Flu jab extended to the over 50s

[whatisforteamum]

I am really pleased about this.!
Tbh years ago I was entitled to it as I have asthma.As I didn't even really get colds or anything I didn't have it(silly I know).Then last Nov I got a chest infection.and sore throat that left me breathless and a bit scared.When I enquired I was told as I no longer have my steroid inhaler I wasn't entitled.
I know I could just pay for it.I am just glad it is being rolled out to more people.Anyone else pleased about this?

Pleased but worried about 2 things. 1 - is there going to be enough vaccine and 2 - how GP practices will manage - it was going to be hard enough managing the normal levels with new social distancing /ppe logistics, let alone a huge additional group of people.

I haven't read much about the plans so don't know if there are plans to fund community vaccination hubs or other places they can be given.

Yes, very much so

I'm in favour of vaccinating more against flu every year,

but particularly atm to avoid the double winter whammy of a flu epidemic and a COVID one overwhelming the NHS
or indeed some unlucky sods catching both, after being infected by one of them

People 50+ may be young in many ways, but unfortunately their immune system often isn't one of them

This is good but I am in my 40s and normally pay for a jab each year (as do my adult children), I'm watching to see how many doses there are, I want to get my jab if I can but don't want to take it from someone who needs it more.

Am thrilled to hear this. I was definitely going to pay to get one this winter so v happy it's going to be free. A double whammy of flu and covid is v frightening.

The flu jab rollout would be something of a rehearsal for the later COVID jab,
imo quite likely summer / Autumn 2021

The government, the public health authorities and the NHS need to organise systems so that a vaccine can be rolled out to more people in the UK than ever before, as quickly as possible

Am 50 and I usually get one through work (education) but missed out last year as they changed the system and it was all a bit odd. Only started having it after I had Swine Fly years ago and was really ill with it!

*swine flu

Myself and my DDs have the flu jab on the NHS due to existing conditions and get it done at our local pharmacy

It's great, but worried about availability and resources to deliver. I'm asthmatic so normally get one, plus a going to be heavily pregnant by then so added pressure on my body, but worry I won't be able to get appointment this year. I hope they prioritise the people who normally get one.

It is silly that although I am only on average \low income it would give me the push to go as I was being offered it.I think it is that it is an extra incentive that government thinks it is a good idea.I do work with v young people and forget like previous pple have said our immune systems are not as good.!

I understand they may do it in public areas as indoors would be too risky.Like the testing I guess.I am sure they will prioritise health conditions first my dh had a heart attack and dm cancer twice.

It's a worry for the 40-50 age group.
Coronavirus age risk starts increasing at 40. Add in the fact that many underlying conditions are undiagnosed and more likely to develop from 40. Protection against flu is vital for anyone at increased risk from severe illness with coronavirus.
I think they should start from 40 not 50.

Due to my work I pay for a flu vaccination every year. I’m late 30s but now concerned there will be a vaccine shortage.

It is great that they are including over 50 (me) but they say they will get to this age group around Christmas. I don't see how vaccinating half way through the flu season is going to help since they expect Coronavirus to start going up in the Autumn. Surely people getting flu Oct-Dec will put pressure on the NHS.

As a 50-year old I am going to get the flu vaccination done myself rather than wait till Dec.

This is about managing the impact on hospitals - find it suprising they have been moaning about the impact of flu on the system for years and "never thought of this before" if it stops people getting flu even for half of the time its better than nothing but I agree could be done way more efficiently and even outdoors, not sure people are bothered about privacy for a jab thats over in 5 seconds just line em up I say

I heard someone on the news saying flu jabs are ordered in January. ....its unlikely then there would be enough.

I took DS for a postponed jab last week in a community centre. We queued up in masks and then went into a hall with about 6 nurses with computers who did the vax really quickly and efficiently. We were in and out in about 10 minutes. I was really impressed. Happy to do this all the time.

It looks like the 50-64 year olds who are not on the usual list are to be done at the end, maybe in a separate programme from the usual people that get it, probably to make sure there is enough as it wouldn’t be good if they got there first and it was all used up. I’m early 60s so will be in this cohort

I'm just going to do it privately then if I can. I am not hanging around to wait and see if I am included. I had the flu in Feb for the first time ever (well, actually I think it was Covid) and I never want to feel like that again. I'll happily pay the £10 or whatever it is.

www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-53515078

Flu vaccination programme

Last year my GP ran the usual flu jab clinics on a turn up and jab basis. They had loads available and few turned up. They were offering them to anyone else who turned up for other random appointments. Semi Rural practice, with lots of local elderlies as well.

I suppose later start for the over 50s is to give those who qualify for medical reasons and the elderly a chance to get them first

It is frustrating to that you weren’t entitled because you were no longer on a steroid inhaler. They routinely try to reduce my steroid dose and threatened to stop it altogether if I don’t come in for six-monthly checks when it’s impossible to get an appointment. Eventually I went private for my steroid inhalers and as a result didn’t get told to get a flu jab, so I just went to Boots and paid. Trouble is, I expect they will be rationed to those entitled this year and it will not be possible to pay.

I work in a GP practice and its a real headache. We only ordered enough for the usual groups and now need >3000 more and have no idea where we are supposed to get them from, where to store them, and if the additional PPE will be available. Scheduling is a nightmare as delivery for the vaccines we have ordered is being changed- last year we had to cancel hundreds of appts as the vaccine didn’t turn up and clinics had been booked.
There will be no turn ups allowed, everyone will have to have a timed slot and be eligible.
Hopefully Boris has our supply readily available though, along with a pair of gloves Or a lot of sanitiser (and hand cream) for every vaccine.......