Anyone that's had thyroid cancer, do you receive the free flu jab or do you have to pay for it?

[shellybelly_71]

[PennyR]

I thought you got it free if you had a compromised immune system, whatever the cause or whatever your age? I don't know if your immune system is compromised by any cancer treatment? However, I saw my doc yesterday for my routine thyroid test results and told her that it had taken me ages to get over a recent chest infection. She said it's an accepted fact that it will always take me longer to get over anything as my immune-reaction system is 'dynamic' in illness (her word). (I have auto-immune thyroiditis). There was a BMJ article a few years ago about it, so she said. I take it that means it over-reacts to any attack (which makes sense) and so it takes longer for everything to clear up. This presumably doesn't apply to someone who's had thyroid cancer, but I guess the immune system would be compromised by any treatment? Sorry for the ramble! Hope something may help. best of luck getting the jab.

[Margo in reply to PennyR]

I was offered a flu injection which I declined. I have had thyroid cancer. I presume they are free on the NHS with thyroid conditions.

[shetlandscooby]

I was told I didn't qualify for a free flu jab, I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer November 2011

[shellybelly_71]

Thanks for your reply's everyone. Yeah I was diagnosed this year. The secretary said the doc had said I am not entitled to it as Ive had the all clear. I didnt mention that actually I have still to get my follow up scan following the radio iodine therapy in February. I contacted the Butterfly Thyroid Cancer Trust and she also was shocked I wasnt getting it. Anyway she advised me to contact my oncologist. I was told from the secretary that I can pay for it at the chemist.