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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

AIBU to get free flu vaccine if I don’t meet the vulnerable criteria?

34 replies

Thisisnotnormal69 · 07/10/2020 16:28

My workplace offers free flu vaccine vouchers to all staff, regardless of age, role, etc. I’m not in a frontline role. AIBU to book a jab in even though I don’t need it as much as others?

I know some are in short supply so don’t want to take provision from others. And this is if I can even get one booked! (Though I know a place near me has them available)

OP posts:
steff13 · 07/10/2020 16:30

If it's offered to all staff, and you want it, get it.

I'm in the US, my employer offers it for free, and pays you $75 if you get it.

iVampire · 07/10/2020 16:33

Have it

They’ll have secured the supplies
already, based on size of workforce. So you may as well. Those who are vulnerable can get it on NHS, or free from pharmacies, so it’s not as if your employer’s scheme is the only way they can get done.

But you could hang back a bit if you want to let others book first

Jammysod · 07/10/2020 16:39

Or pay for it if you don't meet the 'free' criteria. It's £9 in tesco.

ConstantlySeekingHappiness · 07/10/2020 16:59

I got a flu voucher from work and already had my flu jab on Monday this week.

There are plenty of people more deserving I’m sure, but also plenty of people who won’t get it despite being more deserving.

It was offered and I accepted it.

I think everyone should get it regardless. My mum gets it on the NHS and already has hers booked in - I can’t imagine you would be preventing someone else getting theirs by taking it up.

ConstantlySeekingHappiness · 07/10/2020 17:01

To clarify above, I meant plenty of people who won’t bother or will decide against getting it for their own reasons - not because I used the provision.

ilovesooty · 07/10/2020 17:11

Anyone who is vaccinated is one less person who is less likely to fall ill. Your workplace is offering it. It's not as though you're elbowing vulnerable people away at your GP surgery.

Original poster
Thisisnotnormal69 · 07/10/2020 17:31

Ok great, thanks for reassurances! Will get it done

OP posts:
Gancanny · 07/10/2020 17:34

You're employer will have pre-purchased those vaccines so they're not coming out of the NHS supply.

Plussizejumpsuit · 07/10/2020 17:38

@steff13

If it's offered to all staff, and you want it, get it.

I'm in the US, my employer offers it for free, and pays you $75 if you get it.

Wow that's a sweet deal!
ZebraSpotts · 07/10/2020 17:47

By getting the flu jab you're also protecting the vunerable. By making sure you dont pass the flu on to old Edna in the supermarket, before severe symptoms show. And by making sure there's less flu cases in circulation. So you absolutely should get it done.

JamieLeeCurtains · 07/10/2020 17:51

In extremely clinically vulnerable and I currently can't get a flu vaccine.

That's not your fault, @OP.

If you take up the offer, you'll also be helping to protect others.

chipsandpeas · 07/10/2020 20:19

my works done the same, a few weeks back sent a email asking who wanted it, then went and sorted it and we got a voucher to go and get it done

Ohtherewearethen · 07/10/2020 20:22

Everybody should have the flu jab. One less killer virus in circulation this winter can only be a good thing. You're not only protecting yourself but you're also protecting others and helping to alleviate strain on the NHS. It really is a no-brainer.

Haenow · 07/10/2020 20:50

YANBU to have a flu jab but why don’t you just pay for it if you’re concerned?

Ghostlyglow · 07/10/2020 21:07

It's been offered to you therefore you are entitled to it. You should have it.

Tickly · 07/10/2020 21:17

Definitely have it. I get one through work every year. I have a relative who is old but can't have it for medical reasons so I see it as me protecting him and others in the same position.

FreeButtonBee · 07/10/2020 21:21

My work pay (and I am WFH pretty much permanently). I figure it reduces the chances of me getting it and giving it to my asthmatic husband, or someone else vulnerable who we come into contact with. It’s a separate supply from NHS anyway

whirlwindwallaby · 07/10/2020 21:27

I would have to book at a pharmacy with a voucher from work, so I decided not to seeing as the pharmacies are booking up. I don't want to take a spot from someone. Previous years it was done at work.

whirlwindwallaby · 07/10/2020 21:35

My workplace only orders the vouchers for those who want them, so if my workplace has not bought a vaccine for me I figure the pharmacy can sell it to someone else? I'm sure there are people older or more vulnerable than me who won't qualify for a free vaccine.

caringcarer · 07/10/2020 21:54

The more people that have flu jab the less chance of spreading it on so helps to protect the vulnerable who can't have it.

Osirus · 07/10/2020 23:45

Do it. I did back in mid-September. Got in there early as I knew what it was going to be like. I had trouble booking last year.

user1471457751 · 08/10/2020 00:02

@haenow because the OP's employer is paying for it. Why on earth would the OP then pay for it herself?

user13745865422563 · 08/10/2020 00:07

Agree that you'd be protecting others if you have it. That's one of the reasons for vaccinating healthcare workers.

Original poster
Thisisnotnormal69 · 08/10/2020 00:20

Thanks all these are really useful points Smile

OP posts:
Cloudtraffic · 08/10/2020 00:22

It’s not in short supply - the delivery is staggered. If offered I’d go for it (for your own protection and others)