Flu jabs...available to all?

[delorean]

Do you have to be old to qualify for a free flu jab? If not how much does it cost for one, or can you even get one at all??

[newlywed]

I think some chemists like Boots were doing it for about £10 or something.

At my previous firm the firm paid for a nurse to come and administer the flu jab to those that wanted it and the firm paid for everyone (less sick pay to deal with I suppose) so it is available if you pay.

However, if you have certain illnesses you can get the flu jab for free from your doctor, eg if you have diabetes, asthma or some other illnesses.

[Mrs pbradley936]

At my GP surgery if you are over 65, or have a long term health problem it is free. Everyone else has to pay £20.

[delorean]

Boots do it? Any Boots with a pharmacy? Do you have to do it yourself like it's an over the counter kit or something?

Is there a big waiting list too? I'm looking to get it done this week or next week.

[newlywed]

I think they had a sign up to make an appointment at the pharmacy counter but not sure. Just looked up and it looks like £20 is more correct.

[violetb]

I made an appointment at my local Boots. The cost is £15. Better than flu (which I had two years running!).

[delorean]

Is there a long wait for them or can you go in a few days?

[zztopgirl]

I suppose i had better get one from Boots too, i have a serious lung disease but my gp surgery wont let me have the jab(cos im not on steroids at the moment). Would rather pay 15/20 pounds than end up in hospital.

[hilstep2000]

You can get one if you've got an auto immune disease (like MS which I've got) or a respiratory one (like asthma) otherwise your GP may give it you, but it costs.

[Alison_B]

I used to get it done at the doctors as they said that I had asthma (I was late 30's). I felt dreadful after having it done and suffered with colds throughout the year. I decided 3 years ago that I wasn't going to have one anymore and (touch wood), haven't had a single cold since.

[zztopgirl]

My gp surgery is only giving them to those over 65 or with asthma, as i thought that all with auto immune disease should get it, but obviously not. It must depend on the surgery as i was at a different one last year and had the jab then with no problems.

[lisyloo]

but my gp surgery wont let me have the jab(cos im not on steroids at the moment). Would rather pay 15/20 pounds than end up in hospital.

There may be a good medical reason why your GP doesn't want you to have it, such as a reaction between the 2 medications (rather than just penny pinching).

I think you should at least advise the people giving you the jab of your steroids (they may well ask about other medication) so that they can decide whether it's safe for you to have it.

I know that GPs have budgets etc. but it may be unsafe for you to have it.

[emg]

I work in a Health Centre and we have been told that there is a shortage of flu jabs this year and so our PCT is only offering them to priority groups. This includes people who are diabetic, have respiratory disease (including asthma), have autoimmune illnesses or are over 65. They are also being offered to all NHS staff (the theory being that they dont want all the staff off ill in the middle of a flu epidemic!) It's interesting to hear that boots are offering jabs as if it's true about the shortage then how come they get them when Gp surgeries dont have enough?

[lisyloo]

It's interesting to hear that boots are offering jabs as if it's true about the shortage then how come they get them when Gp surgeries dont have enough?

Different supplier?
Perhaps they pay more so have been given priority after essential supplies.

[Jake'sGran]

Different supplier?
Perhaps they pay more so have been given priority after essential supplies.

Yes, it seems my GP does not have any yet as I 'phoned and was told November. In the past I have had one each year in early October. I am at high risk being over 65 and with heart disease so I'm a bit miffed about having to wait but if they can't get it yet there is nothing I can do.

[Glad]

Hi, Martin’s asked me to post this in these circumstances: I’ve asked Board Guides to move threads if they’ll receive a better response elsewhere(please see this rule (http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?p=1009335#post1009335)) so this post/thread has been moved to another board, where it should get more replies. If you have any questions about this policy please email abuse@moneysavingexpert.com (abuse@moneysavingexpert.com). :)

[Ted_Hutchinson]

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov... (http://www.bbc.co.uk/go/dna/mbouch/F2671774/ext/_auto/-/http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=16198765)
In elderly individuals living in the community, vaccines were not significantly effective against influenza, influenza-like illness, or pneumonia.

"The effect of current vaccination programs on morbidity is insignificant, and that on mortality marginal."

See www.vitamindcouncil.... (http://www.bbc.co.uk/go/dna/mbouch/F2671774/ext/_auto/-/http://www.vitamindcouncil.com/newsletter/2006-oct-nov.shtml) for more information.

