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General health

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Original poster

is there a "best" time for a flu jab?

14 replies

PiperPublickOccurrences · 02/10/2018 18:01

I don't qualify for a free flu jab on the NHS but need to get one - I'm self employed and just can't afford to be floored for a fortnight if the flu hits.

Is it too early in the season to book one for next week? And if I do have it next week, will that protect me right through to spring?

OP posts:

Timeforabiscuit · 02/10/2018 18:05

I think now is the perfect time, nhs and frontline workers have been offered theirs.

As long as you have it by early november you'll get the two week window for imunity to develop before peak flu season in December.

Spartacunt · 02/10/2018 18:09

Had mine today - Boots have the quadruple strain vaccine which lasts through to end of spring.

Original poster

PiperPublickOccurrences · 02/10/2018 18:09

Great. Boots the most convenient location for me so will get booked in.

OP posts:

FadedRed · 02/10/2018 18:10

ASAP. The immunity will last several years, the only reason the flu jab is given annually is the the circulating flu viruses change, not because the immunity wanes quickly IYSWIM.

Judashascomeintosomemoney · 02/10/2018 18:11

I’m getting my NHS one next Saturday so I hope now’s a good time

Aragog · 02/10/2018 18:16

I had mine a couple of weeks ago, as did DD.
The children's flu sprays at my school are being done next week.

Unlike the last few I found this years a little stingy, and my arm was very hot, pink, a little swollen and quite achy the next day. As did dd.

ConsiderHerWaysAndOthers · 02/10/2018 18:17

My work are doing them today so I would guess it’s the ideal time to get it?

Ekphrasis · 02/10/2018 20:41

I had mine 2 weeks ago at boots as I qualified for the free one and they said they could do it. Just get it ASAP.

Original poster

PiperPublickOccurrences · 02/10/2018 20:52

Appointment booked for Tuesday. £12.99 well spent. I watched a BBC documentary about the Spanish flu in 1918 last week and it was terrifying.

OP posts:

Strongbeatsskinny · 02/10/2018 21:03

I had mine done in boots last week. I always go around now there’s nothing worse than flu.

mayhew · 02/10/2018 21:07

Just adding that Boots allow online booking which is handy. If you qualify for a free one, you note that, and they still give it. I do as an NHS worker.

CardinalCat · 02/10/2018 21:10

Superdrug are offering it for 1/3 discount if you have (or get) a health and beauty card. I think it works out about £6.99, and now/ October is the time to do it.

Meredith12 · 02/10/2018 21:32

Just double check if booking with Boots as we booked, turned up and they said no-one could do as pharmacist wasn't trained. Not impressed as travelled quite a way for appt.

Went to Superdrug a week later, had it done by a trained nurse, including my teenage daughter. Only £6.99. I know where I'll be going next year :)

CardinalCat · 02/10/2018 21:46

Even though I am part of the 'I love Superdrug' fanclub, it is worth noting that not all Superdrug stores will do it either, and you should check online and book a slot in the appropriate one.

If you are over 65 and wish to have the quadruple, it is also worth noting that Boots will not give this (even to private paying patients) but Superdrug will.

I do not work for S/d btw (but I do have parents in the >65 bracket who were messed about by boots and told at the last minute that they would have to go elsewhere for the quadrivalent.)

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