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Original poster

Single mums should be offered a free flu jab?

163 replies

Journeyintomelody · 19/10/2024 07:18

This is off the back of a very hard week. I picked up a nasty dose of flu, probably from a baby group. I have a super high pain threshold but when I have a cold I'm utterly useless. I need two or three days to hibernate and recover.

Last week I discovered that you can't do this as a single mum. DD (7.5 months) needed me. So I had to plough on, and it was hard. It's been over a week and I still haven't shaken it off completely, but now DD has it (it's breaking my heart to see her unwell). She has been dosed up with Calpol but is very unsettled. Between the two of us, it is probably going to write off nearly 3 weeks.

AIBU to think that single parents should be offered free flu jabs?

OP posts:
ItsNeverAMannequin · 19/10/2024 07:47

I’m childfree (stating just to make point that this wouldn’t benefit me) but I think single parents should be offered every bit of support they would find helpful. If that includes a flu jab - I support it.

Frostycottagegarden · 19/10/2024 07:47

And asthmatics..last time I had proper flu, I ended up with a deep chest infection which triggered an asthma episode. I couldn't walk because I couldn't breath for a week. It took two lots of antibiotics, steroids and about 10 weeks to recover. The point of the jab is to avoid people like me needing loads of extra meds and NHS time.

Mumistiredzzzz · 19/10/2024 07:46

I've had flu, and been hospitalised as a result so I understand the reality of having flu but just buy the jab yourself if you're that concerned about getting it again.

Original poster
Journeyintomelody · 19/10/2024 07:46

@ByMerryKoala that's fair enough, I hadn't thought of it that way. It's just a really rubbish situation to be in. Definitely the hardest week I've had as a parent. I have lupus and so always get flare ups following a cold so it really drags on. I should probably stop wallowing. Flu just generally sucks.

OP posts:
YouveGotAFastCar · 19/10/2024 07:46

They do offer it to expectant parents - I’m due mine in November. They also offer it to children between 2 and 5, I believe? Definitely 2 and 3 year olds get it free.

I think after that point, it’s a personal decision for the parent, whatever their circumstances.

I’m sorry you’ve been ill.

Stretchedresources · 19/10/2024 07:45

Yanbu. I've always paid for one as I can't risk being ill.
Currently trying to get a covid booster too.

Samphire44 · 19/10/2024 07:43

I think offering it to new parents would make sense as a way to protect newborns. I get it as a carer to a child with autism who is not actually in a higher risk group in terms of flu.

DoublePeonies · 19/10/2024 07:43

£10 at Superdrug - if you get yourself a free loyalty card from them.

I'm sorry you've been so unwell. Hopefully you can put aside £1 a month to get a vaccine next year. I don't think the NHS paying is right in this case.

Lincslady53 · 19/10/2024 07:42

It is offered free to over 65s as flu can be fatal to older people and lead to hospitalisation due to pneumonia.

Changeyourfuckingcar · 19/10/2024 07:41

ByMerryKoala · 19/10/2024 07:38

The flu jab is offered free of charge to vulnerable groups because it saves a fortune over treating the sheer number of NHS patients that would result from this demographic who would need costly treatment. Not because they have been deemed worthy of the help. Everyone else can pay for it.

This. It’s not really about making anyone’s life easier, just about trying to limit strain on the nhs.
Sorry you and your dd have been so unwell, hope your daughter feels better soon.

ByMerryKoala · 19/10/2024 07:38

The flu jab is offered free of charge to vulnerable groups because it saves a fortune over treating the sheer number of NHS patients that would result from this demographic who would need costly treatment. Not because they have been deemed worthy of the help. Everyone else can pay for it.

Original poster
Journeyintomelody · 19/10/2024 07:32

@Haroldwilson I completely agree with you in your first paragraph. Although that same logic applies to other groups that are offered free vaccines, such as over 65s and pregnant women with millions in the bank.

Maybe a better idea would be to offer free flu jabs to new parents as an opt in scheme. Open to couples or single parents. I doubt everyone who choose to have it. At the moment I can't afford £20 just like that, but having gone through these last couple of weeks I will definitely be making sure I get one next winter!

OP posts:
Haroldwilson · 19/10/2024 07:24

Single mums might be millionaires with nannies or have extended family nearby though right? Whereas a mum in a relationship might have a useless partner or one who works away.

And you'd need a way of registering yourself as a single mum. When the jab costs £20 in the first place. I'd find the money to pay next time.

Sympathy because it's incredibly hard with sickness and kids but I don't think your idea is a good one.

If I was a single mum I'd try to buddy up with other single mums so you can form a support system for times like this.

Hope your baby is better soon. It does get a bit easier when they're bigger.

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