See also
Epidemic Influenza And Vitamin D (http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=51913)

[Reg99]

You are also eligible for a free flu jab if you are a carer for a disabled person. Certainly true in Wales and I'm pretty sure it's the case in England too.

[black-saturn]

Boots do a free postal mailing which has a lot of coupons in it and one of those is a £5 off a flu jab. You have to fill in a form instore to get the mailings. So you get it for £10 instead of £15.

Or you could phone your surgery as they sometimes have some left over which they will give to you for free.

[princess pixiedust]

Our surgery just phoned to book ds1 in for his jab, he has diabetes, they have never done this before, hmm strange, normally we have to phone up:rolleyes:

Did ask to get one for ds2 as he always gets wheezy/ breathing probs when he gets a cold due to him having rsv when he was a baby but dr said no, will try agin i think.

Kyle

[the optimist]

Boots do a free postal mailing which has a lot of coupons in it and one of those is a £5 off a flu jab. You have to fill in a form instore to get the mailings. So you get it for £10 instead of £15.
My Boots mail said 15% off, not £5, got it yesterday. Did you make a mistake or are they giving different discounts?

[Nicki]

You are also eligible for a free flu jab if you are a carer for a disabled person. Certainly true in Wales and I'm pretty sure it's the case in England too.

Yes - at least was true in England last year and I haven't heard this has changed

[zztopgirl]

Regarding carers getting flu jabs, it only applies to those recieving carers allowance, or caring for elderly or severely disabled.

But this depends on the surgery, i used to be a carer but was told the flu jabs only went to employed care workers or childminders, slaves carers claiming c.a. werent entitled to them.

[rammy007]

I tried to get one this week at my Docs cos of my asthma and they told me they wont have anymore for another 2 weeks.

[black-saturn]

My Boots mail said 15% off, not £5, got it yesterday. Did you make a mistake or are they giving different discounts?
Nope mines definately £5 off, just checked the mailing :confused:

[nuttywoman]

I am a care for my hubby and got one last year, does anyone know if i`ll get one this year?
thanks

[Turning_into_scrooge]

Do you have to be old to qualify for a free flu jab? If not how much does it cost for one, or can you even get one at all??

I'm not old :D and i got one last Monday in my doctors surgery with no charge but i do have a disabillity which gives me a low immune system. So in answer to your q no you don't have to be over 50/60 years of age, if that is what you are classing as old.

[zztopgirl]

I am a care for my hubby and got one last year, does anyone know if i`ll get one this year?
thanks

If you get carers allowance, you should get one.

[Savvy_Sue]

I am a care for my hubby and got one last year, does anyone know if i`ll get one this year?
thanksThe other thing to do is to phone your surgery and ask when / how they're doing the flu jabs and see if they'll make you an appointment without asking too many questions, IYSWIM. That's what I always do.

[Carrera74]

You can buy them at Morrison's for £15 - fancy going shopping and picking up a jab at the same time! :)

The PCT that I work for have advised that there is no shortage anymore but there is a delay in deliveries as GP's etc have ordered them in later than normal due to the original shortage!!

Certain groups are able to get these but I believe the criteria is slightly different this year.

[Ted_Hutchinson]

Flu Vaccines 'Less Effective Than Thought' (http://www.lse.co.uk/ShowStory.asp?story=WR2630459N&news_headline=flu_vaccines_less_effective_than_tho ught)

[froma-z]

Hi All
Any one know where I can pay to get one done in the Nottinghamshire area ? Been having one for last 14 years, but due to shortage as not priority.
Tried our local Boots no good, tried Morrisons no good, Bupa Nottm will be January so put name down for a call back incase I cant gey one before then!
Many thanks

[the optimist]

Nope mines definately £5 off, just checked the mailing :confused:
Lucky you - wanna swap vouchers??? :rotfl:

[barrymung]

Anyone know of anywhere doing flu jabs in Southampton this year?

I had one in Boots last year but nothing on their website about this year. About 5 years ago Asda did them but they have since stopped. I heard a rumour that Morrisons are to start doing them but nothing on their website either.

