MegaSack DRAW - This year's winner is user - rgwb
We will be in touch
It's not something I've had before nor even really thought much about.
However, work have offered a free jab voucher as part of their benefits package.
Now, I like to think I'm a fairly fit mid-thirty year old that is not in a vulnerable group. Hence why I've never given it a second thought.
I do like free things, even if that might be a poke in the arm. However, am I potentially taking a jab from someone else that could of needed it more than me if there is a shortage...
But if I do have a jab, does that help flu not get passed around to others... kids have already given me a snotty nose 4 days after going back to school. (Perhaps not that healthy then)
WWSTWD?
Take the free jab or not?
Is there a shortage?
Ordinarily I wouldn't bother. But given the current climate I don't think I'd want to risk Covid and the flu.
Worth considering though there's no such thing as 'the' flu jab. Rather it's educated guesswork as to what particular strain of flu is likely to come around next year.
Yes you having the jab helps others too, the more who have one better for all.
Yes. If they offer you on, take it. Hell, it's probably the best way to spend 10 quid before winter that I can think of.
in pretty much the same situation as you. Work offer it via our private healthcare. The way i see it my health care provider have likely brought X jabs for Y people and if less people take the jab i can't see them giving it back to the nhs unless its mandated by the gov. Basically you taking the jab wont be taking it from anyone that really needs it... i think.
Had it for what must be last 10 years since one of our consultants, I work in public health, dragged me along with some others to get it. Work pays/ provides vouchers, so to me it's a no brainer. Especially if it helps others and keeps me at work rather than ill.
Work for the NHS so although it's not compulsory for us to have the jab it'd be pretty selfish not too given the risks of transmitting that virus on to others if you get it.
See it as wearing a mask but benefits you too.
drew - I'm in a similar boat to you. I WILL be getting it because:
- I'm expecting covid/queues will make some who really do need it less likely to get it so the more of the herd who have it the better for all.
- I'm not aware of any likely shortage. I assume that if there is a risk of shortage that the NHS buying power will usually trump the private chains.
- Proper Flu is horrible anyway
- If I get flu, i'd need to get covid tested (due to temp etc).
- Whilst waiting for that covid test the whole family would have to proper self isolate - and thats no fun.
In a normal year I wouldn't spend £30 or whatever it costs, but this year I'd consider that - and employer concerned about risk to business continuity enough to offer for free.
Absolutely yes, I spent 6 weeks over xmas waiting to see if my sister was going to get off ventilator and survive the flu!
Its only about £13 at Boots IIRC, had it every year for the last 5 or 6.
My wife has asthma so is eligible for the jab. I will get one this year to minimise her risk but I haven't done so previously.
I vaguely remember Tesco doing it for a tenner last year.
Well, it sounds like a no-brainer. I've signed up to get one. Thanks all!
As I'm 51 apparently I'll be eligible this year. MrsMC usually gets it through work as it's offered.
Not so much that it might protect me from flu as an individual, but it adds to the community wide protection for more vulnerable people or those who can't have the vaccine for some reason.
And God help the NHS if we have a bad flu season alongside Covid. Pretty blinkered to not have it this year if the chance is there.
In Shropshire they're doing a controlled roll out. Oldies 1st, then risk categories, despite being an at risk person (and had them for years) she's been told she'll have to wait. So if you're fit and well I'd not hold your breath.
So if you’re fit and well I’d not hold your breath.
just booked one at Boots for next week.
Never had it and don't intend to this year.
Least likely year to get it i'd say. face masks, mass hand sanitisation, working from home, not kids....
Probably get it now
I wonder about availability and take-up. Specifically as we are told it will be available later in the year free of charge (I'm over 50) that makes me think I should wait and let the higher priority cases get it first.
I have paid for it in recent years, due to (a) having flu a few years ago and it was miserable and (b) having vulnerable relatives.
Oldies 1st, then risk categories,
Other way around here. Have you asked at your local pharmacy, they may do it on a first come first served basis - and you won't be charged if you don't normally pay for one.
I've booked in for mine at a Lloyds pharmacy later this month. I started getting them about 6 years ago when it was free with work and I've happily paid £12 or £13 the last 3 years since I've changed jobs.
