For those who don’t usually get the flu vaccination ...

[KeysDontBelongInTheFridge]

Will you be getting it this year? My children don’t usually get it, but we’ve already had a horrid cold and I’m becoming increasingly more anxious about a winter full of illnesses.

I’m not an anti-vaxxer so please I don’t want this to turn in to a vaccination debate, I just want to hear from people who for the first time may get it this year (or may not)

Thanks everyone

[PaquitaVariation]

Yes, I have it through work, dc have it because they have asthma.

[BikerChick91]

Yes. I think the more people that have it, the better. It should go some way to curbing hospital admissions and medical appointments as a result of flu and surely that’s only a good thing? I booked through Boots and have my appointment next week. I’m quite shocked that a nurse would refuse it. I used to work in a healthcare setting and all us staff had vaccines each autumn to protect our client group even though we were mainly young and fit.

[HoratiotheHorsefly]

I haven't free every year at my Gp surgery but I've booked at a local Boots this year because my Gp surgery have put sod all on their website about booking and I'm not taking the risk.

[PlateTectonics]

I don't usually have it (even though it's available for free through my employer) and I won't this year.

[Frazzled13]

Yep, I’ve booked mine. DD is too young for hers and I’m already worried about the amount of time off nursery (and therefore disruption to mine and DH’s jobs) that there might be this winter due to colds, especially as it’s her first winter at nursery. I’ll take anything that reduces the chance of me getting something that will require self isolation for us all. DH is having one as well.

[TillyTheTiger]

I've had it for the last few years due to pregnancy but I think I might pay for it this year. I've had proper flu before and I have zero desire to get it again, even less so with two kids to look after.

[yikesanotherbooboo]

@HoratiotheHorsefly
Your surgery probably cannot be sure yet as to when the flu vaccines are going to be available. The government have taken over distribution of supplies this year so the system is different to usual. We are hoping ours will come in from 21/9 and are planning clinics accordingly . HCPs really should have the flu jab this year as COVID prevalence and staff isolating is going to put a lot of extra winter pressure on NHS services . It is one of the few things one can do to reduce absenteeism.

[Heyahun]

Never had it before - but I’m pregnant for the first time so will be getting it this year :)

[Abraid2]

I was a slim, fit woman in my early 40s when I caught flu. I was extremely ill and it took weeks to recover. I’m talking temperature of 105f and hallucinations. I lost a lot of weight very quickly and my face has looked haggard since then.

I always have a flu jab.

[RaininSummer]

I have never had a 'flu' jab and have no plans for one. Never had proper flu yet despite being late 50s I am sure I will at some point but because of all the mutating strains, a jab doesn't really seem worth it.

[Blurp]

If you're not having it because "it only protects against some types of flu", do you also not wear your seatbelt because "it only protects you in some kinds of car accident"?

I've had flu a couple of times, and it was horrific. Took months to recover - I really don't fancy facing this winter with exhaustion from flu already in the picture.

[endtimes]

I usually have it as I am vulnerable but do not think I will have it this year, I am still shielding in effect. My Gp surgery are doing a mass vaccinating of people all together and I am not going in a room with loads of other people, masks on or not.

[Coriandersucks]

If you're not having it because "it only protects against some types of flu", do you also not wear your seatbelt because "it only protects you in some kinds of car accident"?

love these comparisons - not quite the same is it?!

[EleanorOalike]

@endtimes I was nervous too for the same reasons as you. Did you know you can book yours at Boots, Superdrug, Lloyds etc and they will give you an appointment time in your local branch, usually in a private consultation room? It’s free if you usually get the flu jab as long as you provide details of your GP. My GP practice ended up offering it at the same time routine bloods so it was done during an appointment. The nurse was herself worried about mass vaccination with lots of vulnerable people there at the same time so said it was best to get it there and then and avoid the queues.

[scrappydappydoo]

DH always has it because of his asthma. I’m booked in for the first time this year and have booked my kids in too. Main reason was that I had that awful flu/cough thing last December and I can’t imagine having Covid on top of that so I’m going to do everything possible to avoid illness this winter - I know it doesn’t protect against all flu but it’s better than nothing. Plus I don’t understand why they feel it necessary that all yr 7’s get it but not yr8 and above?

[Mindymomo]

My husband is having his first one today along with phumonia jab. He is 63, but had heart surgery this year, son was advised to have them. I get one at Tesco pharmacy each year, as when I get a cold it has turned into chest infection and I can feel very rough for 2 weeks and if I can shorten this then I will.

[Roomba]

I'm not eligible for a free flu vaccine, but I've paid to have one a few times over the last ten years or so. The years that I haven't have been because they were out of stock then I didn't get round to organising it. I wasn't particularly worried about catching flu as I've no health issues, but having had it twice before I'd prefer to avoid feeling that awful if possible.

My kids have always had the free vaccine when offered through school. I'd never prevent them from getting any vaccination, however effective it may or may not be in the end. Why would I?

My elderly aunt refuses her free flu vaccine every year, because her friends have told her it makes you ill. That it actually gives you a mild version of one type of flu and then doesn't protect you from the others. Which is ridiculous, but she's convinced by them! I worry as she has asthma and other health issues which mean flu could be very nasty for her. She said she'll get a covid vaccine, but she still won't get a flu jab.

[Lozz22]

I will I have to have it for work anyway to protect both myself and the elderly and vulnerable people I care for

[Fyzz]

My fit healthy 23 year old DS was floored by flu last winter and had 3 weeks off work (teacher). He'll be having the flu jab this year.
I get on on the NHS but usually go to a pharmacy for mine. They are fully booked until November.

[lunar1]

I have had the flu jab for the last 4 years, around 5 years ago I was hospitalised with sepsis following the flu, it was truly horrific. DH and ds2 didn't catch it, they were immunised. Ds1 had to be admitted for IV fluids. Neither of us have underlying health conditions, DH and ds2 do.

[AnneElliott]

Yes I will this year. I'm offered it every year (asthma) but always turn it down.

This year I think it sensible to agree so will get it.

[RedRiverShore]

I’ve never had one but this year if they do the 50-64 year olds in good time I will probably have it, but if it drags on until February or so I won’t bother

[Feellikedancingyeah]

I won't have it. Had it 4 years in a row when my dad was ill. Every year I was really poorly with flu. Not had it since then and not been poorly again!

[MrsJonesAndMe]

Yes, I've booked to have it privately. Will encourage DH to have it through his work - they normally offer, he normally declines. DS gets a nasal one through school.

[QueenPaws]

Get mine free every year so yes I'll be having it