Is having a flu jab one of the more useful things we can do?

[Twattergy]

I'm not entitled to a free flu jab but considering me and DH paying for them this year because I think it might be one thing I can do to help the NHS, namely:
-Reduce risk of flu so less need for nhs help

• If I get covid/flu symptoms ill be more likely to think it is covid not flu, so more likely to be clear on what action to take

-one less thing for me to potentially transmit to others

Thoughts?

Yes

I’ve tried to book one for over a month. They don’t seem to be available anywhere.

Yes

Yes. We’ve had ours. Local pharmacy has a drop in.

Yes. Had mine today - never bothered before. Covid nudged me to do it.

@GenderApostate19

Randomly, our local pharmacy won’t let anyone books you just have to turn up and ask for it... may be worth a shot?

I tried to book mine with my gp surgery (I am required to have flu jab for work) but they're only doing vulnerable people until 17th Nov. I currently have covid, but will be getting my flu jab when I'm able (if I'm able to so soon after covid?)

I work in healthcare and can't imagine how awful it would be if we had an outbreak of flu & covid in our home at the same time. Flu is bad enough in a normal winter. Covid would wipe out 70% of our residents. Both at once doesn't bare thinking about..

Flu jab is a good idea, but good luck getting one

I think lots of places have run out or stopped taking bookings already. My mums surgery has run out before theyve even got through all the people entitled to one on the NHS I guess uptake is higher? I believe they often run out in a normal year which is not ideal.

Yes I got one for the first time. I get offered one every year at my SEN school.

My surgery has a waiting list. Save the dwindling supplies for the more vulnerable.

Op I think the eligible word confuses people, as if they aren't allowed one unless they get it free.

I get mine paid every year, I've had dc done since they were young too.
I could have had a free one next week, but I didn't want to wait that long. I had mine nealry three weeks ago.

It's the peace of mind it buys.
It's worth every penny and years ago I used to have to sell old toys on ebay to raise money for it!!

I've been told a localish Boots had plenty, and could drop in and pay for it. Might not be the case but I'll give it a try.

yes, flu + covid is thought to be a bad mix.

People are so bloody reluctant to pay for anything when it comes to health services - even those who can afford it easily. More people should just get their tenner out and go get a flu jab at the pharmacy.

Trying to get one from the GP is a sodding nightmare every year anyway, and this year far worse.

We've had ours but we do so every year as DS has a heart condition which makes him vulnerable. Our shots are as 'umbrella' protection for him - less chance of bringing flu home to him.

yes. definitely.
i follow dr bharat pankhania and he's been urging everyone to get a flu jab for at least a month now. he's an expert.

twitter.com/doctorshaib?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

@AmandaHoldensLips did you miss the point that the majority of posters here are trying to book to buy one at their local pharmacy but are not able to do so because of the huge numbers wanting to do that this year ?

AmandaHoldensLips most pharmacists don’t have any supplies for private paying customers

Yes, and have had mine already (Tesco, £9)

Yes and there are studies being done which seem to be showing that having the flu vaccine means you are far less likely to die of Covid or be seriously ill with it, for reasons they don't quite understand. I have been happy to pay for one and hope more can (subject to being able to find somewhere that does it!)

My friend who is over 75 literally didn't realise he could buy one!

Asda, sainsbury, boots, super drug, private doctors...

Maybe it's easier to get one in some areas than others. I had to make a few phone calls to find a pharmacy that did a walk in service.

Yes - already had mine at local pharmacy.