Flu jab

[ali5son]

Hi just off phone with gp and advised I do not qualify for flu jab. I'm 61yrs old and have had PMR for 3 yrs. I still work job share in a homeless hostel for local authority where very little covid safe practice so feeling very vulnerable.

[SnazzyD]

UK? Why not just go to Boots and get it for a tenner? Less hassle.

[ali5son in reply to SnazzyD]

Will try that thanks

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

In that case, local authority should be footing the bill - hahaha!

As SNazzyD says go to local chemist/pharmacy - before they run out. 😳

[ali5son in reply to DorsetLady]

Got it last year from gp and when phoned about getting at work all booked. Just would have rather got it sooner than later

[piglette]

I read somewhere that Tesco are offering a jab for £9.

[Marijo1951]

In view of your employment, would the local authority pay for it? They should do as it's in their interests for you to stay well. When I worked for Transport for London every employee was entitled to a free flu jab (though many were daft enough not to take advantage) Having said that, I think it's pretty outrageous of your GP to turn you down. With the combination of your own health condition and the work you do, of course you should be offered the jab for free.

[Estellemac]

When I worked for a homeless hostel my employer paid for the staff as the residents were not very good on staying healthy and looking after themselves. May be yours might.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I think they are incorrect - the media has been telling us that everyone over 50 will be eligible this year. However, over 50s may have to wait until later in the year - there is currently a shortage of the vaccine because it takes time to produce and they have ordered more.

Try asking a pharmacy - they also hand out the free entitlement ones I think.

nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinati...

Were you shielding originally? After 3 years on pred I'd have thought you qualified.

[ali5son in reply to PMRpro]

Yes he said that I would be entitled due to over 50s but that may be latter. Also all ones offered by employer are all booked up at moment. Just concerned due to being a key worker and would have prefare to have it sooner rather than later

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to ali5son]

You could pay - and maybe a pharmacy will treat you as entitled to have it.

[Abbey17]

I always book in at Boots or Superdrug - easy to get

[ali5son in reply to Abbey17]

Thank you, I went to boots and Loyds and all fully booked. But Gp got back to me late afternoon today and on this occasion will give me flu jab so just waiting on phone call.

[whitefishbay]

I would go pay for one. Worth it.

[Daffodilia]

I got it at Tesco before could get it at GP - they showed more care than my (then) surgery which my husband used

[Parami]

The NHS website states people with long-term conditions, such as those taking steroids, qualify for a free jab. I've got mine booked for tomorrow. I'd ask gp why they aren't following the NHS guidelines.

[Loyd]

Very surprised at the flu jab. I am in Scotland and have received a letter from our NHS saying this year because of Covid everyone over 55 is eligible for the jab. Where are you living?

[ali5son in reply to Loyd]

Irvine Ayrshire although they have now decided to give me one

[Loyd in reply to ali5son]

Oh that's good. 👍👍

[Odosmum in reply to Loyd]

Had mine today, Loyd. 800 peeps at the local High School!

[Floridafan]

Last year (I was 63 at the time) I had mine done at Boots....no charge. Same this year too. You have to complete a form online, one of the questions is do you have an autoimmune disease, which of course you do. Unfortunately, because of an increase in people requesting the jab Boots have had to suspend the booking system for a while.

I was also offered the jab last year by my doctors surgery so I don’t understand why you are being refused it. I would phone them back and ask to speak to the practice manager. Not all GPS know what they are talking about! 😂

[Kendrew]

I don't understand why you don't qualify! I'm 62 have had PMR for16mths and it's the fact I'm on steroids (as I assume you are?) that makes me eligible because steroids compromise the immune system and therefore you need the protection. I would question him about it again. My local Boots in my village is actually doing mine next Tues, as the GP surgery can't do me till end of November.

[Linny3]

I have had pmr for 4 years and have had the flu shot each year. Dr. said it was a must have.

It is crazy how so many dr.s differ on so many things.

Good Luck

[Cyclegirl54]

I had a recent disappointing scenario. Went in to surgery for pre booked flu jab. Nurse had my injection ready, chilling in a cool bag! She suddenly stated that she couldn’t find some sort of template on my records, checked with the Head nurse who asked what dose I’m on- I said 4 mg tapering to 3 mg- and she said that The rules were you had to be on 40 mg daily to qualify. I was so taken aback that I couldn’t think what to say then gathered my thoughts and queried this but wasn’t given the jab. I am now waiting for the over 50 (I’m 57) opportunity in November!