Flu jabs

pennineman

Didn't know where to post this but thought here might be OK?

I'm immensely frustrated. Have been trying for four weeks to get my 98 year-old mother her flu jab only to be passed off with a different excuse from her GP's practice each time as to why this couldn't be done yet. And their excuses now contradict their earlier ones. 98 years old and they don't seem to care!!

How many others have had their flu jab?

Any problems getting it?

Had mine two weeks ago and friends had theirs four weeks ago.

Grrrrrrrr!

TBagpuss

I am due to have mine next weekend (13th Nov)
My GP does specific flu-jab clinics and this is the 3rd of 3 - I think the first was 16th October.

What excuses are you getting?

corbyboy

A lot of GPs have special clinics for flu jabs. Are you trying to book into one of these?

You say she can't have it "yet," what exactly are they saying to you when you try to book it? Surely they can tell you a date that you can have it.

LJM

my nan is 83 and she had hers last week her doctors surgery sent her an appointment, yet my uncle had to pospone his as he had a chest infection so they wouldnt give it him yet

Pink.

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candyapple_2

I'm getting my flu jab tomorrow. I usually get a letter inviting me for one but had to go to the surgery myself and book appointment. They told me they have been doing them since the beginning of October and have only certain days which they do them. (although I have weird working hours so managed to be squeezed in somewhere else)

Anyone over 65 is now considered to be at high risk of flu so I'd have thought someone of your mum's age would have been a priority.

I would keep on at them to be honest, hope you get it sorted. x

Bobble72

I took my 87 year old dad for his flu jab on Saturday to a special clinic organised by his GP. I was also offered a flu jab as his carer.

newidentity

There could be a number of different reasons for this depending on the situation but to me, it sounds unacceptable.

In some areas, there have been supply issues with the vaccine and GPs are having to limit vaccines they do give until they can get more in.

Is your mother housebound or able to get to the surgery?

Your mum is entitled to get the flu vaccine as she fits the criteria and if she wants to have it, you must push for it. Just to comment on another posters comment, everyone in the at risk groups are entitled to the vaccine, no one is given priority within these groups - they are equally entitled. Ask to speak to the nurse rather than the secretaries as you may have more luck there. If you still have no luck then consider making a complaint to the practice manager (in writing).

Good luck, let us know how you get on.

Hermia

I am surprised that your mum is being fobbed off as GPs are under pressure to hit their targets re: the flu jab. I had mine a few weeks back. My surgery organises 4 big sessions in the local church hall. They are all at different times and you are expected to go to these and you have to have a very good reason to request a flu jab outside of these times.

vicki+1

it is in the gp's interest to give the flu jabs, as they get paid for each one they give. it may just be that you need to book into a specific clinic or they are waiting for more stock

gunsandbanjos

Got my daughter booked in for hers next week.