Cannot believe I have been refused a flu jab at my Gp as'I do not meet the criteria'. Theyve been banging on for last five years to me about the importance of it and now when Im being proactive Im refused. Anyone else had this problem? Surely this cant be right. I take methotrexate.

Hi Maud,

Your GP practice should not be doing this. It should be "flagged up" on your notes that you are taking MTX, and are immuno-suppressed, therefore entitled to a flu-jab. Like Suzanne, I was given the pneumonia vaccination too, and am due to have the latter repeated next week, due to being on anti-TNF therapy. My consultant insists on the flu jab every year, and the pneumo-vax every seven years.

You could get in touch with your rheumy team, and they could then advise your GP re you getting the jab. Failing this, I would speak to the Practice Manager.

Kathleen x

Maud

I went for a blood test last week and the nurse told me I must have my flu jab when they come out at the end of September. I am on Methotrexate.

I would contact your doctor again and tell them you are immune suppressed. You must have one as having flu is awful.

Jackie
x

Hi Maud
I went to book mine yesterday and the receptionist queried why I has it. (I have been having them for years) She said she would have to check if it was OK with my GP. I am going to be very unimpressed if they get difficult as not only an I on mtx but I am a teacher and exposed to snuffly children at close quarters all winter.
Make a fuss!
Sue

so puzzled when i read this,

it was one of the first things i was told to have by both Rheumy Consultant and my GP. it is flagged up on the computer at my GP's,

i would definately ask the Practice Manager, or make an appointment with your GP. if not if all else fails as Paul says go to Tesco's or Boot's .. but i really don't think that's right to have to do that with a chronic condition.

Suzanne

I've never had a problem getting a flu jab, we are suppose to have one. Also got one for pneumonia the first time I had the flu one. Had mine done last Saturday, I rang up a few days before and was given an appointment. Very organised again, in and out in a few minutes.

Interesting what you said Kathleen about your husband being able to get one being your *carer*, ( hate that title as well). Beings I am now on anti tnf's I did wonder if he could get one just as a precaution to give me more protection.

Paula x

My GP actually gave me a (polite) telling off on Monday because I haven't had mine yet!!

Hi Paula and Suzanne,

My GP has always said Nick could have one too, as he takes the view that if I`m ill, or in a flare, Nick would need to look after me. He also reckons I`d struggle to help Nick if he did get flu. I think it would be worth you both asking, though I have to say my GP is one in a million!

Love, Kathleen x

Hi Candy,

I`m pleased you got your jab,but as you say, there will be many who go without, or pay for one at the supermarket because they take the receptionist`s word for it and don`t feel up to challenging them.

Kathleen x

I asked at my GP this morning, and they are going to ask the practice manager as apparently it isn't standard to be eligible for a flu jab as a result of RA or MTX. So we shall see.