Have you found that a diagnosis of Fi... - Fibromyalgia Acti...

Fibromyalgia Action UK

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Have you found that a diagnosis of Fibromyalgia entitles you to a free flu jab in your area ?

TheAuthor profile imageTheAuthor343 Voters

Please select all that apply:

107 Replies
TheAuthor profile image
TheAuthor

I am eligible due to my Asthma, COPD, and Fixed Airway. I had my flu jab on Friday 23rd Oct 2015. I always have a flu jab every year without fail. I once had a reaction to the vaccination in the winter of 2005 but have been fine with ever since.

I also had a Pneumonia vaccination in 2012, as I have suffered with Pneumonia on several occasions.

Not for fibro no. I can have it due to taking steroids

TheAuthor profile image
TheAuthor in reply to

Yes, I know from personal experience (I am on permanent maintenance dose) that steroids can lower your immune system so it is advised to have a flu jab.

in reply to TheAuthor

Same here Ken, I wouldn't get it for fibro...not at my Drs anyway

Cazza2612 profile image
Cazza2612

Yes I am entitled to the flu jag for my Fibro although I haven't had it yet due to being in hospital to have my gallbladder removed. I also had some post op complications which meant I was back in hospital a further 3 times after my operation. I also have a very poor immune system which could be part of the reason that I also get the flu jag.

Carole

TheAuthor profile image
TheAuthor in reply to Cazza2612

I gneuinely hope that you feel better soon and that your operation was a complete success.

Cazza2612 profile image
Cazza2612 in reply to TheAuthor

Thanks Ken,

I am recovering well now from my operation, I had a few issues which meant I was back in hospital for a short time. Feeling much better now.

shirlthegirlx profile image
shirlthegirlx

so is it only certain areas that recognise that Fibromyalgia is eligible for the flu jab?

Mdaisy profile image
Mdaisy in reply to shirlthegirlx

Hello Shirlthegirlx,

Unfortunately so many have found that the NHS Guidelines for who is and isn't eligible may be interpreted in different ways and some areas seem to be having Flu jabs for Fibro and others not ! Hence the poll :)

Here are the guidelines;

nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinati...

It just seems that Drs are making decisions clinically based on there interpretations of the guidelines which obvious through not fault of their own can be subjective

I think all who have Fibro should be eligible and have the choice whether to have one or not

I wanted to see what the poll said here in the community out of interest :)

Best Wishes

Emma :)

shirlthegirlx profile image
shirlthegirlx in reply to Mdaisy

Thank you for replying Emma. I paid for the flu jab last year after being told I wasn't eligible. But I do think fibro weakens the immune system

Mdaisy profile image
Mdaisy in reply to shirlthegirlx

I think we tend to catch everything going or it certainly seems that way and it hits us harder too ... I would suppose if you can have the Flu jab without any reaction or problems it is probably advisable to do so :)

FoggyMoggy profile image
FoggyMoggy in reply to Mdaisy

Hi Emma, I found this to be the case at my surgery and just asked on a separate thread yesterday (and in a Fibro Group on Facebook) and Ken directed me here to your poll. I was quite incensed that the duty doctor said that Fibromyalgia wasn't one of those conditions recognised for a free flue jab even though i told her I'd had pleurisy and bronchitis in the past. Also my surgery is running an awareness and has all these posters up about 'let's talk about flu'. I have just had a horrible stomach virus (don't think that counts as flu necessarily) but now after effects are a horribly painful ear

TheAuthor profile image
TheAuthor in reply to shirlthegirlx

I think that Emma has summed that up very nicely. I inquired about LDN for my wife's MS but in our regional health authority they will not prescribe it but I know others who do get it on prescription who live in different regions.

FoggyMoggy profile image
FoggyMoggy in reply to shirlthegirlx

It seems that way, Shirl. I've just asked the same question myself and Ken directed me to this poll.

PRAZEGIRL profile image
PRAZEGIRL

I should have said yes and pressed the wrong box sorry

TheAuthor profile image
TheAuthor in reply to PRAZEGIRL

Not too worry! I will take that into account.

Betty67 profile image
Betty67

Not sure I want one, I react badly to injections

TheAuthor profile image
TheAuthor in reply to Betty67

Best not to have one then my friend, I know from personal experience that some people do not react well to flu jabs.

My GP has given me the flu vaccine since I returned from living overseas in 2005.

