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 😳😀

Yes, it does. My friend is the same age as me (sub-65) and she gets it free on the NHS because of asthma.

Thank you @AngelicKaty

You may be able to claim the cost back. It’s worth checking with your employer

Only if you take daily steroids

I was offered a flu jab by my surgery this year due to qualifying health conditions, however I wasnt offered a Covid vaccination despite being eligible. When I asked I was told that my surgery wasn't doing them this year. My DH goes to a different surgery and he was offered both. Luckily there was a mobile covid vaccination unit set up across the road so I went over there.

I think that in some areas funding for vaccinations differs and some GP surgeries may not think it is worth their while to do them. When it comes down to it GP practices are businesses - they have to balance their books or go out of business.

I got invited by GP for flu jab this year when I normally pay. I assumed as I usually get invited for covid as clinically risk for that maybe they were combining them and going off that list. So I booked and when I arrived was directed straight through stood at doorway while lady asked to confirm name/DOB etc and another jabed arm and away in less time than previous pharmacist's recording of the vacs advice spiel. I've since received an invite to book in for covid jab which seems to be at a local pharmacy again, so I'm still none the wiser why i was offered the flu jab.

Officially its anyone who currently uses a preventer/steroid inhaler or has previously been hospitalised due to asthma. Probably includes most asthmatics. Many gp surgeries offer it to all asthmatics regardless how mild presumably as it's easier to filter them out.

It's not just over 65s.

There are quite a number of health conditions that mean you can qualify for one if under 65.

(I mean, I would rather not have a qualifying condition personally but I guess saving a tenner or whatever is a silver lining)

I got a text inviting me for the covid vaccine and then you could select where to get it locally. It was mainly pharmacies offering it (it was still free, just administered at the pharmacy)

This. And if you want it pay the £20. With some employer health schemes you can claim back the cost of the flu jab.

I am doubly eligible (a neurological condition and immune suppressed). If I get covid or flu I am very likely to end up in the ICU on a ventilator. I imagine giving me free covid and flu jabs is incredibly good value for money for the NHS compared to a lengthy ICU stay.

I am also a public sector worker, if I get too ill to work it also costs the taxpayer.

In the round, whether the NHS or I pay for the jab is neither here nor there compared to the costs to the taxpayer if I don't have the jab

I got it because I’m asthmatic and haven’t been in hospital

This is so thoughtless and demonstrates that you haven’t been in this position before. I can assure you that many people have been, and are currently, in the position that they can’t spare a tenner, yes.

53. Paid for mine. £13 at Asda. I can reclaim the cost from work.

Pretty sure I paid last year too. England.

You can pay for it in a pharmacy

I got Mine free at boots 53 with Asthma

Dd getting hers free 18 with autism at Superdrug.

All we had to do was fill out a online form and it was all sorted at the pharmacy

I'm 52 and paid £20 for it last week. In Hertfordshire.

The chances of getting flu is minimal if you wash your hands don't hug ( if possible) and try to keep a good space and children are wee spreaders. Doctor told me once you work with children you will catch lots of stuff. Suppose that's the nature of the game

I'm not quote 40 and had mine a couple of weeks ago on the NHS via my GP (asthma sufferer). It's definitely not just for over 65s.

It's over 65s or if you have a qualifying condition.
OP is pointing out that the age you qualify has increased from age 50 this year.

That's literally what the title of the thread says though. It's not unreasonable for people to respond to that

It’s no just you OP, I’ve had it offered before (also in Scotland) and thought it was odd DH and I haven’t been invited yet, before I discovered last week it was no longer routinely available to over 50s here. I’ve always got it privately because organising an NHS egg free one was a bit of a faff and I can easily afford it, but you’ve just reminded me I need to book one.

Good luck avoiding catching all sorts of infectious diseases if you live in London and travel on public transport at busy times. No social distancing on the tube!

good!

im jagged as of today