Flu jabs for children?

[Saffron]

I was at Waterloo Station the other day and got my jab at the MediCentre. When I asked about a flu jab for my daughter, they said they've run out! They were caught short in the national shortage of children's influenza immunisations.

Does anyone know somewhere in London that still has flu jabs for children?

[EDmummy]

As far as I am aware, independent providers of the flu jab are not licenced to give the jab to children. This can only be done by the NHS and they are only giving it, at the moment, to children who are identified as high risk.

[Smiler]

That's not quite right: independent providers can provide the jab to kids, but many (e.g. Boots, supermarkets) have decided not to. Saffron, a couple of weeks ago places like BMI and the other private chains were providing it to children in central London, also some private travel vaccination places run by GP surgeries.

[tina]

Victoria station medicentre.My children are having it done there tomorrow. While I'm here, does anyone know about having the flu jab 2 weeks after MMR and MMR booster? I've been told is okay but have heard else where should wait a month.Has anyone any knowledge/advice?

Thanks

[Saffron]

Tina, I hope they have your immunisations reserved... when I call Victoria MediCentre earlier today, I was told they are out of flu jabs for children! :-0

[tina]

We have an appointment but only made it yesterday.What time time did you phone? I guess with an appointment, we should be okay?! (I hope)

[Saffron]

I phoned the MediCentre today (Friday) around 1pm. I'm sure they must put immunisations aside if you have a reserved app...? Maybe phone and check tomorrow just in case.

After more research online tonight, I found this website http://www.flujabs.org/faq .

Their website says they vaccinate children and they have jabs in stock... fingers crossed.

[sophiechristophy]

saffron - also thinking about vaccine for my baby, i was wondering if you had looked into any risks involved?

[Saffron]

Yes. Did look into risks. Decided on balance that immunisation would be worthwhile. The worrying thing about the current strain of H1N1 is that some healthy individuals are being profoundly affected. I didn't have Little Saff vaccinated for flu (seasonal or swine) last year b/c she was only born in Jan. But now that she's over a year old we're going out a lot more and her risk of exposure is much greater.

[sophiechristophy]

thanks S x

[Saffron]

The CDC webpages have some good general information and are very clear to read (disregarding the info on nasal-spray flu vacc as I think it's not being offered here... wouldn't chose it for Little Saff anyway). The CDC pages have more info on flu/children compared to NHS pages.

[Humdrum]

I've spoken with Medicentre and they've confirmed that if your child has had the first vaccination they are holding stock aside to guarantee they can have the second. They also confirmed further stock is going into the clinics, and that was last week when I called, so should still be there to book.