Flu vaccination for partners

11 replies

Chester1980 · 23/10/2018 14:32

I’m 38 weeks pregnant and had the flu vaccine several weeks ago. My husband hasn’t had it, although he’s got asthma so is more susceptible. He’s never had flu though. The next appointment he can get for the vaccine isn’t until the baby has been here a few weeks.

Have your other halves had the vaccine? I am worrying now as he doesn’t seem v concerned about getting it. I know people with asthma should have the vaccine, but not sure if I am just getting myself a bit worked up that he won’t have I done before the baby is here.

OP posts:

NannyR · 23/10/2018 14:36

Some pharmacies will do a flu jab for free if you are entitled to it under the nhs criteria, it's usually on a walk in basis so he could get it done tomorrow.

Isittimeforbed · 23/10/2018 14:48

Why does it matter if he doesn't have it before the baby's born? Are you worried about him getting it and passing it on to the baby? He's not more likely to get flu because he's asthmatic, just more likely to have complications which is why the vaccine is recommended. Most partners won't have been vaccinated, so your situation isn't unusual. Plus your baby will have some protection via you as you've been vaccinated.

ChocolateChipMuffin2016 · 23/10/2018 15:05

Not sure if this is what you are asking but partners aren't given it as standard, my DH won't be offered it, and won't have it.

If you are worried about his asthma then as PP said, go to boots or similar and get him booked in.

FirstTimeBumps · 23/10/2018 15:23

My OH wasn't entitled to it but had his arm twisted by the boots pharmacist into getting it so he doesn't get run down and fluey when baby arrives. Cost £12 but he was happy to get it for that reason. Guilt trip him or coerce your local pharmacist into doing so x

Original poster

Chester1980 · 23/10/2018 15:32

Thanks guys. I didn’t know that he can get it for free. We’re going to go along that and get an appointment at a pharmacy.

I thought the asthma would make him more susceptible to catching it - he tends to pick up colds etc and does struggle to shake them off, so I didn’t want to risk it and pass on to the baby. I’m being a bit of a worrier and didn’t want to jinx it!

OP posts:

Kescilly · 23/10/2018 16:57

I have asthma and my husband and I always go to Boots and get our flu jabs. He has to pay for his but I don’t, and it’s usually faster than going to the GP.

I don’t blame you for being anxious. I tend to pick up things more easily because of my asthma as well and you don’t want him incapacitated when you have a newborn.

You could also show him this.

www.theguardian.com/society/2018/oct/17/asthmatics-must-get-flu-jab-before-winter-warn-doctors

Stephisaur · 23/10/2018 21:33

My husband has asthma and never gets his flu jab. He’s had it twice and been physically sick afterwards. He gets bad colds but hasn’t had the flu in the 10 years I’ve known him.

If he gets ill, he’ll have to look after himself once baby is here. It’s not standard practice for partners to get the flu jab, so I haven’t pushed him on it. It’s his choice at the end of the day.

Janus · 23/10/2018 21:46

I thought everyone who has asthma is entitled to it?? But even if he’s not you can walk into most Boots (no appt) and get it there and then for £12. So for peace of mind I’d just do that?

Patienceofatoddler · 24/10/2018 07:07

I was struggling to get it via GP (had to book a certain clinic at a certain time with no appointments for 5 weeks..) so went online booked it on the Boots website for a Boots pharmacy near work and went in my lunch hour two days later.

If your entitled to it on NHS they will still honour that and it won't cost.

welshweasel · 24/10/2018 07:11

I’m currently pregnant and yes, my partner has been to boots and had his flu vaccine, to help protect the baby. My 2 year old was eligible for the nasal spray and we are paying for my DSD to have the jab.

gruber · 24/10/2018 17:01

Slightly different situation in that we know baby is coming very early (planned C section for medical reasons) but our consultant was very firm that both my husband and our 5 year old had to have the flu jab. If he’s entitled to it I really would urge him to get it, via the pharmacy if need be, so he gets it ASAP and has a chance to work before baby comes.
Just had an awful time trying to get our son done at GP, they insisted he was having it at school as he is School age, I agreed but pointed out the date that is scheduled for him to have flu jab at school will be after baby arrives! And he needs it in next 6 days! They did manage to fit him in as a special case though, because baby will be so early.

Flip