Flu jabs

pennineman

First reason for delay was "We're not doing them yet. Your mum will be contacted when we are." Fair enough

Rang a week later to be told, "We're doing those who can come into the surgery first. Your mum will be done at home afterwards." Well, OK I guess.

Rang week later. "The nurse is on holiday this week. She'll contact you when she gets back." Grrrr.

Rang this week. "We're waiting for the vaccine"

At this latest I asked to speak to the doctor . . . who wasn't in that day so I asked that he phone me today so that I could sort it out with him. He has just phoned me (19:05) and we have arranged that he will visit tomorrow to give jab plus check a few other bits and pieces that need sorting also. He's a nice guy but I should have been able to sort out a simple flu jab without bothering him and without all of this rigmarole.

newidentity

TBH, I can understand ALL their reasons.

1) vaccines not available and waiting for them - all surgeries have different suppliers and are delivered at different times
2)those who come to the surgery are being done first - makes logistical sense (it takes a long time to vaccinate individual patients in their homes, not long at all to do patients in the surgery). You could call it herd immunity. Those housebound pts are also stasistically less likely to catch flu from others around unless they have visitors who bring it in.
3) Nurse is on holiday - not a good time for a holiday but everyone is entitled to a holiday, even nurses.
4) waiting for the vaccine - most suppliers are not delivering in one delivery. we have to calculate the number we use in clinics and stop booking people in until we get the next delivery.

With regards to home visits, it takes a lot of organisation for nurses to come and do these. Believe me, it is not as simple as one jab like you imply when going out to patients houses.

Anyway, I am glad your mum is having hers now but it is a shame that you have got the GP to come out and do it.

lors71

my 7 year old has an appt for hers...i am slightly dubious anyone have any experience of kids getting it ...xx

euronorris

I got mine on Tuesday. The surgery splits the patients into two groups based on their surnames and blocks off half a day for each set to do them. But they are usually flexible also for those who can't make it etc. But things may work differently here as they don't have to rely on the NHS.

If I remember correctly though, you can buy the flu jab from Boots (always made me wonder if this is why there is a shortage in the UK). I know you shouldn't have to pay, but if you are concerned about her health it may be worth paying out. Info here: http://www.boots.com/en/Pharmacy-Health/Health-assessments-services/Boots-Flu-Vaccination-Service/

System

lors71 wrote: »

my 7 year old has an appt for hers...i am slightly dubious anyone have any experience of kids getting it ...xx

my 13 yr old has just had her 1st jab ,the nurse said usually under 13 its given in 2 doses.

although both my oh and myself were given appointments the nurse gave us them a couple of weeks ago when we were there for a routine appointment ,and i just rang up and asked for my dd to have one she does have medical issues but it was easy to arrange.