This Year's Seasonal Flu Jab

[boxtops]

I've just booked mine for next week. My GP practice started offering them this week (although they're not sending out letters, you have to ring in if you want one). Is it me, or does it seem an early start this year?

[Uriah Heep]

It's you. It is September.

[Daffy6543]

Ours are usually offered from the first of October.

[Sqad]

No, seems about right.......as long as you have it before October as it takes about 2 weeks for the antibodies to be established.

I think that the vaccine will contain the top 4 commonest viruses, BUT onset of epidemic and virus antigen is unpredictable.

[boxtops]

Cheers all - autumn comes early to me!

Hope so, sqad - as I understand it, they usually try to anticipate which strain migh be about this winter. Having had flu twice in my life, I don't want to get it again!

[marje]

I think I'll probably have to get jab this year, never bothered before, but doctor seems to think I've got mild asthma so it may be wise. I'll get my pneumonia jab whilst I'm at it. OH has already had the pneumonia jab, which lasts your lifetime.

[Tilly2]

Do you have to pay for them? I've never had one.

[Daffy6543]

If you are over a certain age or have one or more of certain health problems they are free Tilly. If not then you can pay privately to have one.

[ummmm]

I've never had flu.

[sandyRoe]

Boots charge about £14. If you're over a certain age you'll get it free at your doctor's surgery.

[Tilly2]

What's the certain age? 60,65,70?

[Tilly2]

Just googled it. It's 65.

[sandyRoe]

65

[boxtops]

Tesco was charging £10 last year for anyone who didn't qualify for the free one.

Ummm - you don't want it - it was quite the most debilitating experience. I was ill for a good two weeks each time. That's why it makes me cross when people say they've got flu when they've got a bad cold - or "a touch of flu" - if you've got it, you know all about it.