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Original poster

Are you getting a private ‘flu vaccination?

70 replies

MinnieMountain · 18/09/2021 07:06

Talking to a friend the other day who works in medical research- she gets a flu vaccination every year.

I’ve never bothered before but with warnings of a “bad” Winter flu season it’s got me wondering if I should.

OP posts:
Chemenger · 18/09/2021 08:09

My GP is hopeless and didn’t get through even a fraction of the people who they should have last year. I get my flu vaccination in Sainsbury’s every year for about £12, worth every penny, flu is horrible.

LubaLuca · 18/09/2021 08:09

I don't think Boots, Tesco etc would be able to send their supplies to the local surgery, so I don't think waiting will make any difference to those holding out for an NHS jab.

nether · 18/09/2021 08:10

It's already sitting on the shelves of the places where deliveries have turned up. I think it would be much more complicated to try to move already-delivered vaccine between recipients and keep track of where everything has gone (plus find the people to do this)

Also, do remember that you can have your NHS dose at a pharmacy (it's what we're doing this weekend) and that of course should nit be disrupted - unless you want tomdekay all those jabs and add to pressure on appointments at GP surgeries

bumblingbovine49 · 18/09/2021 08:11

Like a previous op, I've had a flu vaccine every year since I got swine flu about 10 years ago

daisypond · 18/09/2021 08:12

But Boots are working for the NHS. You can still have it done at Boots and not have to pay- if you’re eligible. That’s my understanding.

Abraxan · 18/09/2021 08:13

I get a free one but we always pay for teen Dd to have one. Her choice, based on getting flu one tear mid exam revision. Dh May go and get one this year though haven't decided. Cost around £10 here and just done at the local pharmacy.

Abraxan · 18/09/2021 08:15

@daisypond

Do the details end up in your medical records? I’ve only ever had one at the GP, so I’m curious how the private ones work.
I almost always have mine at the local pharmacy despite having a free one. I find it easier to arrange there. More availability and more appointment times. Still don't have to pay. It appears to be linked to my medical record as the GP surgery knows I've had it done each year.
Newnormal99 · 18/09/2021 08:15

I used to get an awful cold every winter that would leave me with a cough for ages. Since I started having flu jab nothing.

My work pay does it - usually they organise on site sessions but that's not happening this year.

I have it booked for next weekend through Boots and they look pretty booked up.

LubaLuca · 18/09/2021 08:17

@daisypond

But Boots are working for the NHS. You can still have it done at Boots and not have to pay- if you’re eligible. That’s my understanding.
I have no idea, tbh. I'm not sure how I'd go about proving that I'm eligible for an NHS one to the staff in Boots or wherever. Perhaps some surgeries issue vouchers to patients to reduce the pressure on their staff.
WinterWeightlossGoal · 18/09/2021 08:18

I am but only because my work are paying for everyone who wants to go have it (they did the same last year too). Because I'm having it I've booked a private one for my DH too so we are both equally protected :)

TheGriffle · 18/09/2021 08:20

I’ve thankfully never had flu and I have also never had a flu jab however my work have offered them to us for free this year so I will be taking them up on it and getting one.

MadisonAvenue · 18/09/2021 08:22

@BeyondMyWits

If there is a shortage and doctors surgeries cannot get hold of enough for the vulnerable who really need it, then perhaps we payers should wait til those who need it more have it done.
I’m eligible for a free vaccination but I’ve booked into my local Sainsbury’s pharmacy to get it done as yet again my GP surgery have no idea when they’ll be getting a delivery so aren’t scheduling bookings until they know.

There never seems to be a problem with them getting vaccines for the over 65s though, they’ve been holding clinics this week for those.

Angel2702 · 18/09/2021 08:24

Yes the past few years I have, only realised last year I don’t have to pay. Have booked ours at Boots at end of September.

BewareTheBeardedDragon · 18/09/2021 08:24

I do, because I'm a single parent so I don't want to put myself, dc and elderly parents in a difficult position if I got badly sick.

MadisonAvenue · 18/09/2021 08:26

I have no idea, tbh. I'm not sure how I'd go about proving that I'm eligible for an NHS one to the staff in Boots or wherever. Perhaps some surgeries issue vouchers to patients to reduce the pressure on their staff.

You fill out a short form online stating that you’re eligible when booking, can’t remember the details needed now but you don’t have to take any proof.

GoodnightGrandma · 18/09/2021 08:30

I get a free one from work, but I’d pay for one if I didn’t.
Having had flu once, it’s something I don’t want again. Particularly as I get older.

Original poster
MinnieMountain · 18/09/2021 08:30

I’ve just booked mine at Boots on Tuesday. It asked if I’m eligible for a free one, so there must be an easy system.

OP posts:
GoodnightGrandma · 18/09/2021 08:33

My DF took himself off to a local chemist last week, he got it before the GP surgery had contacted him about one. He’s made up that he’s got it early and will be going there every year now.

LubaLuca · 18/09/2021 08:33

Well that's worth knowing for next year. Thank you Smile

UnmentionedElephantDildo · 18/09/2021 08:33

I'm not sure how I'd go about proving that I'm eligible for an NHS one to the staff in Boots or wherever. Perhaps some surgeries issue vouchers to patients to reduce the pressure on their staff

You sign a declaration in store, and you are fined if you claim when not entitled. It's the same system as claiming any other free prescription.

Issuing vouchers would increase pressure on surgery staff, and has never been necessary to date.

(I am of course thinking of England where there still is a pay prescription system in place - might need to be different in other home nations)

Bythepath · 18/09/2021 08:34

Yes £9 from Tesco, I can claim it back from work but even if I couldnt I would have it. J am booked in for first week in October.

GoodnightGrandma · 18/09/2021 08:35

My DS goes to Boots. He just fills out a form stating that he has asthma and gets it free.

Twilightstarbright · 18/09/2021 08:37

Had my free one at Boots yesterday and DH has his paid one next week. Proper flu is horrendous and I’d happily pay to reduce my chances of having it.

CrimeJunkie01 · 18/09/2021 08:44

I took all my kids and myself off to Boots yesterday to have ours. I do the same every year. It's well worth the £45 (I get mine free). I always book for the earliest appointment I can get and drag the kids along with me. After having flu once I decided to never have it again if I can possibly help it. Plus last year you had to have 30 days from flu jab to COVID jab and so I figure the earlier I have the flu jab, the sooner I can have my booster.

ChildrenGrowingUpTooFast · 18/09/2021 08:44

I get a private one every year because work pays for it.

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