GP refusing to vaccinate me for Hep B

[NieceByMarriage]

My hospital consultant advised me to get the Hep B vaccine in view of my Hep C diagnosis. The consultant told me the GP would administer this (as I would have expected). The GP flatly refuses, saying it is not the job of primary care. I would understand if I were seeking the vaccination for occupational or travel purposes but I am not. The GP knows it is for medical reasons. The consultant has remonstrated with the GP to no avail.

From my research it appears there is a gap into which I have fallen. It seems the GP could, if they wanted to, administer the vaccine but is not obliged to do so. I believe I have fallen foul of a funding issue and care of the patient has taken a back seat. Were I a renal patient it would be the job of the hospital as GPs have successfully negotiated this in respect of renal patients.

I will be taking this further but was wondering if anyone else has come across the problem, and what the outcome was.

Thanks

NBM

[Cosycatbabe]

All of my vaccinations were done by my gp when I was listed for transplant, that was 5 yrs ago so it may have changed. I hope you get it sorted, there shouldn't be any grey areas for patients. Good luck

[GarryS]

I was vaccinated for hep b many years ago by my GP with no problems. However, have you considered getting vaccinated by your local sexual health clinic? You might find it an odd suggestion but they do vaccinate for hep b all the time.

[lonmallin50]

It’s not good what difference does it make really who ever gives it someone needs it just get it done why is there need to pass the book on a simple injection good luck Lon

[lonmallin50]

when I needed hep injection told by consultant they done it at doctors straight away

[A1ATAV]

I can only give you my personal experience, but I was recently diagnosed with a genetic liver condition. When I mentioned that I was travelling to India on holiday, my GP proactively recommended I have Hep vaccinations. I had both Hep B&C if I recall, with absolutely no hassle. This was just last year.

[Peter_Plymouth]

I'm sorry to hear about your struggles over what should be so simple. Yes, I got all my jabs from my GP without any issues - as Cosycatbabe mentioned I got mine also 5 years ago once it was clear I was going to need my transplant.

The Sexual Health Clinic is a sound suggestion, even if a bit left field, they have different funding and goals that are more aligned with your requirements. I hope you get this sorted soon and don't run into more stupidity at your GP's. Good luck

[NieceByMarriage]

Thanks, all. I've got a satisfactory result in that the consultant has given up arguing with the GP and arranged for the hospital to do the vaccination. It's all very non-standard and the hospital team is having to jump through all manner of hoops - but at least they are doing so for me. I'm very grateful to them.

[2022minks]

Glad you got sorted please think about writing a complaint to the manager of your gp surgery or write to your local health board and copy them in. This should have been straight forward for you with your gp, and glad your hospital consultant has been vigilant for you. Xx

[Yum-Yum]

It seems,since covid, GP's surgeries have changed and not for the better. My doctor has told me they no longer do any vaccinations or annual reviews for long term conditions and they won't do the six monthly blood tests prior to my ultrasound even though I live just across the road from the surgery, I have to spend £20 each time getting to the hospital instead. Thank goodness my liver specialist nurse does a check on my suger levels as well just to keep an eye on my diabetes as well for my peace of mind.

I thought early detection or prevention of illness would be cheaper to the NHS than having to treat someone who's illness could be getting worse until they may need serious intervention or hospital treatment.

I am glad you are now getting your vaccination but it really shouldn't be so hard for you or anyone in need to receive a simple injection.