Why are NHS staff refusing flu jabs?

[Jux]

Just heard it in House of Commons, one MP said a significant minority of NHS staff are refusing the flu jab; in the context of keeping NHS staff fit and well in case of massive increase in numbers of COVID cases over winter.

Because they can?

A lot refuse it every year, it's not a new thing.

I presume because NHS staff have bodily autonomy - nobody can be forced to have a flu jab if they don’t want one, regardless of how you view their reason for their decision.

Pish.
I don’t believe it....but it’s their choice and maybe they want to?

NHS staff here...never had the flu jab

For ant it’s worth, my employer offers to reimburse the cost of a flu jab. I don’t have one because I can’t be bothered to make an appointment. I’d probably agree to have one if a nurse came into the office during standard working hours to administer it

Was it specifically frontline NHS staff? Staff who don’t work directly with patients aren’t at any more risk than any other office worker.

@FelicityPike I know NHS staff refusers though it's actually "just can't be bothered".

Take up is never 100% there's an extra push on it this year but it's still voluntary. I always have mine and had mine through work in the private sector, I also pay for one for my daughter, so I don't understand why everyone didn't have it but it's personal choice.

I work for the NHS, we get weekly flu jab uptake reports during the flu jab period. It's fairly common for quite a high number of staff to choose not to have the jab. I actually expect numbers of NHS staff getting the jab to be higher this year, but there will still be a high number that don't.

The flu is around all the time just not in winter. The jab is a guess a what flu or flu’s might be predominant.
The immunity only lasts 6 months.
So see it as totally unnecessary.

@Saucery that's not true for a lot of us. I'm office staff but I work on the hospital site mixing with patients and staff multiple times a day. A lot of our staff have indirect patient contact and direct contact with clinicians who spend all day sat in clinic with multiple patients.

DH is a doctor and always has his.

There seems to be some new paranoia about vaccinations. I was WTF when my D.C. came home from school last week with their flu vaccine forms and my eldest was panicking about it being dangerous and saying they didn't want it because one of the TAs had been telling them about all the risks and complications

It's a minority. As usual. Most of us have it, there's a lot of pressure to do so. NHS staff are also not immune to the "oh but I had the jab one year and got flu so I'm never having it again" mentality, sadly.

I have worked for the NHS for 19 years and not had a flu jab for 10 years. I also have not had a day off sick for 11 years so I am lucky I don't pick things up. And after last flu jab I had I felt yuck for days.

This year I have been sent a letter from my GP inviting me for one and I can only think it is because I am overweight as no other health conditions.

I didn't mean to suggest that refusing the jab was in some way a bad thing and they ought to have it whether they want it or not. I get it every year because I'm in a vulnerable group, but there are plenty of people - friends and family - who don't have it because they don't want to or can't be bothered.

I just wondered why specifically NHS staff were refusing. I thought they might know something we don't!

It’s only been highlighted as they Gov will be concerned about lack of staff if they go down with flu

Lots refuse it each year,

70% take up is actually relatively high. I heard the other day that the take up is only 25% in social care where it is also offered free to staff.

Can't get one now, not unless you are priority or over 65. Never had one before, but was going to book for DH,DD and myself. Assume they have supply issues.

I guess those that aren’t bothered to have the jab when offered, haven’t personally experienced flu?
Had flu once in my fit/healthy 20s and don’t want to experience it ever again. The fatigue went on for 2-3 weeks after. Always get a private jab.

Partner is a Consultant and always has his

Which MP and what point were they trying to make?

There seems to be a culture in the government of inciting the public to blame each other, deflecting attention from the deficiencies of government.

I would therefore be suspicious, particularly since almost inevitably that will now be the result a la Mumsnet.

@Baaaahhhhh

Can't get one now, not unless you are priority or over 65. Never had one before, but was going to book for DH,DD and myself. Assume they have supply issues.

I had mine today at Boots, booked weeks ago luckily. Can't believe they aren't taking bookings 😱

I've never had one as I am not in a vulnerable group and don't live with anyone who is and because I work from home I've not generally been anywhere where it was offered at work. DH has had one through work on occasion but not every year.

Thanks for MN's on another thread, just got the last few bookings at local Tesco, didn't even think about them. All slots now gone though. Our slot is late October, so hope they still have supplies by then.