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Original poster

Anyone under 65 thinking of the flu jab

113 replies

BlueberryOats · 12/12/2025 15:12

My local pharmacy had 6 under 65 jabs left today and doesn't know when they are getting any more in, so today is probably a good time!

They were going to phone people who had booked next week (me) to tell them to come in now.

Luckily, I figured it was going to be cancelled, as my covid jab was also cancelled today, so popped in.

OP posts:
ADHDdiagnosis · 12/12/2025 18:03

Anotherdayattheforum · 12/12/2025 17:38

63 and prompted to get it due to news coverage last 24 hours.

I live alone with no reliable support network. Suddenly realised I would be very vulnerable if I became ill particularly over Christmas. Also zero hours contract.

Had flu 7 years ago over Christmas and very ill.

Had to shop around but done by 10:50. An interesting Christmas present to myself.

Will make sure I get it done by October next year.

Same. Next year I’ll look to have it earlier and make sure my children do too.
has the vaccine given you any side effects? I’m the same age as you and I can’t get off the sofa today. Had the vaccine on Wednesday.
I’ve never had any noticeable reaction from a vaccine before so just wondering what’s going on

Growlybear83 · 12/12/2025 18:04

I paid to have my flu jab every year from my early 30s until I became eligible for an NHS jab when I was having cancer treatment in my mid 50s. It’s always been fairly cheap and widely available, and I’ve never understood why so many people don't get vaccinated as a matter of course every autumn

Iocanepowder · 12/12/2025 18:05

theunbreakablecleopatrajones · 12/12/2025 16:29

I think it's a good thing for anyone to have - they aren't just for the individual, but to stop more people catching and spreading it

I never understand why it isn't a general roll out, obviously that costs, but I'd have thought the reduction of pressure on the NHS / and avoiding disruption to other healthcare would be worth it

Prevention is better than cure, she says 👵 grannyishly

Not everyone agrees with having to have something injected into them for the sake of protecting someone else.

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General health
Apacketofbiscuitsaday · 12/12/2025 18:08

Yes! I went today.

Unicornsandprincesses · 12/12/2025 18:12

I just tried to book at three different pharmacies and couldn’t. So I guess they’re out of stock.

ADHDdiagnosis · 12/12/2025 18:14

Growlybear83 · 12/12/2025 18:04

I paid to have my flu jab every year from my early 30s until I became eligible for an NHS jab when I was having cancer treatment in my mid 50s. It’s always been fairly cheap and widely available, and I’ve never understood why so many people don't get vaccinated as a matter of course every autumn

For me it’s just lack of organisation. But I will try to go earlier next year and have mine. I think when you’ve been seriously ill with flu it’s a massive worry. And also if you are isolated or a single parent and have people relying on you for care then it’s even more worrying.

InlandTaipan · 12/12/2025 18:24

Dh (60) and ds1(20) were both jabbed today. They got done at my request because ds2 and I are both immuno compromised (as such we were jabbed weeks ago) and I'd rather they didn't bring flu home to us if it can be avoided, or get it badly if it can't.

Our local pharmacy was out of flu jabs for non NHS priorities on Wed but told them to come back in today as more was arriving.

SalmonOnFinnCrisp · 12/12/2025 18:35

Christmaschristingle · 12/12/2025 17:22

@SalmonOnFinnCrisp and whose fault is that ?

Lots of people don't realise they can pay for one even the boots form starts off with lots of questions that sound like you can't get one unless over blah ,serious illness etc. until you get to the end and you see you can pay. They should just have an instant choice are you self funding ,yes go straight there

Even when we used to get it for free at work I paid for mine becusee they gave it so late.

Hers.

It's heavily pushed every autumn via media outlets and almost every pharmacy has posters advertising it...

The boots website itself says

Most of our pharmacies offer the free NHS flu jab for those that meet the eligibility criteria. Alternatively, we offer a private service^.

Its not a guarantee of course bit a good way.to hedge bets

pointythings · 12/12/2025 18:41

I work for the NHS so get one every year, and have done for 25 years now. The one year I wasn't working, I paid. I'm 57. My DC both have health conditions which mean they qualify for a free jab. I am glad we're all vaccinated.

