Not In Priority Group For Swine Flu Vaccine? - Advice

dj7402 · 30-10-2009, 06:43

I am one of the first my doctor tortures for the normal flu vaccine due to Asthma, I phoned up regarding the swine flu vaccine and was told I am not in a high risk group and I will be able to get it when they role it out for everyone in December, yet my brother who also has asthma but is at a different surgery got called and has his.

paddysu · 30-10-2009, 07:00

They say asthma is a priority group on the tv, i know cos i was listening as a friend of mine has it and doesn't want it and knows she's going to get bugged by the GP about it.

Seems to me they're having one set of rules for one practice and another for another. Cos surely if they consider you at risk of domestic flu then swine flu is even more of a risk.

dj7402 · 30-10-2009, 07:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by paddysu

They say asthma is a priority group on the tv, i know cos i was listening as a friend of mine has it and doesn't want it and knows she's going to get bugged by the GP about it.

Seems to me they're having one set of rules for one practice and another for another. Cos surely if they consider you at risk of domestic flu then swine flu is even more of a risk.

Thats what I though which is why I am asking, My doctor says you have to have bad enough asthma that you are on steroid tablets for it

What ever these are I do not know, but regular inhailer does not qualify.

mrhairycub · 30-10-2009, 08:38

I'm HIV positive and rang the doctors and got through to the snotty receptionist who said I wasn't in the priority group

I explained that my immune system is compromised and at the moment is about a tenth of what a healthy persons is

She said I wouldn't be getting it next week, I asked to go above her head as she isn't qualified to make decisions like that

My doctor is lovely and he's said I will be getting it and she's going to get a "talking to"

What is it with receptionists when they tink they're qualified and ask whats wrong with you

I feel like Nan off Catherine tate

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ZEb4a2AW88

Somner · 30-10-2009, 08:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrhairycub

What is it with receptionists when they tink they're qualified and ask whats wrong with you

I feel like Nan off Catherine tate

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ZEb4a2AW88

She was wrong in your case, but some are trained in triage and qualified to make certain decisions on behalf of the Doctor. I'm glad that you got it sorted.

fredster · 30-10-2009, 09:39

My GP said I don't need it because I was around in the fifties when there was a serious epidemic of flue and should have immunity. Had the normal flue jab.

LnMidna · 30-10-2009, 11:56

I enquired about the regular flu vaccine and was told that although I have asthma, it's not chronic so am no longer in the risk group. Maybe that's why you're not being offered it, because you're asthma's not bad enough.

euphie · 30-10-2009, 12:06

I have asthma too, and had to take steroids in the past, but haven't heard anything about the swine flu vaccine. I wouldn't take it anyway even if I was offered it admittedly.

Natgar · 07-11-2009, 14:02

Had my swine flu jab today (and another for seasonal flu) the DR looked at my medical record after giving me the seasonal jab to check if I qualified for the swine one (even though I am a type 1 Diabetic). I was told they need to ensure the jab is given to those in real need first - the others will get it later - because of possible shortages. Most of the elderly were not given one as they had an immunity already. There were a lot of pregnant people at the clinic.

DaisyBumbleroot · 07-11-2009, 14:05

is it possible to go private if you are worried?

loppytart · 07-11-2009, 14:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaisyBumbleroot

is it possible to go private if you are worried?

http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Pandemi...ivatepractices

About half way down the page it says that no private practices will receive the vaccine.

ladydragon · 07-11-2009, 14:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by dj7402

Thats what I though which is why I am asking, My doctor says you have to have bad enough asthma that you are on steroid tablets for it

What ever these are I do not know, but regular inhailer does not qualify.

If you're taking steroids and catch an infection there's an increased risk of the infection getting a more aggressive hold more quickly as the steroids can depress the immune system... So asthmatics with steroid treatment will be more prioritous than asthmatics without...

Hope that makes sense?

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrhairycub

I'm HIV positive and rang the doctors and got through to the snotty receptionist who said I wasn't in the priority group

I explained that my immune system is compromised and at the moment is about a tenth of what a healthy persons is

She said I wouldn't be getting it next week, I asked to go above her head as she isn't qualified to make decisions like that

My doctor is lovely and he's said I will be getting it and she's going to get a "talking to"

What is it with receptionists when they tink they're qualified and ask whats wrong with you

I feel like Nan off Catherine tate

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ZEb4a2AW88

She's having a flaming laugh...

Immune compromised patients, be it disease or drug induced are considered prioritous across all health boards to my knowledge...

My husband will have his with his regular flu jab... He's immunosuppressed as a transplant recipient... In Wales at least they are also suggesting that any person living with, or caring for, an immune compromised patient should also be vaccinated... So if you don't live alone MrHC, check with your doc on that aspect too...

