2021 Flu Jab

[ANTONISH]

I've been trying to book the flu jab.
My surgery seems to have nothing to say on the matter - that's online - phoning involves a long queue with "your call is important to us" repeatedly.

I've looked at a pharmacy appointment but earliest available is around 20th November.

Is this the general experience? - I don't mind waiting but November seems a bit late.

I've not had this problem before but I usually have to phone the surgery to get on the list.

Booked covid booster jab today - online -no problem.

[Jdsk]

Is that in England?

And you're registered with that general practice?

And how old are you?

Thanks

Jonathan

[ANTONISH]

Yes in England- I'm 80 and registered with a practice. I know gp's are hard pressed in these times - I just need to be informed.
As it happens today they sent me a message to my phone asking me to make an appointment for a covid booster jab.
I tried to do so but message was "no appointments available" - hence I've booked it via the NHS system (29th October).

[colin54]

I had mine yesterday, got a text from my local GP surgery about 10 days ago to ring them to make the appointment.
I felt a bit shivery afterwards, and didn't sleep very well last night and didn't feel too grand when I got up. I had some breakfast and then kipped on the couch for about 3 hours this morning, feeling OK now. Fourth year of having them.

[rjb]

No problems with booking my flu jab at our GP surgery. We had a letter inviting us to book. Went like clockwork. No after effects. My experience trying to get a covid booster mirrors your problems with a flu vaccine. Read about it here. viewtopic.php?t=147964&start=90
My post is almost bottom of the page.

[Psamathe]

I though flu & covid 3rd/booster vaccinations were going to be done at the same time. I'd have thought far more efficient on NHS resources and far easier of patients.

Ian

[Jdsk]

I though flu & covid 3rd/booster vaccinations were going to be done at the same time. I'd have thought far more efficient on NHS resources and far easier of patients.

They can be safely given at the same visit.

Current practice varies, and AFAICT that's only due to organisational issues rather than any policies.

Jonathan

[rjb]

Flu jabs in our rural area were carried out by a dedicated vaccination team who arrived at our gp surgery on a couple of Saturday's. Customers had a 2 minute slot to get in , jabbed and out through a one way system. No hanging around for 15 mins after a covid type setting. It was quick and efficient. Covid jabs are generally being given at large hubs set up for that sole delivery. That's in Somerset. May be different elsewhere.

[ANTONISH]

Flu jabs in our rural area were carried out by a dedicated vaccination team who arrived at our gp surgery on a couple of Saturday's. Customers had a 2 minute slot to get in , jabbed and out through a one way system. No hanging around for 15 mins after a covid type setting. It was quick and efficient. Covid jabs are generally being given at large hubs set up for that sole delivery. That's in Somerset. May be different elsewhere.

It has been very much like that in our area in the past.
I don't know what's happening.
I've just had a second reminder to book my covid booster jab - I've had to explain that when they asked me to book this morning I attempted to do so and the message was "no appointments available" hence I've booked elsewhere with the NHS appointment system.
They've installed a new phone system and that doesn't seem too good either.
How the hell people with no internet manage I don't know.
I'll have to try again for the flu jab - don't know how other than phone - the practice website doesn't mention it.

I've just phoned the practice - they are having a practice meeting on Monday to decide what to do about the flu vaccine - the intention was to give it with the booster - I've got to phone back on Wednesday - I'm still bemused - the system has worked well for me in previous years..

[Jdsk]

Yes in England- I'm 80 and registered with a practice. I know gp's are hard pressed in these times - I just need to be informed.
As it happens today they sent me a message to my phone asking me to make an appointment for a covid booster jab.
I tried to do so but message was "no appointments available" - hence I've booked it via the NHS system (29th October).

I've just had a second reminder to book my covid booster jab - I've had to explain that when they asked me to book this morning I attempted to do so and the message was "no appointments available" hence I've booked elsewhere with the NHS appointment system.
They've installed a new phone system and that doesn't seem too good either.
How the hell people with no internet manage I don't know.
I'll have to try again for the flu jab - don't know how other than phone - the practice website doesn't mention it.

My enquiries didn't reveal any systematic problems with appointments for flu vaccination.

I recommend email for communicating with practices about this sort of thing.

I hope it's sorted soon.

Jonathan

[Paulatic]

[
I recommend email for communicating with practices about this sort of thing.

Jonathan

I’ve seen you offer this advice before Johnathon in fact I followed it. I sent an email to my practice last year and still await any type of reply.
I don’t think email is universally used.

[[XAP]Bob]

Local pharmacy had a cancellation and so gave us a ring (nice being on first name terms with half of the staff there).

[Jdsk]

I recommend email for communicating with practices about this sort of thing.

I’ve seen you offer this advice before Johnathon in fact I followed it. I sent an email to my practice last year and still await any type of reply.
I don’t think email is universally used.

I think that you're probably right. But it is widespread, and if it is there it's very efficient.

Jonathan

[Psamathe]

[
I recommend email for communicating with practices about this sort of thing.

Jonathan

I’ve seen you offer this advice before Johnathon in fact I followed it. I sent an email to my practice last year and still await any type of reply.
I don’t think email is universally used.

My own GP practice is happy to receive and act on e-mails but will never reply to e-mails by e-mail, not even if you say in your e-mail that you are happy to receive an e-mail reply. They either phone back, Royal Mail post a reply or just do it and say nothing.

I often feel that if you explicitly say an e-mail reply is acceptable it would save time nd money, but I appreciate that one instance of somebody taking exception (e.g. "I didn't realise you'd reply with my test results and <x> say the e-mail ...") and all the gains are more than lost.

Ian

[axel_knutt]

November seems a bit late.

I didn't get my letter until January.

I recommend email for communicating with practices about this sort of thing.

My practice doesn't publish an email address. I have the practice manager's, but I think she'd tell me to phone if I were to use it for that sort of thing.