.
However, the side effects of just one Covid shot had the same effect on similar numbers.
The study concluded with 97% of participants saying they’d be happy to get the vaccines simultaneously in the future.
Likewise, roughly three-quarters of readers who got in touch with us – some in their 90s – claimed they’d had few if any problems.
John Perkins explained that his wife, 75-year-old, and I (81 year old) received double jabs on Saturday. We both experienced soreness in both arms but by Monday this had gone – I played a round of golf and felt fine. Both of us are delighted.
This experience was not universal. Brenda Fieldhouse, 80, said, “After receiving both jabs I felt as though a truck had struck me.”
“My husband (who is 87) had his as well.” Both of us were very ill. I’m only now starting to function normal after five weeks.
Penny Ward, a King’s College London pharmaceuticals expert was not surprised. She admitted that she had been a friend of many who have taken the jabs in combination and were feeling quite sick.
“It will pass and you can manage at home using paracetamol. In anticipation of getting my flu shots and booster, I have bought painkillers.
Professor Ward has an amazing theory on why people suffer. “We are aware that some side effects may be more severe after Pfizer’s vaccine. I’m curious whether people experiencing extreme pain or those who had AstraZeneca have now received their Pfizer as a booster.
The flu vaccine for adults 65 years and older is designed to boost the immune system to provide the highest protection. Professor Ward explained that people report experiencing more side effects from this vaccine.
Prof. Adam Finn of Bristol Medical School is a vaccine expert and was part in the initial flu/Covid combo trial trials. He said it was hard to predict who would experience more side effects than others.
“There was an uneven distribution of ages in this study. A few hundred were over the 65-year mark. Our research has shown that younger patients have worse side effects.
He says that worse side effects can mean you have a stronger immune system. Unfortunately, this is a myth.
“Side effects” means that there is a physical response. However, it doesn’t mean that your immune system will respond better than someone with no side effects.
Peter English is a former editor at Vaccines IN Practice and communicable disease expert. He says, “It’s normal to have multiple vaccines at once.” These are given to children, and also when on vacation.
It might be worth putting your mind above matter, he suggests. He says, “If we think we’re likely to have side effects,” we’re much more likely than others to feel that way. This has been proven by studies. The reverse is also possible.
Many of the patients who had to endure a few days of sickness after receiving their shots believed it was worthwhile.
One person said, “I am 73 years old and have been treated for cancer.” Three days later, after two shots the day before, I was still in bed. But I feel OK now. I encourage other people to share the jabs.
What’s wrong with me?
These are common symptoms.
This Week: Headaches
Tension headaches can occur anywhere on the head and are often related to stress or dehydration.
Most migraines affect the one side of your head, and are often accompanied by nausea.
These side effects are common with medication such as sleeping pills or painkillers that were prescribed to treat headaches.
Tension headaches, which are most commonly felt on the forehead, can be related to stress and dehydration. Most migraines affect only one side of your head, and are often accompanied by nausea. (File photo)
Another trigger is hormonal imbalances, which can include the menopause.
Sometimes they can signal a more serious condition.
Meningitis can lead to headaches, sensitivity to light and headaches. Brain tumours may cause severe headaches that don’t go away.
Get help for headaches caused by vision or balance issues, confusion, fever or other symptoms.