Another flu jab question...

[Janna123]

Hi Hope everyone's ok

The surgery I'm registered with have not yet recieved their flu jabs, and aren't expecting to for some time according to what the nurse told me. I've never had the jab before but then I was only diagnosed in April of this year, though I've been told I've probably always had asthma.

I used to live in a small town in the countryside, but now I'm at uni I lve in halls in a city centre. Since I catch every cough and cold going anyway, I'm kind of aware that I'll probably catch flu quite easily. I've been lucky in that none of my friends or family have ever had it to pass on to me.

I'm not fully in control right now, though it's getting there and the coughing has already started, which is earlier than usual. Should I go to boots and pay for the jab or should I wait until the surgery has it? In some ways I'd rather not pay since I don't have any spare money (the joys of being a student!) and I've never had an issue with not having it, but at the same time, I don't want to risk it. I can't afford to miss uni!

Thanks

Rachel

[Hidden]

Hmm, that's not good!

I don't see why you should have to pay for it really as you're entitled and it is important that you get it for the reasons you say; seems there has apparently been some kind of admin failure somewhere (heard on the news that there's been a low uptake of the jab amongst at-risk groups - maybe this sort of thing is why!)

I don't know what your options are re getting it elsewhere. Are you planning to go home ie your parents' house any time soon? If so you could maybe get it at your old, 'home' surgery? Otherwise maybe give the adviceline a ring tomorrow as it definitely is important for you to get it and I should think they'd know more than I do about your options.

Failing all that, you can get it at some supermarkets (Asda, maybe Tesco?) and it's cheaper there I think than at Boots.

[Janna123]

Thanks Philomela, I agree I shouldn't have to pay!The nurse said it's something to do with the suppliers-the batch they were supposed to get failed a safetyinspection or something. The thing is, they don't really have a clue when the jabs could arrive. She said it could be as late as the end of december, but then it could also be soon! Knowing my luck I'd go and pay for one, and get home to find a letter asking me to go for one at the health cenre! I'll do some shopping around though! Not sure why a supermarket can get them though, if health cenres can't!

I go home every few weeks, but only for the weekends unfortunately. My timetable is somewhat restrictive on mondays and fridays :(. I'll give them a ring though definately!

Thanks