Flu jabs

We're in a similar situation, Debsc. I’m not confident of the doc delivering the flu jab soon as they’re doing flu and covid booster together and the covid vax didn’t turn up so I’ve no idea if the program is on schedule. Also, I’m not over the moon at the idea of having the two jabs together.

I could get appointments at Boots in Nov but I rang a local independent pharmacy and we can have the over 65 flu jabs on Monday👍🏻. They’re only just across the road from Boots as well🤷🏻‍♂️.

We are fortunate that we have had our Flu jabs at our surgery. We only got that appointment because Margaret was dropping something off at the surgery and asked about the Flu jabs. We are yet to hear about our COVID boosters but they won't be done at the surgery but at a local vaccine centre. 

One thing I think that COVID has exposed is the abysmal level of communication direct to Patients from the NHS. It's almost as if they rely on the media to inform us rather than doing it personally. Most surgeries will have a mobile number and many might have our email addresses but they don't seem to use them as a means of general communication. OK they remind you when you have an appointment but they don't for general information which means people are not getting information direct, only secondhand!

David

Although we've had our flu jabs we had two letters explaining that the jabs would be delayed, when I phoned to re-book I was told the jabs could go ahead! Just don't understand what is going on. Such a waste of NHS resources sending out letters, we've never had letters, previously information was put out locally on line and in our parish newsletters etc.

We have had our flu jabs, all very efficiently organised, but the programme for Covid boosters has been what I believe is technically known as an utter cock-up! Texts were sent to everyone, regardless of age or eligibility, at the same time and consequently just about everyone I've spoken to has been unable to get a booking! 

We asked at the surgery on Tuesday because quite a few of our friends have made appointments by ringing/nagging. They said that although all available appointments are booked through to the end of the year, they've no idea if folk who have made bookings will be outside the 6 month deadline.

“One thing I think that COVID has exposed is the abysmal level of communication”

Tend to agree about comms. It’s inconsistent, my booster invitation came via text with link to make online booking - worked perfectly. Flu invite came via letter offering option to book online if I have a SystmOne online account (which I do). However, absolutely no option to make online appointment when I looked. The other option was one of 4 mobile numbers which I tried several times, sometimes no answer, sometimes answerphone, sometimes “sorry cannot connect”. Perseverance got me through eventually so all jabs booked.

We had been booked in for flu jabs that were later cancelled due to delay in deliveries. Lined up for Covid booster this Sunday. AS the year progresses, I'm beginning to resemble a dartboard.

they've no idea if folk who have made bookings will be outside the 6 month deadline.

I may have misunderstood the gist of this bit of your post M but having it bang on 6 months isn't a deadline just a minimum time lapse recommendation, i.e. no earlier than 6 months. Obviously talking about the Covid Booster jab.

They are concerned that some will have been given appointments earlier than the 6 month interval, W. They said that since everyone had been sent the same text at the same time there was no check on when folk had received their second main jab. Not clear if the booster will be given if folk turn up for their appointment before that 6 months has elapsed. It seems a real mess! 

Hopefully it will all improve.  We had our flu jabs 23rd September a couple of days after receiving a texted invitation to call and arrange an appointment at our local hub.  For us the system worked flawlessly.