Flu.

I had mine weeks ago.

We had ours weeks ago too, but maybe some of those in hospital weren't eligible for the vaccine. I know they seem to have changed the eligibility guidelines this year, because I know some who got it last year but were told they weren't eligible this time. And of course, not everyone can afford to pay to get it done if they're not eligible for the free vaccine.

So, are all the people in hospital with flu the ones who didn't or couldn't have the flu vaccine?

People have also let their guard down re washing hands, using alcohol gel, etc. My friend sat on a plane recently next to someone who was coughing and spluttering all over her - and did not bother wearing a mask. People with coughs and colds should try and respect others and do as much as possible to avoid transmission, especially on public transport of any kind. Our GP insists on masks being worn if any cold/flu symptoms at the surgery.

I've had the flu vaccine but I also wear a mask on the bus.. it is rare nowadays to see anyone else wearing one even when the buses are packed full..

Also there has been reports that unfortunately the vaccine hasn’t been as effective this year. It does happen some years. My DSiL has been really ill all over Christmas and New Year. He commented that he realises that he had never had “proper “ flu before!
He wasn’t in the age group or doesn’t have any other long term illness. But says he will pay for it next year!

Also, many shops have now done away with their protective screens which were put up for covid.

Our local health food shop has removed his. He said it was because so many of his customers grumbled about them!

These screens must prevent so many germs reaching both staff and customers though.

I'm sure there are many people who missed out on the flu vaccine due to ineligibility and many of them would have benefitted from it. Getting it privately is an option if you are vulnerable (teachers? carers? etc) and if you can afford it (less than £20). Being vaccinated also helps to protect those who can't be.

As for the screens in supermarkets etc, I find it quite odd now that they've gone. I somehow feel exposed.

I have two friends over 65 that haven’t had either the covid or flu vacs. Think they’re playing with fire to be honest especially as one of them has asthma.

Katyj

I have two friends over 65 that haven’t had either the covid or flu vacs. Think they’re playing with fire to be honest especially as one of them has asthma.

Hope they are not the ones in hospital before long then.

More people have had the Flu vaccine this year than last but also more (twice as many? - certainly a lot more) have been hospitalised.

Meant to say that my pharmacist says he thinks people are coughing and sneezing over people a lot more this year. Only anecdotal but he says it's very noticeable in the pharmacy. He says people were generally more cautious and mindful of others last autumn/winter.

The several people I know with it, most are far too young/healthy to qualify for a flu jab.

My DH asked for a flu jab last week[dont think he qualifies under NHS]. Chemist had run out and were not necesarily expecting any more stock.
Ditto the NHS, even if he does qualify.

Eligible groups this year
The NHS recommends flu vaccination for several groups:

Everyone aged 65 years and over
Individuals under 65 with certain medical conditions, including children and babies over 6 months of age
All pregnant women
All children aged 2 and 3 years (provided they were aged 2 or 3 on 31 August 2024)
All primary school children
Some secondary school children (Years 7 to 11)
Care home residents
Carers
Those living with people who are immunocompromised
Frontline health and social care workers

This list is from here:
ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2024/09/23/your-guide-to-whos-eligible-for-the-2024-flu-vaccine/

It's the UK HSA.

fancythat

My DH asked for a flu jab last week[dont think he qualifies under NHS]. Chemist had run out and were not necesarily expecting any more stock.
Ditto the NHS, even if he does qualify.

I believe the vaccine is always used up deliberately before Christmas, as it has a finite shelf life.

Fancythat. My pharmacy got a new batch last week. I know because my husband was vaccinated then and they told him.

www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/pharmacies/find-a-pharmacy-that-offers-free-flu-vaccination/

If your husband is keen to do it it only takes 2 weeks to create antibodies so might be worth a look.
You can apparently have one from the NHS until the end of March. 111 can direct you to where (I read this on the NHS website).

Good luck.

NotSpaghetti

Fancythat. My pharmacy got a new batch last week. I know because my husband was vaccinated then and they told him.

www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/pharmacies/find-a-pharmacy-that-offers-free-flu-vaccination/

If your husband is keen to do it it only takes 2 weeks to create antibodies so might be worth a look.
You can apparently have one from the NHS until the end of March. 111 can direct you to where (I read this on the NHS website).

Good luck.

Thanks, I’ll ask again! I was told in Boots locally there would be no more available when I tried to get a vaccine appointment for my son.

Thanks from me too NS.
I think DH will follow that up.

Fingers crossed.
My husband booked online btw

My husband booked online over the Christmas break.
Fingers crossed.

I had Flu, Covid and RV this time. I was surprised by how many of my friends around my age (76) thought I was wasting my time. These vaccines are offered for a reason. Having had Flu I have no wish to repeat it so I try to protect myself.

Some NHS trusts give staff a days annual leave if 5hey have the flu jab.
I am surprised they need such an incentive!

There's just been a piece on the Scottish news saying how pharmacies are struggling to get stocks of the flu virus, even if you want to pay for it.