Free Flu vaccination

Does anyone one know if you have systemic sclerosis and on hydroxychloroquine whether you are entitled to a free annual flu vaccine?

[babyinny]

Hello Clover

I have systemic sclerosis and just had my flu jab as far as I know you are entitled with any chronic health condition Kathy x

[MEW53]

I have systemic sclerosis and I get a free flu jab.

Our immune system is compromised so best to have to avoid infection.

If you look on the NHS web site it says who is entitled.

nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinati...

[AfterForever]

I'm unsure where you're located, but in the U.S. free flu vaccinations are available pre-season and during flu season/s at most, if not all of the larger chain pharmacies. I've never gone to receive one, however, so I can't say whether they give the nasal or I.M. type.

As a side note: This question caught my attention because I personally do not get vaccinated for anything now. I've got Mixed Connective Tissue Disease, with Scleroderma being the most pronounced of the four diseases they've lumped together into "MCTD". I had a primary care physician who pushed not only the flu vaccine, which is understandable, but also Hepatitis A because I used to eat Sushi (salmon) when I was still able to go out to eat, which was ~2years prior to the time of that appointment. After being "forcefully asked" if I wanted the vaccines, I responded with a question of my own - "Should I really be getting vaccines when I've got an autoimmune disease? Perhaps consulting with my Rheumatologist would be wise." (paraphrasing). The doctor thought for a under a minute and chose not to vaccinate me. They never did consult with my Rheumatologist; however, my Rheumatologist will not vaccinate me, for Flu or anything else.

Peace.

Edit: Hepatitis A is not spread only via raw fish. Shellfish, yes, but that was never something I ate. Additionally it's a virus that's spread by any food, at all, if contaminated due to improper sanitation procedures at any restaurant. That's a pretty simplified explanation, but it shows the lack of knowledge that's all too present within the medical community at large.

[trunchalobesity]

In the Uk yes for any chronic condition. Scleroderma is auto immune chances are you are on immunity suppressants and therefore less able to fight infection.

In many cases lung involvement is also present so flu is best avoided.

[Hidden]

Thanks for all your messages. I'm off to visit my GP practice today to get my flu vaccine 🙂

[Angcav]

In Scotland we don't pay for our prescriptions at all.

[Kingfisherblue2009]

Yes should be in the United Kingdom. I have systemic sclerosis and my flu jab is in a couple of weeks. Make sure you get it done at the doctors. I was on that horrible tablet for around 18 months until about 4 weeks ago. It wrecked my eyesight.

[Hidden in reply to Kingfisherblue2009]

I'm really sorry to hear about your eyesight. I am keeping my fingers crossed that things will improve for you.

[fairy56]

Hi Clover, having my flu jab this week.