I'm over 50 so could get a free one through my doctors surgery but I wouldn't get it until December. I figure it's best to pay for it and have it early.
I was going to get it after last autumn as fell ill with flu in October and 'something similar' in December - I work at a Uni. Not so sure now as I'm WFH and not required to be in the office - if I was going back, then yes I'd get it. I'm apparently eligible but might pop down boots for one rather than wait.
Daft question but I had it at start of March. How long does it last, do I need another before the winter flu season kicks off?
Can anyone come up with a decent reason not to have one?
Having the flu jab doesn't make you immune to the common cold. (nor does it necessarily make you immune to this years flu strain)
2 different viruses, so expect to keep getting snotty noses.
Can anyone come up with a decent reason not to have one?
Bill Gates is an actual Nazi and is going to harvest your DNA under cover of vaccines.
Oh wait, you said decent, not batshit insane.
I've never had one, but will do this year.
I'm eligible for a freebie but probably at the back of the queue, so I'll pay for one from Boots.
Is there an optimum time to get it done? Or just any time from now on?
I’m eligible for a freebie but probably at the back of the queue, so I’ll pay for one from Boots.
If you're eligible for a freebie, you won't have to pay at the pharmacy either. Or shouldn't, anyway. You just have to tell them.
You just have to tell them.
Their online booking form asks you if you're in a 'free' category....
Daft question but I had it at start of March. How long does it last, do I need another before the winter flu season kicks off?
Its seasonal as it covers 3 to 4 of the most likely strains per year they start issuing them from September to about March.
I was 65 this year and got a text from NHS asking me to contact GP to arrange one; did so, they asked if I wanted to book one for my wife too, we're going tomorrow.
I've had one for years due to asthma and getting mine at the start of October. My work has offered to pay for anyone who wants it though I've offered it to my team none has taken it up yet.
56 and never had it before. Though my wife has for years as she has no spleen which affects her immune response. Because of this she was in the shielding group and got a doctor's letter suggesting that anyone in the same household gets it too, so I will.
Should I get the flu jab this year?
work have offered a free jab
Yes. Why wouldn't you?
Having had real flu three years on the trot I now pay for a jab each year.
My work is giving it us free. I'll be taking it this year. No brainer.
Yes but our surgery still does not know when it will be doing flu jabs and cant give a date.
Even with the flu jab last year I ended up with a bad viral infection just before Christmas. Ended up having a chest x-ray after coughing up blood due to coughing so hard.
My work will contribute up to £10 and this year will donate £10 to charity (can't remember which one) as well.
My old employer used to offer free flu jabs, always find I felt a little rough afterwards.
Just had my jab about 15 minutes ago at the surgery. Straight in & out no waiting. Seems they have a team in today just to cover flu jabs. Booking slots are for 3 minutes!
Had them for 8 years and the only side effect has been a slightly sore arm for a couple of days
Just had my jab about 15 minutes ago at the surgery. Straight in & out no waiting. Seems they have a team in today just to cover flu jabs.
Me too. Offered and took the pneumococcal one as well.
Dunno, my thinking at the minute is that attending a surgery, a place with a high throughput of unwell people (and/or CV19 spreaders?), when I'm not already unwell myself (but could be an unwitting CV19 spreader myself?), to be shot up with a mild dose of flu, isn't actually great idea. At least not this year...
MIL (70s) seems to believe flu jabs are a panacea of some sort and swears by them. But then she is in the group that would most benefit from a jab, someone like me, half her age and fitter probably is taking up a limited resource, intended for more vulnerable people if I get a flu jab...
But am I being a bit obtuse? Is there a wider benefit for others if I get shot up for the flu?
I think I qualify for a free flu jab as the boy is under 3. I've only ever had one before and that's when the Mrs was pregnant as per Dr's suggestion.
Nothing wrong with a bit of heard immunity 🤔
I think I qualify for a free flu jab as the boy is under 3.
Eh? Just because you have a kid under 3?
Where does it say those with kids under 3 get a free jab?
attending a surgery, a place with a high throughput of unwell people
They appear to be doing flu jabs on Saturday, with no unwell people attending for ordinary appointments, just a very quick turnround of jabs and you only contact masked health professionals.