ThatNattyPlayer · 12/12/2025 18:51

Had it booked today but they cancelled, she said there is a national shortage and she couldn’t rebook it.
couldnt find anywhere else either

itstimeforme · 12/12/2025 18:52

DH and I have just had them, last two in the pharmacy, £40 each. My friend went to the same pharmacy two weeks ago and paid £20!

ADHDdiagnosis · 12/12/2025 18:55

ThatNattyPlayer · 12/12/2025 18:51

Had it booked today but they cancelled, she said there is a national shortage and she couldn’t rebook it.
couldnt find anywhere else either

It took me some time to find as well. There’s a shortage and I had no idea. There is a link to book NHS one.

DemonsandMosquitoes · 12/12/2025 18:58

We’ve loads left in the fridge at work. And still very many frail, elderly vulnerable patients refusing to have it as they do year on year.

happysunr1se · 12/12/2025 19:01

After DH being bed bound for 2 weeks with flu in Xmas 2019 we both get a paid for vaccine from boots each year.

As soon as we get back from our summer holiday I look to book the appointment.

Maddyisqueen · 12/12/2025 19:02

Defo had mine few months ago and I’m 56

Hapagirl48 · 12/12/2025 19:06

I got mine today. It was £19.50.

Higglea · 12/12/2025 19:10

Yes, am 45, £20 for the hope of not being (as) ill is a bargain

K0OLA1D · 12/12/2025 19:11

I have the flu jab for free. Have done since I was 21. I have a weakened immune system and I've never caught the flu. I've had it every year for 14 years.

chunkyBoo · 12/12/2025 19:11

Absolutely! I am 53 and now eligible due to taking immunosuppressants, but have had it for about 15 years before and paid or for it at work (in a hospital setting)

Original poster
BlueberryOats · 12/12/2025 19:21

ADHDdiagnosis · 12/12/2025 17:29

Yes I just had one two days ago. It was last minute decision after some friends of mine told me how ill they’ve been with flu recently. And they are a young fit and healthy family I’m older and have health issues so I thought I’d get it.

Boots had none left but I found a local independent.

I have often had the vaccine over the years- and the covid one when available and I have never had any noticeable side effects. Today I have not managed to move from the sofa - totally lethargy and heaviness although I’m not feeling unwell. Im
wondering if now that I’m older it’s having more of an effect on my body. I’m very glad to have found a vaccine though because I don’t feel I could make it through another bad Illness right now.

I'm on a low dose immune suppressant and most years I will double jab (covid and flu together), but I've learned to try and get it done on a Friday as generally I can feel a bit blah for 24 hours.

One thing I also learned was that having good sleep in the week before having the jab increases the bodies response in making antibodies, so its more effective.

OP posts:
Christwosheds · 12/12/2025 19:24

I got mine in Boots a couple of days ago. (Paid for not NHS).

ADHDdiagnosis · 12/12/2025 19:28

BlueberryOats · 12/12/2025 19:21

I'm on a low dose immune suppressant and most years I will double jab (covid and flu together), but I've learned to try and get it done on a Friday as generally I can feel a bit blah for 24 hours.

One thing I also learned was that having good sleep in the week before having the jab increases the bodies response in making antibodies, so its more effective.

Show quote history

Thank you. This has taken me by surprise and im
having to go to bed now. But hopefully I’ll be ok tomorrow. Definitely nothing like having the flu at least so I hope I can avoid that. And next year I’ll plan better about when to have the vaccine.

Anotherdayattheforum · 12/12/2025 19:46

ADHDdiagnosis · 12/12/2025 18:03

Same. Next year I’ll look to have it earlier and make sure my children do too.
has the vaccine given you any side effects? I’m the same age as you and I can’t get off the sofa today. Had the vaccine on Wednesday.
I’ve never had any noticeable reaction from a vaccine before so just wondering what’s going on

Show quote history

@ADHDdiagnosis only had it this morning. Will update Sunday. Hoping won’t happen. Work tomorrow so if happens, hope will be your experience, and Sunday will be the day 😷

Londontown12 · 12/12/2025 19:47

Had mine 3 weeks ago !! Paid for it but hubbi got his free because of asthma! Thank god I got it I do think there is a lot of scaremongering thou tbh

weegiemum · 12/12/2025 19:50

I got mine as I have diabetes (t2). Dh gets one as he’s asthmatic but also front line nhs staff so essential.