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Original poster

Flu jab. I don't understand

22 replies

CommonRoom · 04/10/2021 16:37

I have been offered a flu jab by text from the GP. I am 59.

Naturally it's not possible to get through to the GP on the phone. On the patient access app there are two types of flu appointments available Either '2 or 3 year old flu' or '65 years and over'. Have I misunderstood these categories? Is there really a flu jab just for 2 and 3 year olds? I am not sure how to book as I don't fit either of these groups, yet I have been invited to book.

OP posts:
PinkFootstool · 04/10/2021 16:40

They have extended the criteria this winter:

Therefore, those eligible for NHS influenza vaccination in 2021 to 2022 are:
all children aged 2 to 15 (but not 16 years or older) on 31 August 2021
those aged 6 months to under 50 years in clinical risk groups
pregnant women
those aged 50 years and over
those in long-stay residential care homes
carers
close contacts of immunocompromised individuals
frontline health and social care staff employed by:
a registered residential care or nursing home
registered domiciliary care provider
a voluntary managed hospice provider
Direct Payment (personal budgets) and/or Personal Health Budgets, such as Personal Assistants.

Original poster
CommonRoom · 04/10/2021 16:44

Thanks for the reply. I realise I am eligible because I got the text.

My question is more practical. When booking via the app which option shall I chose?

  1. 2 and 3 years
  2. over 65

Given that I am 59

OP posts:

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621CustardCream438 · 04/10/2021 16:45

“ Is there really a flu jab just for 2 and 3 year olds?”

It’s a nasal spray and offered to older children through school. But as they don’t go to school toddlers/preschoolers are done through GP surgeries.

621CustardCream438 · 04/10/2021 16:46

“My question is more practical. When booking via the app which option shall I chose?

  1. 2 and 3 years
  2. over 65

Given that I am 59”

Definitely not 2-3, it’s a nasal spray for children!

Justme10 · 04/10/2021 16:47

Yeah 2 & 3 is the nasal spray, this year they have lowered it from 65 to 50 to be eligible so they just haven't changed it on the system yet.

April88 · 04/10/2021 16:47

Over 65, pretty sure the 2 and 3 year olds are a nasal
Spray

Seainasive · 04/10/2021 16:47

You can also get the free jab at lots of pharmacies. Much easier to book!

Original poster
CommonRoom · 04/10/2021 16:48

Ah that's interesting about the spray for 2 and 3 year olds.

I have actually just managed to get through to the surgery (miracle!). There are no appointments available for under 65 year old at the moment. That's why I can't book them on the app (despite being invited to)

OP posts:
Simplelobsterhat · 04/10/2021 16:49

I have the flu jab because I'm asthmatic and was told it is now a different jab for under 65s to over. It is also different for the 2 and 3 year olds as they have the spray not injection. So over 65s is more similar but it might be worth a phone call otherwise they may not have the correct one in stock.

ApplesAreTheBaneOfMyLife · 04/10/2021 16:49

Can you just go into your nearest/most convenient place that offers the flu vaccine and book one there? I did this at my local pharmacy. They just asked various questions to check that I was being given the right one.

Original poster
CommonRoom · 04/10/2021 16:49

Thanks, yes I will try at the pharmacy.

OP posts:
TattiePants · 04/10/2021 16:52

Just book one online at Boots (or your nearest pharmacy). One of the questions is 'Will you be 50 by 31 March 2022?' If you answer yes then you won't be charged.

Idontlike · 04/10/2021 16:52

It sounds like they just haven’t set up the slots as intended.

We have separate slots for Children, under 65 & over 65 and they need to be booked correctly due to the stock issues we are having.

Is there a way to free type a note when you book? You could book and type ‘I am under 65’ then, when the clinician is checking their clinic that morning, they can either get the right vaccine ready or have someone contact you if they are awaiting a delivery for that vaccine.

Mindymomo · 04/10/2021 16:56

My GP surgery said they were only doing over 65. My DH who is 64 had his there last week. I had mine at Boots, I am 60 so got the one for under 65’s. Then I got called by the GP practice inviting me in.

darcy77 · 04/10/2021 16:56

I had mine done at boots in the other day. You can book online.

TheDogsMother · 04/10/2021 17:02

Or try Lloyds Pharmacy where you can also book online. The vaccine types for under and over 65's are different.

itisthecause · 04/10/2021 17:02

Getting an actual appointment at the GPs is impossible despite receiving a letter - the letter states first come first served.
I've booked mine a Tesco's took a few minutes to book.

fabulousathome · 04/10/2021 17:18

My husband and I both received a text from our GP asking us to book flu jabs.

We went in at the same time. He was given the over 65 jab and I was given a slightly different one, said the nurse, as I am under 65. It's similar but different.

Weird.

insancerre · 04/10/2021 17:25

I’ve just had mine at cohens chemist
I’m 54
I just walked in and asked

Angel2702 · 04/10/2021 17:25

I had mine done at boots last week as can never get in at Drs. You just select which criteria you are so you don’t pay and they let your GP know it’s been done.

Jaxhog · 04/10/2021 17:28

Count yourselves lucky. Over 65's can't book yet in my area (Docs or Boots) as they don't have the over 65 vaccines yet.

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