I made enquiries through Ask My GP about my flu jab as I had not heard. Was told, although I had been having the jab since 2006, since 2018/19 I was not entitled to it, and I must have got through the net, regardless of having a low immune system, taking enbrel and having RA. My meds etc. have not changed since 2006 so find this difficult to understand. As I am over 50 they will put me on the list this year, and I should get a date sometime in December to go to have the jab.
I am very confused how come I was entitled, and now I am not. My bloods book states I must have a jab each year, which is signed by my rheumatology consultant. Last time I had the jab they insisted I have the pneumonia jab as well.
Anyone else come across this problem?
Alyson. (Muffin).
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muffin
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I had mine ages ago so I'd push to have it as soon as possible if I were you. Do you have to get it from your surgery? I was able to have it from the pharmacy round the corner and it was free because he could see what medication I'm on; your bloods book might be sufficient evidence 🤔
Try Tesco. You can book on the website and tick immunosuppression to get a free one.
Your being fobbed off full stop. They obviously haven’t ordered enough. I would be furious. My Gp had only just started sending out letters. I got mine done at a pharmacy in September for free.🤬🤬🤬ooo I would love to poke them in the eye. X
Hi Muffin, You should be able to have this free if you’re on Enbrel. Plate chase your GP surgery first. Ask to speak to the practice manager and say/remind that you take an immunosuppressant. You should not have to pay for this at Tesco when you are entitled to have it free. There should be vaccines left at your GP. This was my first year having flu and pneumonia shots this year but I had to chase them. Good luck.
I would either phone your rheumatology help line or secretary and explain the problem and see if they can speak to your GP for you. Alternatively look to see if any local pharmacies offer the service, you can book online with Boots and Tesco’s but a lot of the smaller pharmacies do it too. You don’t have to pay if you’re entitled to a free one, you just have to fill in a form and sign it to say you’re eligible for it.
I had this issue as receptionist said no as I didn’t come up on the list, so ask my Gp and they said I was and put on the list, apparently a new box is supposed to pop up on their system if you are entitled and I didn’t. But gp sorted it out, agree with another contributor chemists are good at doing it as well.
Yes a GP receptionist refused my vaccination request as my online records she accessed didn’t have the correct info, just as you have detailed. 😑 Despite me having a chat with a GP who sanctioned it the day before, she didn’t write up any notes to say she approved. The practice manager took it on board and sorted it and booked me in. 💗
I had exactly the same problem. I am on Sarilumab and Methotrexate injections. I have had the flu jab at my GP’s for years and last year they offered it to my husband as well. When I heard nothing I contacted them and despite the fact I had been shielding as well, they told me I was not entitled. She said the only way to get one was special permission from GP, so I had to make an appt. He said both my husband and I should both be entitled so we got one. No-one could explain how I had dropped off the list. I assume this means I will have to fight for the Covid vaccine too.
Same situation here Titch. I’m just about to send a letter to my GP about concerns over a bit being on a shielding/CEV list for the vaccine .. when it arrives.. and slipping through the net. I’ve been penning it a couple of weeks. I’ll copy to my rheumy too. Maybe you could do the same and ask for an acknowledgment.
Hi muffin, yes you should definitely have the flu jab , I had exactly the same problem , I had to get past a very rude receptionist who reduced me to tears, she said I was not a priority even thou I had the letter to shield, I rang my specialist , was told I was , who then contacted my gp, I got it done , keep pushing for it good luck 😊
I'm sorry to hear this - sometimes the receptionists can be so rude. Most at my surgery are lovely but one (the boss) is a real dragon. Glad you got it sorted.
The receptionist in my surgery said the same to me. I told her that the rheumatologist told me I must have it, did she want me to go back to the hospital and tell them the GP had refused and they must do it there? She backed down and gave me a flu jab apt same day
I'm just on methotrexate and I'm entitled to one - they're having you on!
Like other people have said, there doesn't seem to be enough to go round so they are rationing it out over time. Back in October I saw the flu clinic at the GPs advertised so I was wondering why I hadn't heard about booking a jab yet, popped onto the online GP site and saw they were bookable so I nabbed a spot. Checked that was okay afterwards and they said yes, so didn't think more of it. Last couple of weeks though, they have been saying that they can't yet vaccinate everyone who is eligible - they're waiting for more vaccine - so I was just cheeky/lucky enough to get mine.
Well done for checking. Mistakes happen, I never take anything for granted now. And I agree, try and get it done sooner. Tesco were fully booked online but I called in and the nurse kindly fitted me in, several weeks ago though. Good luck.
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