I'm still dithering on it myself as I don't know if I'd bother with the vaccine for myself or the children in 'normal' circumstances...

DaisyBumbleroot · 07-11-2009, 14:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by loppytart

http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Pandemi...ivatepractices

About half way down the page it says that no private practices will receive the vaccine.

arr thanks, i just wondered. i suppose that is to make sure that those who really need it get it first.

r_mitchell85 · 07-11-2009, 17:47

GOOD

I don't want the bloody thing anyway

d0lphin · 07-11-2009, 17:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by fredster

My GP said I don't need it because I was around in the fifties when there was a serious epidemic of flue and should have immunity. Had the normal flue jab.

aaah I wonder if that's why my OH has been told he doesn't qualify for it then despite the fact he's had 3 heart attacks and is diabetic.

ledders · 07-11-2009, 18:46

Well, I had a letter from my GP this week inviting me to book an appointment for a swine flu jab.

Somehow, I don't think I will be bothering!!

DaisyBumbleroot · 07-11-2009, 19:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by ledders

Well, I had a letter from my GP this week inviting me to book an appointment for a swine flu jab.

Somehow, I don't think I will be bothering!!

why not? if you can prevent yourself from getting sick why wouldnt you?

fair enough a lot of people dont get very ill but a lot do, what if you wern't very sick, carried about your normal business yet spread it to friends or family who ended up in intensive care, or even worse, they die?

lubby forever · 07-11-2009, 19:24

For asthmatics you need to have had a prescription within the last 6 months and be under 65 to be in the first priority group.

Mrhairycub, I would guess what happened is the receptionist has been told to say anyone who didn't get the letter wasn't in the priority group (that's what we told ours to say) and you presumably were somehow missed. You and anyone living with you are in one of the top priority groups.

What groups of people get invited in this first batch will vary from practice to practice. Each practice has been given 500 vaccines irrespective of their list size. The larger the practice the more selective they have to be. Some practices haven't even received their 500 yet.

lubby forever · 07-11-2009, 19:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by Natgar

Had my swine flu jab today (and another for seasonal flu) the DR looked at my medical record after giving me the seasonal jab to check if I qualified for the swine one (even though I am a type 1 Diabetic). I was told they need to ensure the jab is given to those in real need first - the others will get it later - because of possible shortages. Most of the elderly were not given one as they had an immunity already. There were a lot of pregnant people at the clinic.

Old people aren't as high up the priority list as with seasonal flu because so far swine flu has been much more prevelant in younger people. There has been comparitively high rates of swine flu amongst pregnant women.

3PS · 07-11-2009, 20:41

i got a call that i can have my jab on monday, wasn't going to have it but yesterday i started to get a cold, today my chest has been tight and non stop coughing due to atshma, so if this is what a normal cold does im not risking swine flu.

ledders · 07-11-2009, 21:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaisyBumbleroot

why not? if you can prevent yourself from getting sick why wouldnt you?

fair enough a lot of people dont get very ill but a lot do, what if you wern't very sick, carried about your normal business yet spread it to friends or family who ended up in intensive care, or even worse, they die?

I personally don't want to have the jab because, in my opinion, it has been rushed out.

I am not sure what the possible side effects are of having the jab, and therefore, have taken the view that I don't want to have it.

The majority of cases of swine flu have been extremely mild.

DaisyBumbleroot · 07-11-2009, 21:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by ledders

I personally don't want to have the jab because, in my opinion, it has been rushed out.

I am not sure what the possible side effects are of having the jab, and therefore, have taken the view that I don't want to have it.

i suppose thts fair enough

Nik01 · 07-11-2009, 21:52

im asthmatic on three different inhalers, i have behcet's disease and im on Azathioprine and my doc's have said not yet, so i dont know, but im not sure if i want it anyway with some of the stories you read in the papers

ChristmasCake · 07-11-2009, 23:06

The known side effects with the swine flu vaccine at the moment are diarrhoea and a rash, I think..

Once they come in at our surgery, the doctors and nurses will get them, then we will. The asthma nurse says I am having it when it comes in.

lubby forever · 08-11-2009, 09:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChristmasCake

The known side effects with the swine flu vaccine at the moment are diarrhoea and a rash, I think..
Once they come in at our surgery, the doctors and nurses will get them, then we will. The asthma nurse says I am having it when it comes in.

Also a bloody painful arm!!! That's all I've had following mine but i've seen other people who looked dreadful following theirs.

I only had mine because I'm asthmatic and the main complication of swine flu has been pneumonia.

