Flu jab?

[CozmoCreepers]

Hi guys,

Still in the process of having Bird Fancier Lung Disease officially diagnosed (Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis), have my CT scan later today and a lung function test on Monday.

However, I'm wondering, does anyone know if I would qualify for a free jab? I'm not fussed to be fair as its not like its going to cost the earth (and I had a really nasty case of flu at Christmas last year, was really unwell with it). The pharmacist didn't know and is going to look into it for me, but she seemed to think that anybody with lung disease should qualify.

TIA

Cozmo

[peege]

I'm sure with a lung disease that you qualify for a free flu jab. I may take a while now to get an appointment so if I were you I'd have it done at boots or wherever ASAP as it takes a couple of weeks to become effective. Then for good measure, ask for the pneumonia jab too. P

[CozmoCreepers in reply to peege]

I’m all booked in for 9th October at my local pharmacist, they said they would call me back once the pharmacist who does the vaccines is in on Tuesday to let me know if I qualify for free.

I’m more curious than anything.

Thanks Peege

[Badbessie]

To be honest it is the first time this question as been asked. In reality it may depend on your MRI and breathing test as anyone with a chronic lung disease should qualify. However your may be of an acute nature.

This may help you....

blf.org.uk/support-for-you/...

[ProudYorky]

This is strange I have been recently diagnosed with ILD this morning I got a phone call from my Drs Surgery asking if I would like to go in on the 26th of October for both inoculations I'm only 63 so I queried it she said everyone with Lung Disease were entitled to it .

Hope this helps

[2greys in reply to ProudYorky]

My GP mentioned that it's free to all with a lung disease. Which makes a lot of sense as flu can have serious repercussions with us. A thousand doses is much cheaper than one hospital admission.

[CozmoCreepers]

I’m curious now as everywhere is saying you shouldn’t have it if you’re on steroids.

I’m on prednisolone 15mg, can anyone weigh in on that?

[2greys in reply to CozmoCreepers]

sharecare.com/health/cold-a...

[Caspiana in reply to CozmoCreepers]

Please ask your doctor. I have been in Predisone for years. Still get my flu jab. But then I am one of those people who are on steroids 365 days a year. xx 😉

[Caspiana in reply to CozmoCreepers]

Hello again CozmoCreepers this is a post someone else wrote about stopping inhaled steroids suddenly. But it applies to all steroids. I thought you might find it interesting. 👋

healthunlocked.com/blf/post...

[Oshgosh]

Have you asked the GP surgery?

[CozmoCreepers in reply to Oshgosh]

Nah, my GP’s are useless. I’m going to try and ask my consultant as I feel he would give me the beat advice.

[CozmoCreepers]

Ok, so stop taking the steroids 3 days prior...but when can I start them again?

[Caspiana in reply to CozmoCreepers]

This is a question for your doctor. Stopping steroids and starting again suddenly is not advisable at all.

[stamford1234 in reply to CozmoCreepers]

I wouldn't stop your steroid for a flu jab. Discuss with Dr

[SparkySW123]

I would have thought it pretty obvious that you would be eligible for a free flu jab due to your lung condition. Your doctors' surgery will presumably be having their walk-in flu jab clinics at this time for patients. They will have a list of all patients who are eligible. I suggest you phone and ask the question.

[CozmoCreepers in reply to SparkySW123]

You would think...but I don’t yet have a confirmed diagnosis so it’s causing a grey area

[stamford1234]

I think the pharmacist is right. It's good they are going to check up for you.

[lKeith]

The criteria is usually to those considered at risk, mainly the over 65 + and those suffering from severe asthma. I should think your local GP would put you on "at risk" list so that you get it usually at their surgery anyway.

IKeith

[Nottobad]

Anyone with a lung condition dose qualify for flu jab.

[CozmoCreepers]

So my pharmacist got back to me today and said that I qualify for a free jab, and said that it should be fine with the steroids.

However, with everything I’ve read online regarding steroids + flu jab, I’m going to check with the specialist and phone his secretary. I’m not bothering with my GP as they are useless.

Thanks for all your input guys, I really appreciate it. I just want to do the right thing for myself and with this new turn in my life I’ve been struggling with my mental health. I feel so lonely, even though I’ve found that my breathing is better at the moment.

[CozmoCreepers]

Finally had a reply from my consultant regarding the flu jab. He said it’s a good idea. So I’m booked in for Wednesday.

[HungryHufflepuff in reply to CozmoCreepers]

Me too, I’m booked in for Wednesday. Apparently this years flu virus is a particularly nasty one, so just as well for us dodgy lung club members to get vaccinated. Hoping yours goes well 🤞