Can’t get a flu jab?

[Flossie44]

We, as a family, are in the shielding group. I’ve called my gp to arrange flu vaccinations and have been told twice that they’ve only got vaccines for over 65’s and under 2’a as yet. Apparently the standard vaccine won’t be available for 2-3 weeks and then we will be notified that we are able to book.

I’m concerned that each week that goes by, is a week that we are unprotected.

I know last year we didn’t have it until early November but I’m eager this year due to the pandemic, and the fact that my children have to go to school and my husband to work.

I just feel we are currently so very vulnerable.

Superdrug is doing a walk in service for people entitled to the jag on the NHS. Or you could try book an appointment at a local pharmacy like Lloyd's or boots. I usually get an NHS vaccine but I got one from boots last week as I didn't want to wait then find out there were shortages or have to go to a local sport centre and be in socially distanced queues to get it

You can get a flu jab at any pharmacy. Your GP has little control over when stock gets delivered unfortunately so find a pharmacy that has some in

You can get them from Boots - book online.
Pharmacies in super markets do them too.
And other pharmacies.
If you live with my on the shielding list you are entitled to a free one.
I had mine at boots last week.

Someone on the shielding list.

I got a text from my GP last night to say I can call to get mine booked in

Are all of your family on the shielding list op?

Book it at a pharmacy if you really can’t wait, and you’re worried.
We wish we could do it all but we have little control over stock deliveries. I’m a receptionist at a surgery and my god, the abuse I am getting at the moment! People are very worried and they’re scared but I wish more were more like you in the way they spoke!

According to social media there is a shortage in my area, but I managed to book mine at the large tesco store for mid October. Maybe try the large supermarkets near you.

Boots have temporarily stopped bookings for under 65s due to supply issues, not sure about other pharmacies.

We are under 65 and have tried to book twice online to have private flu jabs. Both times our bookings have been accepted and then the day before the appointments cancelled. Still waiting for the refunds

Thank you.

Both my dc are on the shielding list. So we all have a flu jab each year (my dh and I are also on the flu vaccine list in our own right).

I thought that only gp surgery’s could do children? Although mine both have the dead vaccine, and not the nasal version, due to immune suppression

Mid Oct appointments are available to book in various supermarket pharmacies. Try them. The 65+ are being prioritised immediately but flu vaccine supplies are coming in over the next few weeks. Demand exceed supply right now for obvious reasons.

My local Pharmacy is struggling to get supplies and Boots are not taking appointments

Our GP surgeries aren't even doing it this year, there's drive-in centres set up for the next 4 weekends with some walk-in provision for those who don't drive. It'll be interesting to see how this works out but i'm prepared for a long queue!

Boots are ow obly doing over 65s due to shortages.

Im not over 65 but booked mine early as was anxious.

How on earth is this a problem. They should have known this was going to happen and made flu jabs a priority!?

My children will get them at school (everyone up to and including yr 7 ) should be.

Our GP surgery is only starting to do the NHS flu jabs at the beginning of Oct - DH is in the priority group and received the letter at the start of Sept. They have already called him in to have the NHS pneumonia jab which he has had a fortnight ago (specific groups only).

I got to Lloyds pharmacy with my appointment in hand to be told that they only had vaccinations for the over 65s.

Because all over 50s can now get free flu jabs probably more people are asking for them

I had a Lloyds appointment cancelled as they didn't have the U65s vaccine: it's a different one I think, the over 65s has an extra adjuvant and I think one is quadravalent and one trivalent.

My local pharmacy has a massive sign up advertising flu vaccines but also doesn't have any in for under 65s. Very irritating.

I tried as well and was told only over 65s for the moment.

I'm worried that there won't be enough to go round to be honest.

Got mine on Monday at local Tesco pharmacy for £9 as didn't want to wait for my free go one which is looking like November provision.

Can children have them done in pharmacies? Or is it adults only there?

Some pharmacy’s can do them if they are over 9’sb Some can’t.

Our school is doing both nasal and injection this year. So might be worth checking with the health visitor

You d have to check with the pharmacist as some won't be able to give an injectable vaccine to children.

Our local pharmacies aren’t taking any more bookings. Or one is. But the site keeps crashing.