Found out NHS flu jab only for over 65s this year

[MmePick]

I’ve been waiting for my appointment, had the jab on the NHS past couple of years, as I’m 55. But when I checked it’s now over 65s unless health conditions.

I really really do not want flu, single parent, do lots of driving, only paid if I work, so I’ve booked a private one, but thought would make other people aware.

Unless i am just a dimwit and everyone knows this anyway 😳😀

Check with your employer, I can claim back for mine.

Its more expensive for a flu jab this year. Boots is around £21. My local pharmacy is about £18. Some supermarkets may offer it cheaper but none near me offer vaccinations

I think it changed last year. I'm 56 and not eligible, I'm booking at a pharmacy. Dh works for the NHS and gets it free at work. Teen ds is having it at school.

That was during COVID times. It reverted last year.

I got mine this week and discovered this. I was the only under 65 at the clinic and the nurse had to get me a different vaccine from the fridge. When I was there (autoimmune condition) they offered me a Covid vaccine too, I gladly accepted although honestly said I was only booked for flu.

Sorry should have said I’m in Scotland.

we Live in Scotland and daughter got hers last week she was 30 and no underlaying illness and me and husband got ours on Saturday 64 again no underlying illness ( that we know of )

Agree, @MmePick
Pharmacy had people of 64 turned away-
one was told “ you are far too slim to qualify!”
so say obesity gets one a free jab!
I’m older than you and need to pay.

Bloody Labour are Tory .

@TheWittyBird if your daughter was invited for a free flu vaccine then it's either a mistake or something is flagged up on her medical notes that make her eligible.

I'm in Scotland and 32 and got my letter xx

It’s definitely over 65 in Scotland or underlying conditions.

Here (scroll down)

www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/immunisation/vaccines/flu-vaccine

I'm guessing you have an underlying condition or live with someone who has one and that's why you're eligible

I’m in 40s, but always get a free NHS flu jab due to multiple health conditions, plus this year I have cancer. I haven’t been called for one and I can’t get a slot with any local pharmacies either, so I’ve given up.

But your prescriptions are free...

Swings and roundabouts I think.

nope but she worked for a reputable company who didn’t want their staff off

That's for COVID (though I think it's 2 years), any asthmatic can have the flu one.

I’m in my 40s and get it. I called to check a couple of weeks ago. They are rolling out to over 65s first but definitely offering to other age groups. I got my text this week

Our Gp had run out of under 65s vaccines and wasn’t sure when they would get more.

I had one a few weeks ago, and I’m 28. I do have asthma though…

The Australian flu season has been v mild... sooo it should also be the case over here too...

Famous last words...

Tesco do the flu jab alone with a free BP check for £16.

Mid 40s with caring responsibilities here. No health conditions. Just had my flu and Covid jabs after being invited by my GP practice.

Is it not available for as little as £10 in places? If you want it and you can't access via the NHS you will be able to access via a pharmacy.

I'm under 40 and was given mine this week

For the flu vaccine, that is absolutely wrong. Any asthmatic who uses a preventer steroid inhaler qualifies for the flu vaccine. Or any asthmatic who has previously been hospitalised at any time. The green book guidance is very clear about it. If you go to a pharmacy, they will definitely give you the flu vaccine for free.

Eligibility for the covid jab is different and seems to have caused confusion for the flu vaccine for asthma as well, unfortunately. For the covid jab, it's asthmatics with previous hospitalisation or two or more exacerbations requiring steroid tablets (not just a steroid inhaler annoyingly) within the last 18months.

Flu eligibility from the green book guidance is in the picture I have hopefully attached. 🤞

1. If you’re that concerned then it’s worth £15-20 to pay for it surely?
2. There is zero reason that prescriptions shouldn’t means tested for people over 60 in the same way that they are for the rest of the population (where there are appropriate exemptions and payment plans in place). They’re not even free to people on universal credit, you have to apply for support through the NHS low income scheme meanwhile retirees like many of our friends / family get everything for free despite having £££ in their bank and pensions.

Cost of healthcare is rising rapidly, mostly because the older population is growing so quickly and living longer with more health conditions than in the past. The system has to work for everyone which means imho that everyone should be paying in who can, especially when using it. Most pensioners don’t pay much income tax and pay no NI which is really important source of funding for NHS. Wonder if it will come up in budget next week?