I was diagnosed with SLE in 1991 and a heart murmur in 1970, which was the reason for having it, however after a routine blood test in 2007 for Lupus, I was told the test was negative. I can only assume that the tests for SLE were not accurate back in the 90s.

My GP continued to give me the vaccine before my Fibro was dx.

I also have the pneumonia vaccine every 10yrs, as I had a couple of bouts of pneumonia.

TheAuthor profile image
TheAuthor in reply to

I am the same with Pneumonia as I have had it several times but now I get vaccinated. Please take care of yourself.

in reply to TheAuthor

I have had pneumonia with a partially collapsed lung and my Dr's still don't think I qualify for the flu jab. I am a little confused :)

TheAuthor profile image
TheAuthor in reply to

WOW! I think that is awful my friend!

in reply to TheAuthor

This will be my fourth or fifth winter since having it and I have survived :)

Now stop sighing at your bad luck in being stuck with me and make with the funnies :P :D

tinkerbell66 profile image
tinkerbell66

No not in my area wish it was ,

TheAuthor profile image
TheAuthor in reply to tinkerbell66

So sorry to read that.

Are you entitled if you have CFS/ME? Nobody has told me but then again I have never asked.

sh3ronb profile image
sh3ronb in reply to

My mum has ME and is entitled to a free flu jag, Fibromyalgia is in the same circle as ME yet im not entitled? Puzzles me.

in reply to sh3ronb

J will ask when im in. It certainly doesnt appear on the list of eligibles in our area.

TheAuthor profile image
TheAuthor in reply to sh3ronb

That's wonderful, thank you.

Mdaisy profile image
Mdaisy in reply to

Hello Jax777,

The advice last year for ME patients was the following;

If you have a long-term health condition, even one that is well managed, you are eligible for the flu vaccination free of charge: it’s free because you need it.

That's the message Public Health England have asked Action for M.E. to share with everyone affected by M.E.

"The immunisation really is crucial in protecting people with chronic neurological disease," says Professor Dame Sally Davies, Chief Medical Officer. "Last winter, although seasonal flu levels were low in the community in comparison to some previous years, there was evidence of more influenza-confirmed hospitalisations and admissions to Intensive Care Units than the previous year, with the impact largely seen in young adults. This is a reminder that flu can be dangerous and remains highly unpredictable."

However, we know that some people with M.E. are reluctant to have the flu jab because of the possible effect on their symptoms. "It ultimately comes down to a personal decision and your own assessment of the balance of risks and benefit," says our Principal Medical Adviser Dr Alastair Miller.

You can read his advice on the seasonal flu jab here:

actionforme.org.uk/NR/rdonl...

October 2014

Hope this helps :)

Emma :)

TheAuthor profile image
TheAuthor in reply to

It may be best to check on this with your GP or Medical Specialist? Good luck!

mags1951 profile image
mags1951

No I have to pay for mine until I am 65.

TheAuthor profile image
TheAuthor in reply to mags1951

So genuinely sorry to read that my friend.

Furry profile image
Furry

Have been offered and accepted the pneumonia jab

TheAuthor profile image
TheAuthor in reply to Furry

That's great! I have one every 10 years due to several bouts of Pneumonia.

achydunlin profile image
achydunlin

My surgery and indeed all the chemists around us are giving flu jabs free to anyone who wants one. I have one every year due to asthma, not sure if fibro would entitle me to one anyway... I've noticed most of the surgeries around here have had 'flu clinics' on the past few Saturday mornings where they've been giving out flu jabs and as far as I know - they've been for anyone who asks - whether they are in the vulnerable bracket or not.

TheAuthor profile image
TheAuthor in reply to achydunlin

Thank you so much for that it is genuinely appreciated. Many places charge for flu jabs such as supermarkets. I have one free every years due to other medical conditions.

achydunlin profile image
achydunlin in reply to TheAuthor

It must be just certain surgeries who are giving them out. I know mine is - the nurse who gave me mine last year (I was late and wasn't going to bother until a good friend had flu and it took her a month to get over) told me that they are trying to vaccinate as many people as possible - if it were up to her she'd vaccinate everyone. Obviously not everyone needs one but she said it's not the healthy ones you worry about - they're the ones who can potentially spread it to those who are vulnerable. My boyfriend who has no health conditions at all got a free flu jab at his surgery as well last year after a few people at his workplace got flu. I wonder if different surgeries have different policies? Or perhaps if you go later in the season - after Xmas - when the demand has died down and they've got a load of vaccines left - you might be able to get one?

