Can’t get Flu Jab From Pharmacy

[Cherryblossom99]

Hi all, amid reports of a rise in severe flu cases I have been looking to try and get a flu jab, however I cannot seem to find any pharmacies online offering them.
I do have an underlying medical condition, but I don’t think it is covered under the eligibility criteria. I’m now panicking that I’m going to get flu. Is anyone else having difficulties trying to get a jab?

It’s worth checking if you can get a voucher though your workplace.

Have you tried supermarket pharmacies? Asda do them free if you have an existing condition like asthma. I got mine with no problems, but way back in October when I got the NHS text.

I’m willing to pay for it. It’s just finding a pharmacy with any appointments available

I got mine done yesterday but I had to call about 6 pharmacies.

You just have to keep looking and particular Boots try different pharmacies as not all pharmacists do vaccines.

maybe just walk in and ask
I did once in Asda and I got the vaccine straight away.

Will try a few nearby me tomorrow when I’m out in person. It’s annoying because there’s a big push for people to get them but not a lot of accessibility. Admittedly should have got it a couple of months ago.

Try some of the smaller branches of Boots.

Our local pharmacy has cleared half the shop and turned it into a bay of 3 sections to do flu vaccinations, they were chock a block yesterday with people waiting and being seen.

Just walk in

My Tesco spaces slots far enough apart to allow for walk-ins. Worth a go?

I got mine done at Tescos - definitely worth calling in to see if they can help.

Well the strain of flu that the flu jab protects against isn't actually the strain that is most prevalent in the uk at the moment so it won't be as effective this year as others.

This.

I walked in to our local pharmacy about two weeks ago and asked if I could make an appointment. The woman at the counter said if I could wait 15 minutes I could have it done then and there.

Of course it's hard to get one if you wait for peak panic time and everyone rushing to get one.

I got mine in Boots a month ago and I was the only one they were doing that day!

Can you try a private GP if there's no luck with pharmacies?

You can book one online from Asda

I know, I just didn’t think until I seen all the headlines about a rise in cases 🙈

I know but it’s better to have some protection rather than none

Not true, according to UKHSA:

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/flu-vaccine-providing-important-protection-despite-new-subclade

Not helpful but I have mine as soon as they are available in sept, as have a chronic condition.

I went into Boots on friday to get one as my dh has a chronic respiratory condition and I work with the elderly. I am under 60 but they only had the over 60 dose which is stronger apparently and as long as I agreed that i was happy to have the over 60 dose they agreed to give it to me.

See, I do have a chronic condition but hadn’t heard from GP so just assumed I wasn’t eligible.

When I booked mine, I did it through the nhs online. It listed which pharmacies locally were offering it and what appointments were available.

They get booked up fast. I book mine in July as soon as booking open (I get an e-mail from the pharmacy I use) each year and get the jab in September/October. You’ll find it really difficult this late in the year I’m afraid. Keep your hand hygiene up etc.

I’m actually in NI, tried to have a look through the online pharmacies but doesn’t seem very accurate/up to date