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Original poster

Why am I invited for the flu vaccine?

21 replies

RainbowSprinklesAndUnicorns · 14/02/2022 16:30

Just posting out of curiosity really.

Had a legitimate text from my GP offering me the flu vaccine. Checked the NHS website and none of the conditions that would make me eligible apply.

I actually paid for it privately late last year (Boots) for the first time because I felt there might be more virulent strains around due to being suppressed in 2020/21. Not because I was worried for my own health but I have a busy life and didn't want to take time off sick!

Anyone else had this text? I won't bother the GP with asking why so bothering MN instead Smile

OP posts:
PostThenGhost · 14/02/2022 16:35

If not a health condition
Could it be BMI?
Pregnancy?
Age?

dementedpixie · 14/02/2022 16:35

Are you age 50+?

Original poster
RainbowSprinklesAndUnicorns · 14/02/2022 22:04

None to all of the above. Sure my BMI could be lower but it's certainly not high.

OP posts:
Fluffycloudland77 · 16/02/2022 12:28

I'd ring them and ask why. I'd have to know.

I got mine free this year and last due to dh being CEV.

Ncwinc · 16/02/2022 12:34

Maybe just because you chose to have it before.

ZeroFuchsGiven · 16/02/2022 12:36

I honestly don't know one person who has not been offered a flu jab this year on the NHS.

otherwiseitllbeboris · 16/02/2022 12:38

I'll put money on it being BMI

Pbjontoast · 16/02/2022 12:39

Tbh it's probably because they have stacks of vaccines left over- they ordered way more than the uptake used. Every year at end-of-flu season they have a surplus to get rid of. I've been bombarded with messages for my 15yo to have a flu jab.

hashbrownsandwich · 16/02/2022 12:42

It's also coming up to the end of our QOF (target and payment in simple terms) so we need to push anyone eligible to uptake any services they are eligible for.

ZeroFuchsGiven · 16/02/2022 12:43

@Pbjontoast

Tbh it's probably because they have stacks of vaccines left over- they ordered way more than the uptake used. Every year at end-of-flu season they have a surplus to get rid of. I've been bombarded with messages for my 15yo to have a flu jab.
Did Your 15 yo not have it at school?

We are a family of 6 and have all had one where normally just my husband would. We are aged from 14 to 50. My 14 and 16 year old had theirs at school with the nursing team and the rest of us were called to the surgery. Even the primary school had the nursing team in vaccinating the pupils. All my friends and neighbours have been called in for it too.

Must be different in different areas.

GeneLovesJezebel · 16/02/2022 12:44

Beware it’s not a scam. Two of my relatives have had different scam texts in the last week or so.

Pbjontoast · 16/02/2022 13:15

@ZeroFuchsGiven, we home ed.

The team didn't actually contact anyone in our home ed catchment this year. They make a list of dates that we can attend the 'vaccine bus' but failed to actually follow through with invitations. By the time I spoke to a team leader to ask why we hadn't been sent the dates ( after a month of getting nowhere), most of the dates had gone. Hence children unvaccinated for flu this year.

As a PP has said, they always push their surplus at the end of the winter.

takemetomars · 16/02/2022 13:46

@RainbowSprinklesAndUnicorns

None to all of the above. Sure my BMI could be lower but it's certainly not high.
What is it?
igotdemons · 16/02/2022 20:12

I had an invite from my GP surgery too last month for the first time ever, I’ve never been invited for one before. I don’t have any of the listed illnesses and I’m in my 30’s so the only thing I could put it down to was my BMI? Mine is currently 35.

takemetomars · 16/02/2022 20:26

@igotdemons

I had an invite from my GP surgery too last month for the first time ever, I’ve never been invited for one before. I don’t have any of the listed illnesses and I’m in my 30’s so the only thing I could put it down to was my BMI? Mine is currently 35.
Yep, that will be why
LizziesTwin · 16/02/2022 20:29

I was offered it by my GP practice when I was a SAHM as they said there was no one to help me if I got ill so I needed protection.

TheSongAboutMe · 16/02/2022 20:44

Me and partner have both had a text from our GP to offer us the flu jab and we have no idea why. Both early 40s, no health conditions, healthy BMI. We haven’t seen our GP for years as we gave up trying to get appointments. Annoyingly our child was ill on the day of the nasal flu vaccine at school. My partner tried to arrange it through the GP as advised by school and they said they couldn’t help. 🤷🏻‍♀️

Original poster
RainbowSprinklesAndUnicorns · 17/02/2022 11:02

Well I had it in December so I don't think I need it again. Only ever had it when pregnant.

Given I haven't been to the GP for many years apart from a smear test 2 years ago they won't know my BMI.

Anyway, it looks like they might just be offering out to anyone so that's probably the reason. Good to know.

Thanks

OP posts:
fedup078 · 17/02/2022 13:10

You didn't have gestational diabetes did you as this is why a friend was offered the Covid jab

fedup078 · 17/02/2022 13:10

Offered it early I should say

Original poster
RainbowSprinklesAndUnicorns · 17/02/2022 15:09

No GD in pregnancy. Just had another text and clicked through and they appear to be offering a weekend flu clinic so I guess they are trying to use up supplies. Perhaps the elderly who usually take up the vaccine are staying away because of covid.

Could have saved myself £15! Never mind.

OP posts:
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