Couldn't find another thread on this so I'll start one....

Has anyone else been affected by this? Back in August I was told to call in October to make an appointment for a flu jab (I'm in a high risk group). I left Sheffield at the end of August and went to see my new GP in September who said they were running one 'drop-in' clinic in mid-October and to go back then. Due to teaching commitments I couldn't go that day, but apparently many people who went were turned away because they ran out of vaccine. They still have none and I've been told to wait until I get a letter, and they have no idea when this will be (i.e. a long time). According to news reports (much as I don't like the scaremongering) more supplies won't reach GPs until January which is obviously a bit late.

Any fit and healthy people on here want to own up to nicking flu jabs from those who need them?

What about that c*nt of an employer ordering them in bulk to dose up the employees and try to keep them from having a few days off sick?

If an employer offered me a jab on those terms I'd refuse on principle!

I reckon it's all due to loads of people panicking about bird flu. The idiots probably don't even realise that the normal flu-jab only protects you from the small range of existing viruses that the health services think might be doing the rounds that winter.

I was offered a flu jab a few years ago when I worked for a certain high street bank. I accepted it, but only because I normally have one anyway and this just meant I didn't have to trail all the way to my doctors in doncaster from sheffield during work time!
I went and requested one this year and was told that they had problems getting hold of the vaccine in september, I managed to get an appointment for last friday and did in fact get my jab.... my parents are still waiting... (different docs)

I feel for all of you who should be eligable to have one and can't get hold of one!!

Was it too hard for GP's to count up how many over 70's (or whatever) they had on their books, keep that number of doses to one side and then use the rest on their "drop-in" sessions.

:confused:

my local surgery were almost trying to force people to take it a month or so ago - even if you weren't high risk - and now they're short :)

I've just seen another report about this on the news.

All they're talking about is who's fault it is and the government blaming the doctors, and the doctors blaming the government.

I don't really care whose fault it is I just want them to give advice on what people who need a vaccination shoud do as no-one will give us any information.

if you knew you needed it, then why didn't you go and get it?

I've been trying to go and get it for about a month and a half now and my doctors haven't had any in that timeframe (or at least haven't notified me that they have, or when I've popped in they've got rid of it all!) and I'm in a high risk group too because I've got pretty bad asthma :(

I have a flu jab every year, I used to pay for it but then my doctor sade I could have it free.
I am not in a high risk group, I am self employed which means if I go down with flu I have no money coming in. I dont get sick pay.
I used to get flu nearly every year, and its not just a few days off work, that is a cold. Flu would floor me for up to 2 weeks. Any one who has had proper flu will no this.

To get back to the story, I went on the 17th for my flu jab but was told I couldnt have one as I wasnt in a high risk group. With what has come out in the news over the last couple of days, I fully accept this and applaude the nurse for refusing to give it me, even though I offered to pay for it.

The reason I was given was that the Avian flu stories in the news have spooked the over 65's who normaly don't go for the jab, so stocks are running out.

But, you have to ask yourselves who is responsible for the spreading around of the flu bug, the over 65's who stay at home all day watching daytime TV :heyhey: or the school Kids, Office and factory workers who interact closely with others allday!

Originally posted by Internetowl
if you knew you needed it, then why didn't you go and get it?

Like I said, all my surgery offered was a one day drop in session which I couldn't attend in the morning due to teaching commitments. When I went in the afternoon they had run out, and haven't had any since.

i am in the high risk group.i went to make an appointment for my flu jab and was told i no longer fit the needs to have it:confused: ,i havent got any better since last year,so i cant understand it ,i had flu 3 years ago and was in hospital for 3 weeks,the mind boggles:)

How much does the flu shot cost , without insurance that is ?

Originally posted by poppins
How much does the flu shot cost , without insurance that is ?

Poppins, over here anyone in high risk groups (Over 65s, those with Asthma, Diabetes or other specific conditions) are given 'flu vaccinations free by their GP.

Anyone else who wishes to have a 'flu jab can go to specific private clinics and pay up to £35. However these come from the same pool of vaccine so they are taking vaccine away from those who truly need it. This is potentially one reason we have a national shortage this year, as some misguided people thought getting a private 'flu jab will help protect them from bird flu.

P.S. Thought I'd add a bit more about our healthcare system, not sure how much you're aware of!

It is not the 'norm' over here for people to have insurance, as most treatment is free. The only thing someone would need to pay for at their normal GP would be vaccinations for travel, or for a medical required for a job etc. Many people are offered insurance schemes through their place of work. However this tends to pay for private consultations and treatment in hospitals etc., basically allowing people to avoid being on waiting lists for long periods of time

It does not pay for optional treatment and would not provide a free 'flu vaccination for someone who was not entitled to it under the normal rules.

I had no bother getting my jab.

Neither did I- both flu and pneumonia jabs. I called up to order a repeat prescription and I'm obviously flagged up on the system as a high risk patient so they asked me.

I didn't have the pneumonia one, they never mentioned it. I'm sure I'l live without it though :)

Originally posted by medusa666
Neither did I- both flu and pneumonia jabs. I called up to order a repeat prescription and I'm obviously flagged up on the system as a high risk patient so they asked me.

If you have had a pneumonia jab, you wont need another, they last all your life apparently.

Wouldn't have one for a gold pig.

Genetic timebombs they are, not vaccines.

A gov't way of clinically disposing of all the klingons
(sorry - high risk *read ''expensive to keep'') that cost the taxpayer to keep.
The elderly nearly allways pop off within days or weeks of having one.

Ask any nursing home staff :suspect:

No problems at all,rang my GPs on fridayand both my young sons are booked in for Tuesday evening.Have to say they both suffer from asthma,and my 11 year old was in hospital last year for a week with pneumonia,so obviously at high risk

I had flu in October & was off work and in bed for a week.
Had my first flu jab about a month ago and have been ill ever since, it started off as just a temperature, now it is a bad cold, I thought it was supposed to prevent illness not cause it???

Also I can't understand why people would think that the normal flu jab would prevent them from getting bird flu? I think this is why we are short though and people who are entitled to them and normally have them are not getting them.

Wait till the Bird Flu does come here (if it does) and everyone will be fighting to try and get a vaccine. Which I should add -hasn't even been made yet????