Flu jab - not at drs

[Deliaskis]

Hi all, wonder if anyone can advise:

Saw mw yesterday at 4pm and was advise to get a flu jab, but on going down to the reception to get booked in, was told they were only doing them today between 12 and 1, and that's it until the end of January . I can't get there at that time due to work, but my Mum has said you can get them done at chemists and Tescos et al for a small charge.

Only problem is, I've checked Tescos website and it says it's not available for pregnant women.

Has anyone had a flu jab whilst pregnant, that they've paid for, at a pharmacy, Tescos/Boots etc. whilst pregnant? If so, which one, and was it this year's combined jab?

I am in Macclesfield Cheshire, but hoping that if people have experiences from supermarkets and national pharmacy chains like Assura/Lloyds etc. then that will be reflective of the situation across that chain.

Ta
D

Can you not just ring your doctors surgery and get it there? You don't have to wait for them to offer it to you.

Tescos etc are all private enterprises and will be charging everyone. I think for free jab you will need to go via NHS - perhaps you can get it at an NHS walk-in centre? I'm not sure but worth looking into if you can't get to docs.

check with NHS direct where your nearest walk-in GP service is - they sometimes have them in big branches of Boots.

They may also have info on your nearest other providers of the jab.

The Drs surgery have only offered me one slot today when I can't go, and no other options.

I'm happy to pay for it, but none of the companies I have rung (so far Tesco, Boots, and Co-op pharmacy) will vaccinate pregnant people.

Don't know if I have an NHS walk in centre locally but will try and find out.

D

Sorry, forgot to say, thanks for replies!

I asked at my local pharmacy yesterday and was told that pharmacies couldn't vaccinate pregnant women because of insurance or something like that, and they have to go to their surgery.

Riddzy, that seems to be what I am getting when I ring to ask.

Tis v annoying though, all the news coverage the past few days has talked me into having it, and now I can't for yonks.

D

im having trouble myself.
rang gp surgery cannot book me in for jab need to speak to my midwife.
Midwifes phone been turned off for two days now.
Sigh.
This of course after no one informing me of being able to get the jab realised after reading the news on that lady Fallon whos in hospital :(

We do dedicated flu clinics for the vast majority of our patients that are entitled to the vaccine (incl pregnant women), but will offer them an appointment, any appointment, with a practice nurse if they cannot come to the clinics.

It might be worth your while asking to speak to a doctor/practice manager and explain your situation. The uptake of flu vacc amongst pregnant women is low (unfortunately) and IMO the practice should make an effort to accommodate you. That's why I think you should speak to somebody who can make decisions rather than just reception staff who (have to) do as they are told.

Good luck !