[lolarentt]

When Asda were giving jabs for £12 a few years ago I had one but the following year this was not available so I contacted my local surgery to see what it would cost privately. I was asked why I wanted to pay and replied because I was not over 65 - I was told well we don't charge at all so just come along to one of the injection sessions and you can have one. Since then I am on their list and have had one every year for nothing. So it's worth checking with your local surgery as you may get a free one anyway!

[kal25]

Has all the people that had it before had reactions, is it normal to get flu/cold symptoms after having it? It's just I was told off by the doctor a few months back as I never have the flu jab but suffer with mild asthma:naughty: :naughty: :naughty: . However, I have had a few bad chest infections and asthma has been slightly worse so will be thinking about this . this year. Also I assume you have to be well when you get the jab,as I think I am coming down with a stinking cold at the moment.

[lolarentt]

Has all the people that had it before had reactions, is it normal to get flu/cold symptoms after having it? It's just I was told off by the doctor a few months back as I never have the flu jab but suffer with mild asthma:naughty: :naughty: :naughty: . However, I have had a few bad chest infections and asthma has been slightly worse so will be thinking about this . this year. Also I assume you have to be well when you get the jab,as I think I am coming down with a stinking cold at the moment.

We've both been having them for 5 years now and never had any reaction, even the first one. We just stand in a line and it's Hi! - sleeve up - 2 second jab (painless) - wipe with tissue and out again. The nurse does one every 8-10 seconds

[barrymung]

Has all the people that had it before had reactions, is it normal to get flu/cold symptoms after having it?

I have had *very* mild simptoms once, and I must stress *very*.

yes, you do have to be well when you have it done.

My personal experience is that I still get flu/colds but they are far milder and I get less of them.

[Savvy_Sue]

yes, you do have to be well when you have it done.I'll second that: I started getting them the year I'd had one chest infection after another from September onwards, and my GP said "Come back in a week and we'll give you a flu jab - you're too ill at the moment!"

My personal experience is that I still get flu/colds but they are far milder and I get less of them.I'll second that too.

Which reminds me, must phone the surgery on Monday to make my appointment!

[LimeLight]

I'm getting mine next tuesday :(

Usually she just springs it on me when i'm there for another reason.

One time i went to get some stitches taken out of my arm, and she said 'while you're here, you can have a tetanus jab.

I asked if i could have time to think about it and was told i had the 5 mins it would take her to take my stitches out.

Ruthless is that nurse!

[Atomised]

My mum always felt awful after having the flu jab and still got ill so she refuses now. I've been offered it 2 years in a row but declined.My boyfriend currently has a cold (think i'm starting to get it)and last October I suffered with awful,painful head cold so might have it this year. Not sure if it works well enough

[Ted_Hutchinson]

Flu campaign hit by new vaccine delay (http://www.healthcarerepublic.com/news/GP/LatestNews/740630/Flu-campaign-hit-new-vaccine-delay/)

This is despite claims by US experts last week that vaccinating the elderly against flu may be pointless.

A review article in the Lancet Infectious Diseases said there is little evidence that vaccinating the over-70s against flu reduced mortality rates.

Excess mortality studies have been unable to confirm a decline in the number of flu deaths since 1980, despite vaccine uptake increasing from 15 to 65 per cent, say Dr Lone Simonsen, from the George Washington University, and colleagues.

Don't forget what really works.
Epidemic Influenza And Vitamin D (http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/51913.php)

Those who took the genuine vitaminD3 (2000iu/d) reported a 70 per cent reduction in colds and flu, from 30 episodes to nine over the three-year study. (http://news.independent.co.uk/health/article2447662.ece)

[LondonDiva]

Ignore the cod science above and if you are vulnerable and have concerns, please discuss with a qualified practioner such as a GP or pharmacist.

[Ted_Hutchinson]

Ignore the cod science above and if you are vulnerable and have concerns, please discuss with a qualified practioner such as a GP or pharmacist.Flu jabs 'don't prevent deaths in the elderly' (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/text/article.html?in_article_id=483700&in_page_id=1774&in_main_section=&in_sub_section=&in_chn_id=)
Interesting to see The Lancet Infectious Diseases (http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6W8X-4PRJTNM-S&_user=10&_coverDate=10%2F31%2F2007&_rdoc=22&_fmt=summary&_orig=browse&_srch=doc-info(%23toc%236666%232007%23999929989%23669378%23F LA%23display%23Volume)&_cdi=6666&_sort=d&_docanchor=&_ct=26&_acct=C000050221&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=10&md5=2d5b408b7d441b442bcc0da8f9b9d8bf) described as cod science.

