Did I just get ripped off on the flu jab?

rubuhoeikanaika

Hi all,

So I just went into superdrug for a prescription (I'm 32), saw the signs and asked the pharmacist/assistant about the free NHS flu jab, since I have two of the medical conditions on the list.

She took me to the little room, and introduced me to the nurse. He had me fill out a medical questionnaire, on which I listed those conditions, then stuck me. All good. But then he took me to the counter and I was charged £9.99 -- I said that I had thought it was free, and he said something about only at the GP?

I didn't want to make a fuss (lame I know) but I kept the receipt, and now I'm wondering if it shouldn't really have been free? Did I get ripped off?

Thanks!

reehsetin

Only if you fulfil a certain criteria it's free from the GP e.g. over a certain age or certain conditions
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/pages/flu-influenza-vaccine.aspx

rubuhoeikanaika

reehsetin wrote: »

Only if you fulfil a certain criteria it's free from the GP e.g. over a certain age or certain conditions
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/pages/flu-influenza-vaccine.aspx

That's right, bus as I mentioned in my post I do have one of those conditions (two actually).

pattycake

My husband qualifies for a free flu jab. Each year he receives an invitation from the GP surgery to go for the jab. He went last Saturday and had it done.

It is my understanding that this is the case with everyone registered with a GP who qualifies for the free injection.

I do not qualify and last year I went to Superdrug and had it done and paid the £10.

Toothsmith

Doing any medical procedure requires the patient to give 'informed consent'.

If you were unaware of costs, then you could not give 'informed consent' and so technically, that nurse has just assaulted you!

I would make quite a fuss about this!

Especially if all their signs talked of a 'free' flu jab, and you are entitled to it free.

Complain to the manager or lead pharmacist in the first instance.

rubuhoeikanaika

Toothsmith wrote: »

Doing any medical procedure requires the patient to give 'informed consent'.

If you were unaware of costs, then you could not give 'informed consent' and so technically, that nurse has just assaulted you!

I would make quite a fuss about this!

Especially if all their signs talked of a 'free' flu jab, and you are entitled to it free.

Complain to the manager or lead pharmacist in the first instance.

That seems a bit extreme, I don't think I lacked informed consent except in a technical sense. (Though it is true that I probably wouldn't have done it if I'd known I'd have to pay...)

I think I'll write to them with the receipt, so that I can request a refund. Good to leave a paper trail, eh.

I just had a look at the online version of the signs, and it does say "terms and conditions apply"...

http://www.superdrug.com/microsite/flu-jab

HollyUK

I agree that you should write to them (and send them a copy of the receipt and keep the original one just in case). They should really have told you about the charge beforehand if they are not offering you them for free. I get a free one, but haven't heard from my doctor yet. Must call them in case they have forgotten me!

pmduk

I had mine at the GP last week. I noticed Tesco are charging £9 this year.

ripplyuk

Mine was done at Boots yesterday, costing £12.99. They gave me a leaflet and it listed the groups that can get a free jab but for that you have to go to your G.P.

O.P., I would maybe write to Superdrug and ask them to make it clear to people that they don't do it for free. Otherwise, I'd not worry about it. Having the Flu can cost a lot more than £10 with time off work, painkillers etc.

Grumpygit

You're lucky a work colleague went to the dr after work for a flu jab and being charged £42!

Haven't been for mine yet but,

stormCat99

Just as an aside, all those prices quoted seem steep in comparison to Asda. They are doing the flu jab at the same price as last year, £7.