How can I get flu jab for my 3 year old?

[Sallyliu]

My GP has refused a flu jab for my 3 year old, because he is not in the risk group. I got mine at Boots, but they don't give them to under 16 year olds. Does anyone know how I can get my 3 year old a flu jab (in London or Herts)? Is private clinic the only way?

You can get it at the Portland Hospital in London, they also know private paediatricians in different parts of the country. Where are you? Also, if you find a paediatrician you may want to check that (s)he uses Immuvac as there have been some reactions to the other vaccination used for adults and older children in the under fives. It is my understanding that any paediatricians associated with the Portland Hospital will use Immuvac as they get their vaccine through the Portland Hospital. Also your dc has to be absolutely fine (no colds etc) before they are willing to give the vaccine and she might get a booster on top of initial one but they will tell you. They will only get immunity several weeks after the vaccine though.

My doctors refused to do my seventeen year old son who wanted it because he has a lot of a- level papers coming up this month. they said they needed to do all high risk people first, but were happy to do him as a private patient. It was ten pounds.

Thanks for your replies. We did eventually manage to get our 3-year old a flu jab at a travel clinic in central London. It cost £22 and he'll need a booster in a month time for another £22. It was relatively straight forward albeit expensive. In light of the current situation with swine flu, we're relieved to have done it.

h i want to have my 3 year old to have the swine flu vacnation i live in chatham kent, you no where i could have this ?????????

If you can get your doctor to write you a prescription, you can then take to a phamacy which is offering the jab. They will then dispense the prescription for you to take back to your surgery to administer.

You will have to convince them to write the script though!

my doctors wont write the script ,i have paid private at the chemist for older children but they cant do my 3 year old :( any other ideas.

Ruders, i've sent you a private message.

Sallyliu, could you please send me the name of the clinic? sorry to bother you, it's just we are desperate to get DD vaccinated now we have DS newborn! She is 21 months, i hope that's not too young?

Hi LondonKiwiMum, have sent a message to you, pls check.

Hi Sallyliu,

Can you please help us too?
We are in Essex and desperately want the vaccination for our 3 year old son.
Got no problem with paying, even travelling to get it done.
PM me please ;-)

Hi Bashyman, have you sent you a private message about it.

Hi Sallyliu,

Are you able to help me? I am desperately tryimg to sort/find the vaccination for my 3 yr old. We are in Hertfordshire. Many thx.

Mopsey68, please check your private message, I've sent you the infor. Good luck.

Hi Sallyliu, another worried parent here who would very much like to get our daughter vaccinated. We've been turned down by our Dr and have had no luck with local chemists. Could you help up please? We are in Essex. Thanks, Stephanie

Hi steph81, have sent a PM to you.

Hi I also am trying to find someone that can vaccinate my 3 and 7 year old. Any ideas? I am on the essex/herts borders.. although London is fine for us as well.

Thanks

Hi Ruders, can you tell me which Chemist did you older children as it seems Boots have an over 16s policy and I hear Tescos policy is over 18s!

Also Sallyliu, I too would appreciate your valuble info!

Thanks Sam

I can't seem to find anyone who will vaccinate children

Or you could just listen to the professionals?

could do.. but feel uneasy as one of our relations who is only 7 was hospitalised over Xmas with swine flu...

Portland Hospital in London or have they run out as well? Other people mentioned a travel clinic near Victoria Station (much cheaper than Portland Hospital).

Well said seeker!

Portland has run out I have already checked

actually when the professionals act like professionals i will take note.. Sirzy perhaps you should not comment until you know more about peoples situations ..

Then I would phone all travel clinics you can find and see if there is one who still got the vaccine - check they have right vaccine for age of your child, e.g. immuvac (might be others as well but I don't know their names) for under fives or fluvirin for four plus or the many available others if over five. GSK and CSL vaccines are not suitable and not allowed for under fives and fluvirin not allowed for under fours (says it on the leaflet as dd was given fluvirin). Also, even if you get the vaccine it will take two weeks to produce anti-bodies if previously vaccinated and need booster in four weeks if not previously vaccinated before getting good level of immunity. For example, dd got fluvirin, three days later got ill, so vaccine was not protecting yet, got very ill, ended up in hospital on oxygen and drips. The problem is it is really late in the season to vaccinate now (and dd was vaccinated against swine flu in winter 09 by the way!).