30-10-2009, 06:43	#1
dj7402 Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 92	Not In Priority Group For Swine Flu Vaccine? I am one of the first my doctor tortures for the normal flu vaccine due to Asthma, I phoned up regarding the swine flu vaccine and was told I am not in a high risk group and I will be able to get it when they role it out for everyone in December, yet my brother who also has asthma but is at a different surgery got called and has his.

30-10-2009, 07:00	#2
paddysu Forum Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Brighton Services: Freeview Posts: 4,789 Blog Entries: 57	They say asthma is a priority group on the tv, i know cos i was listening as a friend of mine has it and doesn't want it and knows she's going to get bugged by the GP about it. Seems to me they're having one set of rules for one practice and another for another. Cos surely if they consider you at risk of domestic flu then swine flu is even more of a risk.

30-10-2009, 08:38	#4
mrhairycub Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Manchster Services: Nokia 5800 Voda Sim Only, Freeview, BT Broadband 8mb, PS3, Wii Posts: 38	I'm HIV positive and rang the doctors and got through to the snotty receptionist who said I wasn't in the priority group I explained that my immune system is compromised and at the moment is about a tenth of what a healthy persons is She said I wouldn't be getting it next week, I asked to go above her head as she isn't qualified to make decisions like that My doctor is lovely and he's said I will be getting it and she's going to get a "talking to" What is it with receptionists when they tink they're qualified and ask whats wrong with you I feel like Nan off Catherine tate http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ZEb4a2AW88

30-10-2009, 09:39	#6
fredster Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 8,953	My GP said I don't need it because I was around in the fifties when there was a serious epidemic of flue and should have immunity. Had the normal flue jab.

30-10-2009, 11:56	#7
LnMidna Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: The south. Services: fit police offers please. Posts: 2,189	I enquired about the regular flu vaccine and was told that although I have asthma, it's not chronic so am no longer in the risk group. Maybe that's why you're not being offered it, because you're asthma's not bad enough.

30-10-2009, 12:06	#8
euphie Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Gender: Female Posts: 517	I have asthma too, and had to take steroids in the past, but haven't heard anything about the swine flu vaccine. I wouldn't take it anyway even if I was offered it admittedly.

07-11-2009, 14:02	#9
Natgar Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 363	Had my swine flu jab today (and another for seasonal flu) the DR looked at my medical record after giving me the seasonal jab to check if I qualified for the swine one (even though I am a type 1 Diabetic). I was told they need to ensure the jab is given to those in real need first - the others will get it later - because of possible shortages. Most of the elderly were not given one as they had an immunity already. There were a lot of pregnant people at the clinic.

07-11-2009, 14:05	#10
DaisyBumbleroot Forum Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: Derby, UK Services: sky for tv, 02 for phone, virgin for internet Posts: 13,804	is it possible to go private if you are worried?

07-11-2009, 17:47	#14
r_mitchell85 Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 2,791	GOOD I don't want the bloody thing anyway

07-11-2009, 18:46	#16
ledders Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 111	Well, I had a letter from my GP this week inviting me to book an appointment for a swine flu jab. Somehow, I don't think I will be bothering!!

07-11-2009, 19:24	#18
lubby forever Forum Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: planning to kill the enemy Posts: 820 Blog Entries: 2	For asthmatics you need to have had a prescription within the last 6 months and be under 65 to be in the first priority group. Mrhairycub, I would guess what happened is the receptionist has been told to say anyone who didn't get the letter wasn't in the priority group (that's what we told ours to say) and you presumably were somehow missed. You and anyone living with you are in one of the top priority groups. What groups of people get invited in this first batch will vary from practice to practice. Each practice has been given 500 vaccines irrespective of their list size. The larger the practice the more selective they have to be. Some practices haven't even received their 500 yet.

07-11-2009, 20:41	#20
3PS Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 175	i got a call that i can have my jab on monday, wasn't going to have it but yesterday i started to get a cold, today my chest has been tight and non stop coughing due to atshma, so if this is what a normal cold does im not risking swine flu.

07-11-2009, 21:52	#23
Nik01 Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Cena fan and proud Services: The voice of reason ++ Co-manager of Team Drool ++ living dead girl Posts: 5,797	im asthmatic on three different inhalers, i have behcet's disease and im on Azathioprine and my doc's have said not yet, so i dont know, but im not sure if i want it anyway with some of the stories you read in the papers

07-11-2009, 23:06	#24
ChristmasCake Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Hertfordshire Services: Virgin VIP & o2 Unlimited. Posts: 4,702 Blog Entries: 6	The known side effects with the swine flu vaccine at the moment are diarrhoea and a rash, I think.. Once they come in at our surgery, the doctors and nurses will get them, then we will. The asthma nurse says I am having it when it comes in.