[LondonDiva]

No Ted, I was referring to you.

For any vaccine to be expected to prevent deaths, is a pretty tall order. What vaccines do is reduce incidents and severity of the illness in question.

My suggesting that people speak to a GP or pharmacist trained in medcines management about any related concerns, rather than rely on your random and sometimes very worrying advice is something I'd repeat.

[alba37]

Has all the people that had it before had reactions, is it normal to get flu/cold symptoms after having it? It's just I was told off by the doctor a few months back as I never have the flu jab but suffer with mild asthma:naughty: :naughty: :naughty: . However, I have had a few bad chest infections and asthma has been slightly worse so will be thinking about this . this year. Also I assume you have to be well when you get the jab,as I think I am coming down with a stinking cold at the moment.

I normally get a bit of swelling, hot to the touch, around the area of the injection, which last a few days. Some years I've felt a bit off, also for a few days, with flu'ish' type symptoms, but it's nothing in comparison to flu or even a bad cold.

[Ted_Hutchinson]

What vaccines do is reduce incidents and severity of the illness in question. As indeed does having a naturally effective immune system.
My suggesting that people speak to a GP or pharmacist trained in medcines management about any related concerns. Current prescribing and dispensing practice regarding Ergocalciferol (http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/full/84/4/694) Vit D2 puts the best interests of the Pharmacutical industry before the best interests of patients.

Not only will a GP or pharmacist provide the least effective form of vitamin d they will also supply at ineffective levels. (http://www.clinicalanswers.nhs.uk/index.cfm?question=5791)

Current "official" advice and prescribing/dispensing practice is demonstrably out of line with recent research (http://app2.capitalreach.com/esp1204/servlet/tc?cn=asbmr&c=10169&s=20343&e=6950&&)and common sense.

An infant who weighs three kilos gets 400 international units," she observed. "So you have a woman who's 60, 70, 80 kilos, who's only getting 400 and think about that per kilo - it's really negligible." (http://www.vitamindsociety.org/news_article.php?id=10)

The urgent need to recommend an intake of vitamin D that is effective (http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/full/85/3/649)

Vitamin D’s Crucial Role in Cardiovascular Protection (http://www.lef.org/magazine/mag2007/sep2007_report_vitamind_01.htm)

[Ted_Hutchinson]

Talking to your Doctor or nurse is best
Link to influenza chapter Green Book (http://www.dh.gov.uk/prod_consum_dh/idcplg?IdcService=GET_FILE&dID=116105&Rendition=Web)

Seasonal Flu campaign - young people at risk urged to get the jab (http://www.gnn.gov.uk/environment/fullDetail.asp?ReleaseID=318022&NewsAreaID=2&NavigatedFromDepartment=False)

Given the fact that "targets" means achieving performance indicators does anyone really imagine information provided by your health professional will differ in any significant detail from the "official" NHS advice?

By nature GP's are "consensus" orientated and individual doctors do not like to think or act for themselves preferring the "herd mentality" of always doing what everyone else is. This is how we arrive at a situation where vitually every UK doctor would prescribe Ergocalciferol yet everyone who know anything about Cholecalciferol knows it's not only cheaper but also more effective.

If you read the Green Book information about flu jabs you will see page

188
"Some influenza vaccines currently contain thiomersal. Other influenza vaccines are thiomersal-free. They have equivalent efficacy and safety (http://www.mercola.com/2002/dec/30/thimerosal_vaccines.htm). If a thiomersal-free influenza vaccine is not available, then a thiomersal-containing vaccine should be given."

Does anyone actually believe without the patient actually asking, it is likely anyone will be offered the information by their Doctor or nurse that "a mercury based compound (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thiomersal_controversy)may be used?"

Who thinks it's a good idea that vulnerable people should have an annual mercury injection?

Go back to page 186 of the green book and look at the graph of flu incidence and compare that to the months of lowest vitamin D status plotted in the charts at the end of this paper (http://jcem.endojournals.org/cgi/rapidpdf/jc.2007-1279v1)

The reason we use vaccines is they make pharmaceutical companies a lot of money. Improving the immune status of patients so they are less likely to get ill will not improve the profit margins year on year.

