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 😳😀

My husband has always had one. But this year he was "undiagnosed" {with} asthma. So no more flu jabs we assume. His lung capacity is not at the level it should be but does not qualify to be asthma.

The UKHSA guidelines seem clear to me and reflect my experience: https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2024/09/23/your-guide-to-whos-eligible-for-the-2024-flu-vaccine/
I had my first free flu vaccine on the NHS at 61 - then they changed the eligibility rules to over-65 unless you had medical vulnerabilities, so now I have to pay for mine (£16 at Tesco pharmacy).

Late forties and I was eligible for Covid jab but probably not for flu jab, oddly.

I was told a few years ago that as I don't have asthma (consultant wasn't sure) I don't qualify even though at the time I was under a consultant.

I booked with Boots and just ticked the box for lung conditions.

It turns out I do have asthma and do now qualify.

Indeed. I actually got called this year due to a new health condition, having previously always just gone to Boots. So I thought, lovely, I'll take up the offer.

It was a nightmare at the GP's, crammed full of oldies, a petri dish of infectiousness, late, disorganised. Never again. I'm going back to a proper timed slot at Boots, in a civilised atmosphere, away from a hoard of coughing poorly people. Happy to pay for the privilege.

Over 65's in my area of England too. DH & I have had them on the NHS for the last few years but we don't qualify this year.

I forgot to say - I wasn’t offered a Covid vaccine either, or I would have accepted!

@DotPotato

63% of pensioners are paying income tax

Of those that are not , most will be entitled to additional benefits so expecting them to pay would be daft - unless you expect everyone on benefits to pay?

I'm 62 and I've had to pay for mine last year and also this year. I'm booked into our local Boots next week. DH had his flu and Covid jabs at our GP surgery a couple of weeks ago as he is 70.

Boots are charging £21.95 which is near enough the same price I paid last year from memory.

I'm 42 and eligible due to T1 diabetes but hadn't got round to having mine yet. Currently on day 5 of flu 🤒. Today has been the first day I've managed the few steps to the toilet safely and without it feeling like a full blown marathon.

Covid jab is a different matter altogether but I won't be missing my flu one again!

Another early-60-something who paid this year, and last year as well. I'm happy to pay £21.95 to escape flu, tbh.

Got offered mine and I'm 42.

Never had the flu, unlikely to get the flu.

It's £13 in ASDA!

I'm 56 and have paid for it for the past 2 years. Confused why younger people are getting it free unless they have an underlying health condition.

That's where I had mine done

They don’t pay very much income tax, often versus the savings they have, is the point.

People on working age benefits don’t get free prescriptions. Why are they different to pensioner benefits? Particularly as working age benefits are less than the State Pension.

So it begs the point.

Why should wealthy pensioners automatically get free prescriptions when working age people on benefits don’t?

I'm in Scotland - so I can't comment on England set up - guess wales is like
England ( sone people pay for prescriptions) - anyone know what NI is ?

Also for pregnant women. Definitely worth paying for. Spend £20 less on Christmas. You don't want Christmas to be completely ruined by the flu.

Pregnant women are eligible to get a free flu vaccine

I’m in the SE and it’s 65 + or health conditions at our GP , same for covid .

if you are entitled to a free one at the GP, then you can get it free at a pharmacy including Boots, instead if you prefer. I get my free jab at Tesco as its much more convenient than the GP clinic.

We have all be offered ours, 40s London.

I had an NHS flu jab the other day because I’m a carer. I’m a bit surprised and annoyed not to qualify for a free Covid jab this time, though, considering I care for someone who is entitled to one because of her clinical vulnerability.

Under 40 with no high risk conditions in Essex and had both last week on NHS. Maybe a postcode thing

Paid £20 for flu jab at local chemist.

they said they didn’t know anyone offering a covid jab this year. Anyone got one?