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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To want to discuss flu vaccine (Scotland)

32 replies

containsnuts · 30/09/2021 21:41

I usually get my flu vaccine at the GP surgery due to asthma and would normally have had it by now. My GP practice have an automated message saying not to ask about flu vaccines. I asked the receptionist anyway and they claimed not to know much about it explaining that the community health partnership are dealing with it this year and that "they'll contact you". Surgery had no contact number and I can't get through to anyone online. It's frustrating because I want to make my own appointment, at a time that is convenient, somewhere local like my GP surgery and not 3 towns over like my covid jag was. Also concerned that it will be offered alongside covid booster when it's due and I would prefer them seperate due to intense side effects from covid jag. There just doesn't seem to be anyone willing to discuss it. AIBU to be frustrated by this?

OP posts:
NigellaSeed · 30/09/2021 21:41

Booked mine at Boots, got in done last week.

Snufkin2 · 30/09/2021 21:46

GPs have been taken out of the immunisation process in Scotland this year (and last year too for some regions). A lot of practices were keen to continue doing it (mine included) as we'd developed a very efficient, local system over the years, but we weren't given the option. AFAIK you will be contacted in due course and probably fairly soon as they're cracking on with them.

Lerram · 30/09/2021 21:47

My husband and I got our appointments in the same blue envelope as the Civic appointments came in. We had ours done at the same vaccination centre as our Covid jabs.
I ve paid to have mine done at a pharmacy every year up till now, and my husband has never bothered before, so I was pleased that we both got done on the NHS this year.

Lerram · 30/09/2021 21:48

To clarify. We got our appointments in the same type of blue envelope; we didn't get two appointments in the same envelope!

Original poster
containsnuts · 30/09/2021 21:48

@NigellaSeed

Booked mine at Boots, got in done last week.
Will probably end up doing the same at this rate.
OP posts:
horsemadgal · 30/09/2021 21:51

I'm Lanarkshire and here they are being done same time as the Covid booster. One in each arm.

Viviennemary · 30/09/2021 21:51

Just go to Boots. It will be easier. And before they run out of vaccines.

dementedpixie · 30/09/2021 21:55

My dh got his at a Lloyd's pharmacy

Original poster
containsnuts · 30/09/2021 22:04

@Snufkin2

GPs have been taken out of the immunisation process in Scotland this year (and last year too for some regions). A lot of practices were keen to continue doing it (mine included) as we'd developed a very efficient, local system over the years, but we weren't given the option. AFAIK you will be contacted in due course and probably fairly soon as they're cracking on with them.
Thanks @Snufkin2. It's strange to think of my GP practice being disconnected from my health related issues.
OP posts:
Username916 · 30/09/2021 22:26

As above, vaccinations are being phased out of GP practices in Scotland. I think by next year all vaccines will be at vaccination centres :( absolutely useless.

Original poster
containsnuts · 30/09/2021 22:39

@username916.

I think your right.

When it's not local it's such a barrier for people who don't drive, can't afford the buses, can't get a babysitter or time off work etc.

OP posts:
LibrariesGiveUsPower45321 · 30/09/2021 23:03

Just book in at boots, I did, great service

ChristmasPlanning · 01/10/2021 20:03

What's the cost at Boots?

Glendaruel · 01/10/2021 20:24

If you are entitled to a free flu vaccination, then it's free at boots. Some other chemists do it as well.

Orangejuicemarathoner · 01/10/2021 20:26

just go to a pharmacist - not really something you need to hassle a GP about

Original poster
containsnuts · 02/10/2021 18:47

@Orangejuicemarathoner

just go to a pharmacist - not really something you need to hassle a GP about
Thanks, but I wasn't trying to 'hassle' the actual GP, I was just trying to make an appointment for the vaccine. Hope this clarifies.
OP posts:
MacmillanMO · 02/10/2021 20:16

I feel the same, OP. I spent ages yesterday trying to find info about flu jags and Covid boosters. Nothing on my doctor’s website or the health board website (Forth Valley). DH and I both get flu jags and I assume we’ll get the Covid boosters too, but no advice anywhere about whether or when 🤷‍♀️
I’m getting quite worried about it, as I’m clinically vulnerable on several fronts.

Needschoolhelp · 02/10/2021 20:22

This reply has been deleted

This has been deleted by MNHQ for breaking our Talk Guidelines.

Original poster
containsnuts · 08/10/2021 02:54

Update. (Hoping someone is still there Hmm). Thanks for all your comments. I've decided just to get it at pharmacy but having trouble booking. Tried all the main pharmacy chains in my area and it seems appointments are only available to over 65s and even then appointments are not until November. Anyone younger had any luck? Thanks in advance.

OP posts:
Lou1984 · 08/10/2021 03:08

I’m in my 30s and literally just booked (a few mins ago) a private one at boots (south Lanarkshire)for £14.99 in less than a fortnight’s time

Sunshinealligator · 08/10/2021 03:53

@containsnuts

Update. (Hoping someone is still there Hmm). Thanks for all your comments. I've decided just to get it at pharmacy but having trouble booking. Tried all the main pharmacy chains in my area and it seems appointments are only available to over 65s and even then appointments are not until November. Anyone younger had any luck? Thanks in advance.
Where abouts are you? Not in Aberdeen by any chance? My husbands working away in Aberdeen, he's 36 and managed to book a flu vaccine at a pharmacy, I think he booked it the day before he went in for it. Usually he would have it done from our GP surgery but this year they said they couldn't facilitate then told him to have it whilst he was away. £15 and he was offered a warm drink too... he said he didn't know how to prove he's entitled to it free.

If you're near Aberdeen, please let me know- he can pass details on of where he had it done.

AwkwardSquad · 08/10/2021 06:21

My mum was sent her appointment but it was at a time and place that would be hard for her to get to, and the link to rebook didn’t work. So she’s booked a private one at a local Boots. I’m not impressed with this system.

TamponSupport · 08/10/2021 06:47

I called our surgery yesterday and was told to call back at the beginning of November.

Original poster
containsnuts · 08/10/2021 07:29

Thanks everyone. I should have said I'm in the Lothians.

@AwkwardSquad. Agree it's a rubbish system. I know a lady in her 80s in Edinburgh expected to go all the way out to the Royal Highland Centre for her vaccines. Not very accessible if you don't drive or have someone to take you.

OP posts:
Bonbon21 · 08/10/2021 07:33

Got a text yesterday from gp surgery offering two Saturday dates.. and asking me to make appointment or let them know if I didnt want it...
Usually get my flu jab at work so this is new here...