Flu Vaccination 🤒💉

[Claire_ALUK]

We’re nearing flu season and millions of people will be getting their flu vaccine over the coming weeks. If you’ve been prescribed a preventer inhaler alongside your blue reliever, or you have been admitted to hospital because of your asthma, you can get the flu vaccine for free. If you’re on the shielded patient list, both you and your whole household can get the free flu vaccine.

Getting the vaccine this year might look a bit different to usual, as GP surgeries, health centres and pharmacies follow social distancing and hygiene rules to stop the spread of COVID-19. However, it’s important not to let this put you off getting the flu vaccine. It’s the best way to protect yourself against the flu and reduce your risk of needing to go into hospital - which is especially important during the pandemic this winter.

Don’t worry if you’re having trouble trying to book in an early flu vaccination appointment. We understand some people around the country are facing delays at the moment. Flu season lasts until spring so, while we’d encourage flu vaccination as early as possible, there is still plenty of time. We know more people are taking the risk seriously this year and planning to get vaccinated, which is good news. Just remember to keep trying so you don’t miss out!

If you’ve got any questions, you can find more information on our website here asthma.org.uk/flu

[strongmouse]

I am offered a flu vaccine by GP surgery, but because I am allergic to eggs can't take it (GP agreed). I did find one vaccine that is listed pn-line as egg free but as I am over 65 years old and it doesn't contain the adjuvant I'm wondering if it would work and where I could get it from?

Any ideas?

[Claire_ALUK Partner ALUK Asthma Nurse in reply to strongmouse]

I believe if you speak directly to your GP/practice nurse they can advise and (if able) order in the appropriate flu vaccination for you

[Lysistrata Administrator Community Ambassador]

Thanks Claire! Had real flu twice and don't want to repeat - second time led to very mild asthma becoming severe. Mostly I don't get side effects but even if I do feel a bit rubbish for a couple of days, it's nothing compared to actual flu. Had mine this year already - GP thankfully is proactive so if I'm there for something else they'll do it then.

Just to add that if you are eligible for a free flu jab it should still be free in the pharmacy (I believe they claim back the cost from the NHS, and will tell your GP you've had it). You just need to fill out a form and say you have a qualifying condition - can take a repeats slip or something if you're worried about proving it but I've not needed to.

I'm saying this because a lot of people on social media seem to be saying they can't get it from the GP despite being eligible, due to supply/appointment issues, or 'we're doing over-65s first', and are saying they will pay at the pharmacy to get it sooner, without realising it should still be free. That fact doesn't seem to be widely known so I'm sharing here!

Some pharmacies eg Superdrug also do walk-ins - depends on supply but worth a go if you have one near, or an independent doing it.