TheAuthor profile image
TheAuthor in reply to achydunlin

Yes, I think it is how they interpret the NHS guidelines?

Greenpeace profile image
Greenpeace

I get mine free because I come,into contact with vulnerable people with my job.

GP.

TheAuthor profile image
TheAuthor in reply to Greenpeace

Thank you so much for that, I am the same due to other medical conditions.

ukmsmi4 profile image
ukmsmi4

I actually asked my doctor at my last appointment and said that the NICE guidelines have changed to include neurological conditions but she that she didn't think it included ME or fibro. She also said that she wouldn't really recommend it for either condition. Said she would check into it but I'm not expecting the verdict to change.

Hidihi profile image
Hidihi in reply to ukmsmi4

i certainly wouldn't have as with ME/CFS my immune system is very sensitive/reactive.

Mdaisy profile image
Mdaisy in reply to Hidihi

Hello Hidihi,

I understand as it is down to personal choice and this is also mentioned in my comment to Jax77 about the statement last year :) Please read :)

Best Wishes

Emma :)

FoggyMoggy profile image
FoggyMoggy in reply to Mdaisy

Yes, and I respect people's choice too but they should offer it to everyone with Fibro and ME regardless so that ehy can make their own decision

TheAuthor profile image
TheAuthor in reply to Hidihi

I am so gneuinely sorry to read that and I want to sincerely wish you all the best of luck.

Mdaisy profile image
Mdaisy in reply to ukmsmi4

Hello ukmsmi4,

Please read my comment to Jax77 about the statement last year :)

Best Wishes

Emma :)

TheAuthor profile image
TheAuthor in reply to ukmsmi4

I am so genuinely sorry to read that, and it would appear that this is being interpreted differently from health authority to health authority. I want to sincerely wish you all the best of luck with getting a flu jab.

Hurtingmom profile image
Hurtingmom

My insurance covers the flu shot or I could get one at the museum where I am a volunteer for free. I don't know if there are free options based on a particular diagnosis

TheAuthor profile image
TheAuthor in reply to Hurtingmom

Thank you so much for sharing that, it is good to hear how it works in other countries.

Had the flu jab one year due to my hypertension, never had one since :)

TheAuthor profile image
TheAuthor in reply to

Thank you so much for that my friend.

cdl67 profile image
cdl67

I did ask but was refused also my carer who is my daughter was refused because she doesn't work for an agency

Mdaisy profile image
Mdaisy in reply to cdl67

Hello cdl67,

I think you could speak to Carers UK about this and I am sure they will be supportive of you and your Daughter. Unfortunately so many have found that the NHS Guidelines for who is and isn't eligible may be interpreted in different ways and some areas seem to be having Flu jabs for Fibro and others not ! Hence the poll :)

Here are the guidelines;

nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinati...

It just seems that Drs are making decisions clinically based on there interpretations of the guidelines which obvious through not fault of their own can be subjective

I think all who have Fibro should be eligible and have the choice whether to have one or not

Would you consider writing to your Practice Manager about this maybe?

Best Wishes

Emma :)

FoggyMoggy profile image
FoggyMoggy in reply to Mdaisy

Hi Emma

I complained to our practice manager yesterday!

TheAuthor profile image
TheAuthor in reply to cdl67

I am so genuinely sorry to read that and it may be helpful to read Emma's post.

Get offered every year like sweeties trying to force on me as say you need it! done ok so far without friends had one last year now has something like CFS as always il/tired

TheAuthor profile image
TheAuthor in reply to

Please remember that it is always personal choice about these things and never feel pressured into having what you do not want.

in reply to

Hi the thing with things like flu jab making you feel unwell it would wipe me out and set things off again as was away for few days by sea fishing enjoyed the fresh/cleaner air with breathing but it's taken a lot out of me as now have cold sores bad on lips/mouth and those little sores you get on body when run down etc takes me fair while to recover from things which is why i try to do ok at what can manage rather than trying to do things can't if that makes sense?

Ive sort of learn't to balance things so keep under control but should i slip up it's there waiting to pounce and bite like wise with breathing once do a bit more it starts getting poor.

RainbowElf profile image
RainbowElf

I asked my GP and he told me I was not eligible. So I go into Sainsbury's and get one in there, yes I have to pay and it makes me feel a little ill afterward, but having flu would be so much worse. Had mine a few days ago still feeling a little icky.

