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

Offline Helenliz 2 days ago

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.

Offline Farmer_Ed 2 days ago

Hi helen

GPs surgeries have strict inflexible guidlines to follow.

Many Pharmacies are currently giving flu vaccines. For example Superdrug do a walk-in service for £19.95. This might resolve you problem. Im considering doing so myself rather than wait until October.

Wishing you the best for your upcoming treatment.

Ed
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CRUK Nurse Naomi 2 days ago

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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Offline Helenliz 2 days ago in reply to CRUK Nurse Naomi

Hi Naomi, just wanted to thank you for your prompt reply, you have put my mind at rest
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Offline Helenliz 2 days ago in reply to Farmer_Ed

Thanks for this info, much appreciated
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Number	Subject	Description	Edited User Id
Current	Vaccinations before chemo…	I am due my first chemotherapy 23rd Sept (informed…	Moderator Steph
1	Vaccinations	I am due my first chemotherapy 23rd Sept (informed…	Helenliz	revert

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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

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