Flu vaccine shortage

[Kate-L]

I was booked to have my flu jab at my GP this week but the appointment was cancelled due to shortage of vaccine. Despite being 'vulnerable' as I have Lupus and renal transplant this made no difference. The appointment has been re-booked towards the end of November, but there's no guarantee. I have rung around chemists etc but no luck. Is anyone else having this problem?

[Sara_A]

Hi what age group are u in because there are still a lot of places that don’t have the over 65’s vaccine yet. I do know that some of the chemists beginning with ‘B’ have had some in our area have u tried them, am sure u probably have.

The under 65 vaccine shouldn’t be a problem as far as I’m aware as surgeries are supposed to order enough for their eligible population and they are usually delivered by the hundreds usually in a couple of deliveries x

[Kate-L in reply to Sara_A]

I'm afraid to say I've just hit the 65+ mark so that's probably the reason why there's no vaccine. I'm really concerned because of my low (well actually its 'no') immune system. I have another appointment at the end of November but in the meantime, will keep asking in Boots etc as Penguintaz suggests.Thanks for all your help. xx

[Sara_A in reply to Kate-L]

Yeah defo try boots my partner is a pharmacist there and they had them. The surgery I work at are getting them in tomorrow so hopefully they should be sorted soon in most places, but it will prob be more of an app issue now (as u usually have to wait 2-3 wks for an app) but we put clinics on next wk in anticipation!

[Kate-L in reply to Sara_A]

Thanks for your suggestion, I went to Boots and had my flu jab done there and then. Also found out I didn't have to pay which was another bonus! xx

[Sara_A in reply to Kate-L]

No u wouldn’t have to pay as u are eligible or at risk group. Just be careful tho if they offer u the pneumonia jab as they do charge for that (as it’s a different vaccine) but u are eligible for that free on nhs thru your gp surgery which actually covers for more types . Glad uve got sorted, we have got our over 65 vaccines in now, I spent half of yesterday giving them!

[Penguintaz]

Hi Kate,

I was warned that they had a shortage in my area but I was still able to book in and have it. Do try all the pharmacies you can including Boots. The one in my town centre offers flu jabs. Hope you are able to get yours soon x