TheAuthor profile image
TheAuthor in reply to RainbowElf

I am so genuinely sorry to read that and I sincerely hope that you feel better soon.

MariLiz profile image
MariLiz

I have asthma and am also over 65, so eligible on both of those criteria.

TheAuthor profile image
TheAuthor in reply to MariLiz

Thank you so much for sharing that.

maggi999 profile image
maggi999

I don't want a flu jab!

TheAuthor profile image
TheAuthor in reply to maggi999

Please remember that it is always personal choice about these things and never feel pressured into having what you do not want.

FFC1 profile image
FFC1

I am eligible, and get texts from my GP but I think that is due to having PBC and an enlarged spleen, not my Fibro. I have however to date declined, partly because I have a phobia for needles and things going into my body, but also, and I realise I am lucky and that luck may not last, but in my 54 years of life I have never had Flu, heavy colds and throat infections yes, but never flu, so I think why tempt fate.

TheAuthor profile image
TheAuthor in reply to FFC1

Thank you so much for sharing that.

FoggyMoggy profile image
FoggyMoggy

I think I could be eligible as I had pleurisy albeit 20 years ago and have had chest infections.

TheAuthor profile image
TheAuthor in reply to FoggyMoggy

It may be worth asking at your surgery? I want to genuinely wish you all the best of luck.

FoggyMoggy profile image
FoggyMoggy in reply to TheAuthor

Thanks Ken

Fibrogranny60 profile image
Fibrogranny60

I get the flu jab because of asthma not FMS.

TheAuthor profile image
TheAuthor in reply to Fibrogranny60

The same here, I also qualify due to COPD.

Fibrogranny60 profile image
Fibrogranny60

As I've worked in the NHS for over 20 years I get the flu jab free anyway

TheAuthor profile image
TheAuthor in reply to Fibrogranny60

Thank you so much for that it is greatly appreciated.

Claire133 profile image
Claire133

I haven't asked because I wouldn't be interested; I wouldn't accept a flu jab for any reason, ever.

TheAuthor profile image
TheAuthor in reply to Claire133

Of course you are under no obligation, please always remember that it is your body and your choice and never feel coerced or pressured into any medical treatment that you do not want.

All my hopes and dreams for you

Ken

janni51 profile image
janni51

Have had FMS for 20yrs,and yes I am entitled to have a flu jab,but no thanks.......on the few occasions that I have had one,it;s made me feel awful,like sore glands headache,and worse than usual pain in my neck and shoulders,but that's just me.Everyone must make their own decision.

When I wake up in the morning,I Know I'm in my bedroom,but I have absolutely no idea what is on the other side of the bedroom door! It lasts about 5 minutes.Is this Fibrofog gone mad? Has anyone else had this? Help...need hugs and comfort.Just been diagnosed with Sjogrun's disease as well.

luv 2 all janni51

TheAuthor profile image
TheAuthor in reply to janni51

I am so genuinely sorry to read that and sadly it does not agree with everyone.

Songbird63 profile image
Songbird63

Was told didn't satisfy clinical criteria (have fibromyalgia and pernicious anaemia amongst other things). I got to chemist and pay for it (approx £8).

TheAuthor profile image
TheAuthor in reply to Songbird63

I am so sorry to read that you had to purchase your own, and I want to genuinely wish you all the best of luck. Thank you so much for sharing that.

littleeffie profile image
littleeffie

I get offered it due to being immunosuppressed and RA meds,asthma and basically long list but hubby was offered it for fibromyalgia.

TheAuthor profile image
TheAuthor in reply to littleeffie

Thank you so much for sharing that it is greatly appreciated.

JanetM profile image
JanetM

Voted no before checking properly. I have a flu jab every year because of asthma.

TheAuthor profile image
TheAuthor in reply to JanetM

Please do not worry I will take that into account. I am the same as you as I have asthma and COPD so I get mine every year.

wheezybronch profile image
wheezybronch

I have bronchiectasis, tracheobronchomalacia also in the UK everyone over 65 years old gets it free. have never heard of people with fibromyalgia having the jab free. I also have fibromyalgia.

TheAuthor profile image
TheAuthor in reply to wheezybronch

Thank you for sharing this information it is greatly appreciated. As an asthmatic and a COPD sufferer I also get a free jab.

All my hopes and dreams for you

Ken

bluebell99 profile image
bluebell99

I have it because of autoimmune conditions. I never used to bother but one year flu wiped me and other half out for over a month. He now automatically gets a jab for being my carer.

