20/21 Flu Jab

Brambling

my surgery texted me last Friday to advise that there were slots available for this Thursday afternoon and to call if I wanted one.  I'm under 65 but a asthmatic so have it every year.  Their web site still says they are waiting for confirmation when they will be available and for under 65s with no underlying health issues not to bother contacting them until Nov/Dec and they would see what they have available. 

I'm allowed in the surgery via the fire door and out the main entrance, one of my sister's who lives in a village have been advised to make their way to a leisure centre 4 miles away, stay in their car, ensure they have on short sleeves and stick their arm out of the window! 

[Deleted User]

I know loads of surgeries after speaking to friends and family are utilising other venues, such as car parks, tents next to the surgeries, community centres etc. 

I’m under 65 and T1 diabetic and I’m booked in for the 3rd October. 

Barny1979

The high street pharmacy chain Boots says it is pausing taking any new bookings for flu vaccinations for people under 65 – both the free NHS jabs and privately paid for ones.

It says it’s seen unprecedented demand for the vaccine in recent weeks and is temporarily limiting existing stocks to those at highest risk – people 65 and over.

NHS England confirmed there is no nationwide shortage of flu jabs, but that those eligible for the free vaccine would be immunised in phases, with the highest risk groups receiving it first.

Some 30 million people - more than ever before - will get invites from the NHS programme this winter as the population faces the dual threat of flu and coronavirus. For the first time, people over 50 in England will be eligible as well as secondary school pupils in year 7.

KxMx

Not surprised. 
I'm under 65 but qualify for a free one, booked a few days ago luckily and Boots rep on Twitter suggests appointments already booked will be honoured but some reports of otherwise. 

Katiehound

Had mine at local independent pharmacy yesterday. Painless in all respects! They automatically inform GP. Had an appt, no waiting outside, chair to sit on- chat to pleasant pharmacist etc.
Compared with 4 hour 'window' slot on a Sat at GP.:Queue in car park, no seats, bring your own hand gel, no parking etc
That's a no-brainer, I know where I shall choose in future.......

Torry_Quine

Still nothing started here. It's the local health board instead of GP surgeries this year. I called today and was told to wait for a letter to arrive.

sillyvixen

MarkN88 said:

I know loads of surgeries after speaking to friends and family are utilising other venues, such as car parks, tents next to the surgeries, community centres etc. 

I’m under 65 and T1 diabetic and I’m booked in for the 3rd October. 

My dad who is 75 has booked his flue jab with his surgery for Saturday but is having to go to a church hall rather than the surgery .. not a problem for him as while further away from the surgery - and he is driving rather than use his bus pass at this time he gets to visit the model railway shop about 200 meters away from the church hall, yes he will have to pay for parking but he will get to use the vouchers he got for christmas.

silverwhistle

I had mine last week, previously as a carer to my mum but this year in my own right (65 aaarghh).. Our surgery gave 2 minute slots through the day so no waiting was involved. I was also given the one-off pneumonia jab which was the first time I've heard of it.

Sounds like some of you need better organised (or resourced) surgeries.

retireetobe

Booked in with Asda because I’m 61 and don’t fancy a long wait for the eventual free NHS one. But now I’m worrying because Asda’s is only £8 whereas other pharmacies are around £12. Will it be the same vaccine or some cheap and less ‘good’ version? I’d rather wait if this one is inferior!

Lorian

It's the same vaccine (or one of them, there are several manufacturers all made to the same spec) ASDA Jab is as good as any.