The cost of a years supply of 5000iu/d cholecalciferol is around £13.50 (including p&p from USA)
Standard vaccine
£22 for new patients, £18 for NHS - eligible & past patients

New technology vaccine
£32 for new patients, £25 for NHS - eligible & past patients (http://www.flujabs.org/individual_vaccination.php)

(http://jcem.endojournals.org/cgi/rapidpdf/jc.2007-1279v1)

[suzukibabe]

It might be worth asking your occupational health dept. at work.
Ours run drop in sessions every year and offer the flu jab to all employees.

[Ted_Hutchinson]

Effectiveness of Influenza Vaccine in the Community-Dwelling Elderly (http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/full/357/14/1373)

Influenza — The Goal of Control (http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/full/357/14/1439)

Long-Term Effectiveness of Flu Vaccine in Community-Dwelling Elderly Persons (http://infectious-diseases.jwatch.org/cgi/content/full/2007/1003/1)

The new evidence linked to above hasn't changed my mind that the best moneysaving option if one were in the position of choosing Vitamin D3 OR Flu Jab that Vit D3 (although the evidence for it's preventative role for influenza is liimited) remains the best option. But it isn't the case of one or other, people with high vitamin D status can still have a flu jab and people who have had a flu jab will still benefit (lower cancer incidence (http://trusted.md/blog/vreni_gurd/2007/06/22/the_sunshine_vitamin_reduces_cancer_risk#comment)) from having a higher than average vit d status.

Mortality benefits of influenza vaccination in elderly people: an ongoing controversy. (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?Db=pubmed&Cmd=ShowDetailView&TermToSearch=17897608&ordinalpos=2&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsP anel.Pubmed_RVDocSum) concludes The remaining evidence base is currently insufficient to indicate the magnitude of the mortality benefit, if any, that elderly people derive from the vaccination programme but those authors would not have considered the newly published evidence above.

The more cynical readers may note Dr. Nichol reports serving as a consultant to or as a member of medical advisory boards of Sanofi Pasteur (http://www.sanofipasteur.com/sanofi-pasteur/front/index.jsp?siteCode=AVPI_US), MedImmune (http://www.drugresearcher.com/news/ng.asp?n=65029-medimmune-chiron-flumist-flu-vaccine-bird-flu), GlaxoSmithKline (http://us.gsk.com/ControllerServlet?appId=4&pageId=402&newsid=970), and Novartis (http://hugin.info/134323/R/1069333/181568.pdf) and receiving grant support from Sanofi Pasteur and GlaxoSmithKline; and Dr. Nordin, receiving grant support from Sanofi Pasteur and the CDC..

[MRSTITTLEMOUSE]

You can get one done for £14.50 at some of the Morrisons supermarkets if they have a pharmacy.A nurse is going to be in on set days to those who make an appointment for one.

[MRSTITTLEMOUSE]

sorry, just realised someone already mentioned this........

[candygirl]

Just been to have my flu jab today, and cos i'm a mild asthmatic they advised me to have a pneumonia jab too.I had a jab in each arm!!Has anyone else had a pneumonia jab too?:confused: :confused:

[Scarlett1]

Just been to have my flu jab today, and cos i'm a mild asthmatic they advised me to have a pneumonia jab too.I had a jab in each arm!!Has anyone else had a pneumonia jab too?:confused: :confused:
no, I have asthma and havnt had to have that jab and I have been having the flu jab about 4 years now.

[calleyw]

Regarding carers getting flu jabs, it only applies to those recieving carers allowance, or caring for elderly or severely disabled.

But this depends on the surgery, i used to be a carer but was told the flu jabs only went to employed care workers or childminders, slaves carers claiming c.a. werent entitled to them.

My local surgery said I could be put on the list as I am carer of someone with an Auto immune disease. And if they have enough then I can have one. And I don't get carers allowance.

Lets just hope I don't bring it home as his blood counts are all over the shop and it would put him hospital.

Better remind husband to book his.


Yours


Calley

[Beate]

My surgery has had the vaccine in for a week now and told us that we just have to turn up during one of their vaccination sessions, so hubby and I are going tonight. They give them out for free to everyone. Last year I got mine from Boots for £15 as my surgery did not have the vaccine in for ages. My company then reimbursed the £15.