# Should I get the vaccine? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [December 14, 2020, 9:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-get-the-vaccine/928055 "2020-12-14T21:20:47Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![dropzone](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dropzone/32/7515_2.png) [@dropzone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dropzone)\ **Post date:** [December 14, 2020, 9:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-get-the-vaccine/928055/1 "2020-12-14T21:20:47Z")
In late January/ early February I was hospitalized with what appeared later to be Covid 19–this was beforeTrump admitted it had left China and we knew what to look for. I have been was tested repeatedly, up through yesterday, but have never received a formal diagnosis. I asked my nurse if I had it and she said yes, but they keep testing me. My situation: 1. Very overweight 2. 66 years old 3. Asthmatic and on oxygen 4. Reside in a nursing home So, should I get the shot, or should I leave it for some needier person? ---
**Author:** ![Eyebrows\_0f\_Doom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eyebrows_0f_doom/32/3119_2.png) [@Eyebrows\_0f\_Doom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eyebrows_0f_Doom)\ **Post date:** [December 14, 2020, 9:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-get-the-vaccine/928055/2 "2020-12-14T21:21:56Z")
Yes. Everyone should get it. ---
**Author:** ![Alpha\_Twit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alpha_twit/32/265_2.png) [@Alpha\_Twit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alpha_Twit)\ **Post date:** [December 14, 2020, 9:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-get-the-vaccine/928055/3 "2020-12-14T21:22:35Z")
Unless your personal health care expert specifically advises against it then I’d get it. Just my humble opinion, do with it what you will. ---
**Author:** ![What\_Exit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/what_exit/32/10652_2.png) [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Post date:** [December 14, 2020, 9:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-get-the-vaccine/928055/4 "2020-12-14T21:23:12Z")
If you’re in a nursing home, getting it will also help protect the other residents. This is why Nursing Homes were given priority. So, yes, please get it. ---
**Author:** ![wolfpup](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolfpup/32/10618_2.png) [@wolfpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfpup)\ **Post date:** [December 14, 2020, 9:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-get-the-vaccine/928055/5 "2020-12-14T21:25:33Z")
IANAD, and I don’t know your condition beyond what you described, but in my view: 1. Yes, and 2. If you’re assessed to be in a priority group to get early access, there’s a good medical reason for that, so listen to the doctors! It may save your life. ---
**Author:** ![panache45](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/panache45/32/64_2.png) [@panache45](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panache45)\ **Post date:** [December 14, 2020, 9:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-get-the-vaccine/928055/6 "2020-12-14T21:55:40Z")
Please do EVERYONE a favor, and get it. There’s no reason not to. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [December 14, 2020, 10:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-get-the-vaccine/928055/7 "2020-12-14T22:04:31Z")
Well, there are reasons why one might not want to get the vaccine. The UK was advising people with allergies not to get it based on the experience of a couple of nurses who had allergic reactions. ---
**Author:** ![What\_Exit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/what_exit/32/10652_2.png) [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Post date:** [December 14, 2020, 10:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-get-the-vaccine/928055/8 "2020-12-14T22:14:26Z")
They listed some specific allergies, didn’t they? I don’t think what you wrote is accurate. > The UK was advising people with allergies not to get it [What I found was](https://www.bbc.com/news/health-55045639): > Anyone who has previously had [a significant allergic reaction to a medicine, food or another vaccine](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-55244122) should not have the Pfizer-BioNTech jab. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [December 14, 2020, 10:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-get-the-vaccine/928055/9 "2020-12-14T22:26:27Z")
You are correct. I was countering the “there’s no reason not to” get the vaccine idea. ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [December 14, 2020, 10:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-get-the-vaccine/928055/10 "2020-12-14T22:28:47Z")
> [@dropzone](#): > > In late January/ early February I was hospitalized with what appeared later to be Covid 19–this was beforeTrump admitted it had left China and we knew what to look for. > I have been was tested repeatedly, up through yesterday, but have never received a formal diagnosis. I asked my nurse if I had it and she said yes, but they keep testing me. My situation: > > 1. Very overweight > 2. 66 years old > 3. Asthmatic and on oxygen > 4. Reside in a nursing home > > So, should I get the shot, or should I leave it for some needier person? Dude… you ARE one of the “needier”. Get the damn shot when it’s offered! I would really miss your posts if you weren’t here anymore. If they won’t give you a proper diagnosis of having had it then you have every right to protect yourself by accepting a vaccination when offered. ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [December 14, 2020, 10:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-get-the-vaccine/928055/11 "2020-12-14T22:32:05Z")
