Do I Need a Flu Jab this year?

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1

Hi

Just wondered if I, or anyone who has undergone cancer treatment, should have the flu jab this year? I am 63 so am not entitled to a free one (65 I think), and I never had chemotherapy, just an operation and then radiotherapy for 3 weeks. Just wondered, as I think if we are recovering from ops and radiotherapy maybe our immune system may be compromised? I know that women who have had chemo can have the jab, and I think it may be free. Can anyone help? thanks in advance, x

2

Hi Chrissy

I think it’s only if you’ve had chemo (unless you have another qualifying condition) that you can get the flu jab.

Here’s a link to the NHS Choices page about it.

nhs.uk/Conditions/Flu-jab/Pages/Whyitshouldbedone.aspx

Dx

3

I didnt know this. I had chemo this year and nobody has told me I can get the flu jab or should!

4

Do it Angie - my onc says yes! Rang my GP and had the jab the same day.
Dx

5

I’ve just had my flu jab done at the supermarket - Sainsburys, Asda, Lloyds etc are all doing them (at their pharmacys), cost around £8-10. Just need to phone and book an appt. Painless jab over and done with within 5 minutes - then do the shopping!

Just a precaution as I don’t want to get really ill this winter ontop of BC etc. Just remember to offer your ‘other’ arm (avoiding lymphoedema)

6

If you’ve had chemo it’s free.

7

I am 70. My surgery offered me a flu jab from age 60 (free of charge)

8

That’s good Poodlepatch - normally it’s from 65.

9

Hi, having had chemo I’ve been offered this as well as my husband and 2 children.

10

I had the flu jab offered from GP the year that I had radiotherapy in(no chemo) but since then was just on arimidex and didn’t have one either offered (or voluntarily).

11

I’m in the middle of chemo and was told I must have a flu jab. It was free at a walk-in clinic at my GPs in Yorkshire. I had it very soon after the beginning of a cycle. I felt dreadful the day after, but suspect I would have done anyway.

12

I’ve had my flu jab last week at my GP’s i’m 52 no chemo but awaiting radiotherapy after surgery i just asked if i could have it as normally i have it at work ( i work for NHS)and the receptionist rang and said no problem. Contact your GP surgery i’m sure they will do it for you.

All the best
Heather

13

That’s quite helpful, but I still do not know if I NEED it? Should I have one just in case as had radiotherapy 3 months ago, but NO chemo. I know I can get it if I pay for it as Tesco is offering one for £10 in store. I really dont know what to do. I am seeing my doc this week so may ask her if I need one. Thanks anyway for all the answers to my query. x

14

Angie,

If you have had chemo, then you are entitled to a FREE flu jab. Have it, as your immune system is down and you dont want to get the flu do you? x

15

Chrissy - here’s some info from Macmillan which might be helpful:

macmillan.org.uk/Cancerinformation/Livingwithandaftercancer/Symptomssideeffects/Othersymptomssideeffects/AvoidingInfection.aspx

I suppose the question is that after going through all the treatment and finishing only 3 months ago do you want to risk being hit by a hefty dose of flu? If I were you I’d certainly consider having the jab this year at least.

I got invited to have the flu jab during my treatment and now I’m offered it every year. The other thing to have is the pneumonia vaccination which usually gives protection for life so well worth having.
nhs.uk/Conditions/Pneumococcal-immunisation/Pages/Introduction.aspx

My husband is paying privately to have a flu jab this year. He has an amazing immune system and never catches a single cough or cold but has got flu over christmas twice in the past few years.

Elinda x

16

Hi Chrissy

In October 2008 I had a mx. I did not need chemotherapy or radiotherapy. I got a letter from my gp’s surgery with an appointment for the 'flu vaccination. I was 51 at the time. I went along and the nurse told me I got offered it because my immune system was compromised. I have got a letter to go every year since then and I have gone along and had the injection. I don’t feel like I am cheating because I am a carer so I could have the injection free anyway for that reason.

My husband, like Elinda’s, has just paid for the injection privately because he isn’t entitled to a free one but he has had the 'flu over the last few Christmasses and he was really poorly with it.

Love
Maude xx

17

Hi
I have just got in from work, seen this thread (I Had wondered about this anyway)., & have phoned surgery. Receptionist said yes i can have one, I am eligible. I had rads, no chemo. I will have it.
Alis

18

Hi

I am definitely going to have it one way or another, just in case. x

19

Hi

I had chemo 3 years ago, do I still qualify?

20

Hi Chrissy,

I read a thread on here the other day and the age was lowered to 60 for free flu jab. Its always worth getting in anycase as i’d rather have a jab and have a sore arm for a day or to then be in bed with the flu for 3 weeks.

I have also been told by my doctors today that they do the flu jabs at asda for around £8 and its a walk in service.

hope this helps

take care

xxxxxxxx