Have you booked in for the Flu Jab yet?
By Jeannette | October 8, 2013
It’s the time of year when thoughts turn to Christmas and winter evenings, even though the sun is shining outside. It’s also time to consider booking in for the flu jab.
Last year, I booked in time and both D and I received the immunisation. The year before, supplies ran out at the surgery and subsequently D caught flu. She was ill for over three weeks and I had never seen her so listless, so lacking in energy in appetite and so pale. It made me feel incredibly guilty to see her like that, It also made me realise what the potential impact could be if I caught flu to that extent, I’m T and D’s primary carer and Hubbie is self-employed, there would be a considerable financial impact if he couldn’t work for three weeks if I was taken ill.
Here’s the official information as to criteria:
People who should have a flu jab
The injected flu vaccine is offered free of charge on the NHS to people who are at risk to ensure that they are protected against catching flu and developing serious complications.
You are eligible to receive a free flu jab if you:
are 65 years of age or over
are pregnant
have certain medical conditions (see below)
are living in a long-stay residential care home or other long-stay care facility
receive a carer’s allowance, or you are the main carer for an elderly or disabled person whose welfare may be at risk if you fall ill
are a healthcare worker with direct patient contact or a social care worker (see below)
Pregnant women and the flu jab
And here’s the link to the official guidance:
Last year, we attended the walk-in service but this year I’ve booked a specific appointment with a practice nurse for D and I. D isn’t very good at the concept of queuing and was already over-anxious by the time it was our turn, she had a meltdown at the front of the queue just as we were about to go in, plenty of stares and tuts from those waiting behind.
I’ve also received some EMLA cream (numbing cream) on prescription, this will numb the injection area (normally upper non-writing arm) for D and, as long as she can’t see the needle, it should go ok (fingers crossed).
Having seen first-hand the effects of flu on an autistic child, I’d definitely recommend that bookings are made.
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