The health centre sends a letter to all who need it, giving dates of mass vaccinations, usually on Saturday mornings.

TheAuthor profile image
TheAuthor in reply to bluebell99

Thank you for sharing this information it is greatly appreciated. I also get a free jab as I am an asthmatic and have COPD.

All my hopes and dreams for you

Ken

Fibromepainless profile image
Fibromepainless

I asked at my docs and they said no Ken, said i don't have a condition that was life threatening, as it is Fibro i have, slipped discs or my thyroid and depression aren't a risk, x

TheAuthor profile image
TheAuthor in reply to Fibromepainless

I am so genuinely sorry to read that, and I know from personal experience (my sister) her surgery give her a free flu jab for her thyroid condition. It does not feel fair how different regions / authorities interpret the rules on this. I want to gneuinely wish you all the best of luck.

Al my hopes and dreams for you

Ken

FoggyMoggy profile image
FoggyMoggy in reply to TheAuthor

And many people who were previously diagnosed with Fibromyalgia have turned out to have had a thyroid condition!

Lauraaa profile image
Lauraaa

The doctors surgery offer me it each year due to Coeliac disease but I always decline as I never get the Flu and my sister who has the jab because she is asthmatic seems to get sick after having the jab

TheAuthor profile image
TheAuthor in reply to Lauraaa

Thank you so much for sharing this information, it is genuinely appreciated. I have asthma and COPD and have the jab every year. I have only had a reaction to it once.

All my hopes and dreams for you

Ken

lb003 profile image
lb003

I wouldn't have aa flu jab even if it was offered as I don't tolerate medicaton well.

TheAuthor profile image
TheAuthor in reply to lb003

I am so genuinely sorry to read that and not everybody can tolerate this kind of thing so it is best not to have them if you have problems with medication. Please take care of yourself.

All my hopes and dreams for you

Ken

Mad_scientist_ profile image
Mad_scientist_

Last year I was told I didn't qualify for a free flu jab but this year I was told (by a different pharmacy) that I did (neurological conditions are included now). Who knows what they will say next year.

TheAuthor profile image
TheAuthor in reply to Mad_scientist_

Thank you so much for that. it can be very disconcerting when we are given conflicting information. I want to genuinely wish you all the best of luck.

All my hopes and dreams for you

Ken

VonnyM profile image
VonnyM

I don't have the flu jab. I don't trust them. I don't get colds, except for January this year when I had such a bad cold/flu I lost my voice and was quite ill. Still, I won't have a flu jab

TheAuthor profile image
TheAuthor in reply to VonnyM

Thank you so much for you input it is greatly appreciated. According to the NHS they have seen a massive plummet in the take up figures for this season due to the fact that last seasons vaccination was for the wrong strains of influenza. Many users had the jab, became ill and still has no immunity to the flu last year!

All my hopes and dreams for you

Ken

wheezybronch profile image
wheezybronch

I, being 66 years old and having bronchiectasis and tracheobronchomalacia have the flu jab as a matter of course, I am sorry, I do not know if my fibromyalgia would entitle me to a free flu jab.

TheAuthor profile image
TheAuthor in reply to wheezybronch

Thank you so much for sharing this with us all.

natasha274 profile image
natasha274

The last very new Diagnosis is Vasculitis and I feel it by Therapy. In fact it is last Diagnosis and also the last part of my Body. Vasculitis makes blockade of my Neck Aortas (Blood fessels) and that makes my neck muscles so SWOLLEN! I took MEDROL pills and they are terrible.

Natasha274

TheAuthor profile image
TheAuthor in reply to natasha274

I am so genuinely sorry to read this and I want ti sincerely wish you all the best of luck :) :)

Bacaloca profile image
Bacaloca

I don't get a free flu jab because of my fibro, ​but I get one because my partner is a pensioner and the doctor say's that there is no point him having one and not me.

TheAuthor profile image
TheAuthor in reply to Bacaloca

Thank you so much for that, and I can see where your doctor is coming from. I want to genuinely wish you both all the best of luck :)

Erica50 profile image
Erica50

I get the flu jab as my daughter has c.f and I care for her, also due to having asthma, and lots of chest infections x

TheAuthor profile image
TheAuthor in reply to Erica50

Thank you so much for sharing this, it is genuinely appreciated. You really need a flu jab with your responsibilities and with your chest. I want to genuinely wish you all the best of luck x :)