To think I should be able to get a flu vaccine fire my 9you DD?

[4foxsake]

Ok so there are 4 of us in our family; myself, DH & 2 DDs (9yo & 6yo). DDs school is offering free flu vaccines for all children in YR to Y3 which is fine for DD2 (Y2) but not DD1 (Y5). I get that there has to be a cut off for free vaccines so I investigated where I can get DD2 vaccinated - turns out I can't. Drs won't vaccinate her because she's not in an at risk category (which is fair enough as I would rather the NHS money be spent on those most at risk), and none of the pharmacies I've contacted will vaccinate anyone under the age of 16.

I'm not after a free vaccine, I'm more than happy to pay, but I find it quite bizarre that DH & I could pay to have a vaccine privately but I can't get one for DD1 who, I presume would be more at risk than either of us. It's seems as though if you're 7 or younger or 16 or over you're fine but if you're between 8-15yo you just need to cross your fingers & hope for the best.

[fittedcupboard]

Private GP would do it. The issue will be that at a pharmacy it will be a nurse or pharmacist doing it on a patient group directive which may ban under 16's for insurance reasons. Just ring any local private GP or private hospital.

[Borntoflyinfirst]

I've had this argument for my 2 eldest (11 and 9). My 6 year old has had it through the doctor or school for 4 years. I pay for mine. One year the pharmacy attached to my doctors did the nasal vaccine privately for the older 2. Last year they weren't allowed. I begged my doctor but no good. Apparently the fact that I am a childminder and last year had young children and pregnant mums in my home every day didn't count for me or my children. I will try again this year but hold out little hope. You're right it IS infuriating. I'm happy to pay for them too but unable to find anywhere that will do it.

[treaclesoda]

My ten year old gets the flu vaccine at school, I think all primary age children get it here (N Ireland). Sorry, not helpful, but just another example of how procedures differ across the UK. I wonder what the cut off age is in Scotland?

[Weatherforecaster]

I thought you could pay to get it done at Boots.

[4foxsake]

Not for under 16s weather

[FleurThomas]

Bupa. That's where I take my neice.

[Humidseptember]

Op you just need a private docs, I pay every year for my dd who is now 9, but paid sine she was about 5 I think.

DR NOW is a chain I think, I use my nearest one, its about £15 for the shot, before that I used a surgery that specialized in travel vaccinations. So I am sure you have one near you that does this.
Thanks for reminding me, I need to book us all in too. DH and I - usually sainsbo, toddler - docs for the spray and other dd - Dr Now or similar.

[MuddlingMackem]

I thought it was up to Y6 for all children. Mine have both had it done at primary school but now eldest is at seniors he doesn't get it.

[4foxsake]

Thanks for the responses. I'll certainly be looking into private GPs/hospitals.

[Sonotkylie]

Hi there. Have you had any luck? I have spent 2 days phoning round pharmacies who claim to do the nasal spray and all the private GPs, BUPA etc in the area who all say they don't do under 16s. DS age 10 ended up in hospital last year with flu and chest infection but as there is no underlying condition he doesn't qualify on NHS. He's already had a flu bug once this year and I would really like to spare him a year like last year.

[OnTheMove28]

Private GP although in my experience they will be more expensive than Boots

[OnTheMove28]

Oh, and Yanbu - I have exactly the same problem

[Sonotkylie]

Just found a private GP attached to a travel clinic who will do it no problem. Actually cheaper than Boots and could do it tomorrow. Thank you for the reply. I have lost count of the number of places I called covering a large and highly populated area. One place said they could do it in Jan!
Surely this should be easy ...

[Icebearsaysno]

I have DS7 has rare gene mutation and lots of disabilities ... He gets it ... I'm his carer so I get it. DD5 has asthma so gets it, DH has MS so he can have it .

Ds9 can't have it.... But can bring flu into our house !!!!

Annoying!!!!