> [@What\_Exit](#): > > They listed some specific allergies, didn’t they? I don’t think what you wrote is accurate. > > > The UK was advising people with allergies not to get it > > [What I found was](https://www.bbc.com/news/health-55045639): > > > Anyone who has previously had [a significant allergic reaction to a medicine, food or another vaccine](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-55244122) should not have the Pfizer-BioNTech jab. Wow, that narrows it down…NOT! Last I heard they still aren’t sure what exactly triggered the allergic reactions that put two people in the hospital so they’re advising EVERYONE with “significant allergic reaction” history to avoid the shot for now until they know more. Guess I’m kind of relieved to have had covid and recovered because with two anaphylaxis allergic reactions in my past I guess I’d be on the “avoid this shot” list. That said - allergic reactions to vaccines are rare. If the OP has no such history then he should get the shot if offered. Unless they come up with some other medical disqualification before then. Outside of that, there’s no reason not to be vaccinated. ---
**Author:** ![kanicbird](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/5f8ce5/32.png) [@kanicbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kanicbird)\ **Post date:** [December 14, 2020, 10:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-get-the-vaccine/928055/12 "2020-12-14T22:52:03Z")
I had a some really bad symptoms in late January which could be explained by COVID, however I tested negative for the antibodies. So there you go. ---
**Author:** ![Fiveyearlurker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/da6949/32.png) [@Fiveyearlurker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fiveyearlurker)\ **Post date:** [December 14, 2020, 10:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-get-the-vaccine/928055/13 "2020-12-14T22:55:59Z")
I’m a bit concerned about the long term safety data (for which, there obviously is none as there has not been any long term). This is a new technology (RNA vaccines), not just a new vaccine. I have specific concerns about the mechanism of action. That said, if I were in your situation, the risk of COVID outweighs those concerns, and I would get the vaccine. For healthy, younger people, I would wait a bit. That said, healthy, younger people have to wait a bit anyway. ---
**Author:** ![AskNott](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/asknott/32/5790_2.png) [@AskNott](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AskNott)\ **Post date:** [December 14, 2020, 10:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-get-the-vaccine/928055/14 "2020-12-14T22:57:04Z")
If you’d rather not get very sick or die from COVID-19, kwitcher dithering and get the shot the first chance you get. ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [December 14, 2020, 10:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-get-the-vaccine/928055/15 "2020-12-14T22:57:28Z")
I suppose that it’s conceivable that the vaccine crew will show up one day to dropzone’s facility, but without enough doses to cover everyone. In that case, I suppose it would make some sense to prioritize the high-risk residents who certainly haven’t had it yet over the high-risk residents who might possibly have already had it. But in that situation, the vaccine crew would be coming back to the facility with more doses very soon, because high-risk folks, even those who might possibly have already had it, are still very high-priority. At most it would mean a slight delay. ---
**Author:** ![HMS\_Irruncible](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hms_irruncible/32/7394_2.png) [@HMS\_Irruncible](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HMS_Irruncible)\ **Post date:** [December 14, 2020, 10:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-get-the-vaccine/928055/16 "2020-12-14T22:59:32Z")
> [@dropzone](#): > > So, should I get the shot, or should I leave it for some needier person? Some sources are suggesting that the vaccine is contraindicated for people with previous COVID infection. If I had a previous COVID diagnosis, I wouldn’t get the vaccine without consulting with my physician to learn whether it’s safe and indicated. She knows my medical history, if she says get it, then I’d get it. Otherwise no. I don’t have a previous infection nor any known contraindications, so I’m going to get it without consulting a physician. (assuming it’s available to me). ---
**Author:** ![Kimera757](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kimera757/32/3765_2.png) [@Kimera757](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kimera757)\ **Post date:** [December 14, 2020, 11:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-get-the-vaccine/928055/17 "2020-12-14T23:00:14Z")
Some people have been reinfected, so a vaccine is a good idea. You have breathing problems and are in a nursing home. You need to get it long before someone like me. ---
**Author:** ![dropzone](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dropzone/32/7515_2.png) [@dropzone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dropzone)\ **Post date:** [December 14, 2020, 11:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-get-the-vaccine/928055/18 "2020-12-14T23:39:49Z")
Broomstick, thank you for the kind words. To think just last night I was asking how I could get a temporary suspension.I ---
**Author:** ![nearwildheaven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/90db22/32.png) [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Post date:** [December 14, 2020, 11:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-get-the-vaccine/928055/19 "2020-12-14T23:54:27Z")
Since the OP is in a nursing home, they should have a protocol for what would happen if a patient had a reaction, and yes, you should get it and in fact are pretty much at the top of the triage list. I’m personally not planning to get it until and unless we know more about its safety and efficacy, but I’m not going to advise someone not to get it. ---
**Author:** ![D\_Anconia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/67e7ee/32.png) [@D\_Anconia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/D_Anconia)\ **Post date:** [December 15, 2020, 12:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-get-the-vaccine/928055/20 "2020-12-15T00:52:46Z")
A medical professional does not say “Yes, you have it”, without a formal diagnosis, including testing results as needed. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-get-the-vaccine/928055.md?page=2)