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Vaccinations before chemo. Struggling to get the flu vaccine at my GP surgery before October, when my chemo is due to start. It's really stressing me out

Helenliz
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I am due my first chemotherapy 23rd Sept (informed last Friday),I have been advised to ensure vaccinations are up to date, the consultant has said it’s ok to have the Shingles and Flu vaccine.

My Gp surgery are saying I do not qualify for the flu vaccine before October even though I cannot have it then as I will be having Chemotherapy, I am booked in to have the shingles vaccine this Thursday but feel reluctant to have it if there is any chance I can have the flu vaccine, this is really stressing me out because obviously I want to take as many precautions as possible, any advice would be much appreciated, thanks in advance.

Parents

  • Hi there and thanks for posting

    I am sorry to hear you are about to start chemo and appreciate you wishing to take all precautions to minimise your infection risk.

    Unfortunately this years flu vaccine within the NHS won't be rolled out until the 1st October, which is why your surgery have told you this. There is more information about the NHS flu and covid vaccination programme for autumn 2025/26 on the NHS website.

    As the flu vaccine isn't a live vaccine it should still be possible to find a suitable window to have the flu vaccine once you are on chemo. Do ask the chemo nurses when this might be so you can arrange an appointment.

    I hope this is helpful and wish you all the best with your treatment.

    Do get back in touch if you have further questions.

    Take care

    Naomi

Reply

  • Hi there and thanks for posting

    I am sorry to hear you are about to start chemo and appreciate you wishing to take all precautions to minimise your infection risk.

    Unfortunately this years flu vaccine within the NHS won't be rolled out until the 1st October, which is why your surgery have told you this. There is more information about the NHS flu and covid vaccination programme for autumn 2025/26 on the NHS website.

    As the flu vaccine isn't a live vaccine it should still be possible to find a suitable window to have the flu vaccine once you are on chemo. Do ask the chemo nurses when this might be so you can arrange an appointment.

    I hope this is helpful and wish you all the best with your treatment.

    Do get back in touch if you have further questions.

    Take care

    Naomi

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