Flu' Jabs

[shirlthegirl]

I have my first rheumatologist appointment on wednesday, Should i also be asking them for a Flu'jab, or should i make a appointment to see my doctor and also will it be free being i have RA?Xxx

[dtech]

If you are diagnosed with RA they should give you flu jabs every year.

[helixhelix]

Look up some previous blogs re the flu jab as there seems to be a difference in how some practices interpret the "rules" for free jabs. Where I am, it is the fact that I am on immunosuppressant drugs that makes me eligible for the free jab. Having RA is not enough. But in other places they will give it once you are diagnosed.

Either way, it's normally done by your GP. Lots of places you don't have to speak to doctor, as the practice nurse does them.

[earthwitch]

RA on its own isn't justification for a flu jab in most NHS areas, and doesn't put you at any more risk. Its if you are on medications that are immunocompromising (i.e. pretty much all the DMARDs). So if you are asking the surgery whether you should have it or not, don't just ask about RA, let them know what drugs you are on too.

[Dogrose]

I always get called in with a card through the post, at every practice I have been at, for years due to having asthma but only started last year due to taking DMARDS. This year I have been advised to haven extra pneumonia vaccination that lasts a few years.

[mistymeana]

Hi Shirl. Each Primary Care Trust sets the parameters for who is eligible for a free flu jab based on how they interpret that year's NHS directives. The GPs' computer systems use this info to trawl for patients that fit the parameters and spew out a list, although GPs and practice nurses can override a "no" vote if they can justify their decision. Ask your surgery if you're on the list as they don't all send out written recalls as standard. If the answer is no you can have it done privately at most of the big pharmacy chains, walk-in centres and many large supermarkets. In my area the price ranges from about £9 - £12 (Morrisons being the cheapest here) so won't break the bank and much better than trying to deal with RA and the flu! The pneumo vac is offered to people at risk over the age of 65 and anyone younger with significant problems that compromise the immune system or affect breathing. One vaccination covers you for life. Hope this info is useful and good luck x

[Hidden]

I wouldn't book anything until your appointment is over because if you are diagnosed with inflammatory arthritis/ RA then the consultant will probably get various tests done and advise you to take a disease modifying drug, but if on the other hand you are left in limbo for a while longer - as I was - then your immune system is probably overactive still and you probably won't need the flu jab as much as others in the community do such as pregnant mothers, the elderly etc. It's best not to jump the gun and assume a) that you have RA until diagnosed by a rheumy, b) that you are more vulnerable - until DMARDs have actually kicked in and supressed your immune system (that's when they start working - which can take between 3 to 6 months for some people. Good luck for tomorrow - let us know how you get on. Tilda x