NHS flu Injection

[cazvader]

Hi, Does anyone know if you can have a free Flu Jab if you have Fibromyalgia? I used to get them for free at my last employers. But I'm not sure about the NHS.

Thanks

Caz

[Rose54]

Phone your Surgery and ask

[Dinkie]

I did last year. Just asked the nurse and she said certainly she would do it. Didn't ask the Doctor or receptionist just the nurse who actually does the vaccinations when I took the other half in for his. She considered fibro to be a long term chronic condition so I qualified. about the only helpful thing about having fibro!!!!

[Mdaisy]

Hello Cazvader

The injected flu vaccine is offered free of charge on the NHS to anyone with a serious long-term health condition, including:

chronic (long-term) respiratory diseases, such as asthma (which requires an inhaled or tablet steroid treatment, or has led to hospital admission in the past), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema or bronchitis

chronic heart disease, such as heart failure

chronic kidney disease

chronic liver disease, such as hepatitis

chronic neurological conditions, such as Parkinson's disease, motor neurone disease or multiple sclerosis (MS)

diabetes

problems with your spleen – for example, sickle cell disease or if you have had your spleen removed

a weakened immune system as the result of conditions such as HIV and AIDS, or medication such as steroid tablets or chemotherapy

being seriously overweight (BMI of 40 or above)

This list of conditions isn't definitive. It's always an issue of clinical judgement.

Your GP can assess you to take into account the risk of flu making any underlying illness you may have worse, as well as your risk of serious illness from flu itself.

nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinati...

People report their GP advising having the flu jab due to Fibromyalgia. It’s not black and white, it seems some who believe it to fit into chronic illness category above give it and others don’t! Failing that you may be eligible to have the Flu Jab due to another reason above , if not you can get it from pharmacies for around £10 if you would like it.

As to whether you should have it, well this is debatable too as some members wouldn’t be without it as Flu on top of Fibro is awful but others say they’ve reacted to the vaccine. NHS say that this cannot happen as vaccine isn’t live but people do report reactions.

Sorry I cannot be more helpful as this subject seems to highlight issues in how NHS define Fibro in terms of eligibility which can vary between surgeries based on healthcare professional judgement, and there is discussion whether to have or not. Ultimately you need to do the best for you personally

Emma

[Hidden in reply to Mdaisy]

Interesting info Mdaisy, I get mine due to Asthma but you'd have thought Fibro should be eligible really, shouldn't you?!?

Thanks Pen X💜🤗

[Maccs]

Yes I got mine last year free and need to book this years. All my family have all just had a bad dose of flu which has gone onto their chests. So must remember to book mine in 💝💐

[rosewine]

Worth asking nothing to lose everything to gain as they say. Different doctors have different interpretations of the rules.

Unfortunately, I can't have them as the only time I did I had a severe reaction but would jump at the chance even if I had to pay as it was the only year Indidnt have the flu.

Hope you get a free one.x

[Hazel_Angelstar Administrator FMA UK Staff]

My gp offers me it every year.... And I always refuse as I end up ill after the jab, so I'd rather just take my chances xxx

[David2165]

As far as I recollect usually when you have diabetes you are eligible for the free jab. Some doctors are very understanding if you ask