Cancer Research UK main site

Flu Jab - am I eligible? I have stage 4 breast cancer and having treatment privately

Karen74
Offline

I wondering whether I’m eligible/should have the flu jab. I contact my GP surgery and was told I was not eligible. I have stage 4 breast cancer that has metastases to my bones.  I have 3 weekly trastuzumab & denosmab. I do have these privately and was wondering if this is why I have been  denied the flu vaccine. The guidelines as to eligibility see a bit vague. Thanks Karen 

  • Karen 

    Just go to Superdrug or similar it costs about £20 

    Ed

  • Hello,

    There is information about the NHS flu vaccine here Most people with long term health conditions, including cancer are covered. Anyone who has lowered immunity should have the flu vaccine.

    You can also get the flu vaccine free in Boots, as they take your GP surgery details to let them know you have had it. You can also pay for it privately at Boots too. Do update your GP surgery, as they may not have correct medical records for you. If you have issues with booking, then ask to speak with the GP Practice Manager. You may also be eligible to have the pneumonia vaccine, if you have not had this.

    I hope this helps,

    Best wishes,

    Vanda

  • Offline in reply to CRUK Nurse Vanda

    Hi I have spoken to the practice and they say they have spoken to the Doctor and I’m not eligible and also for  the autumn Covid vaccination.i have seen NHS Englands guidelines on the Covid vaccination and as I receive biological treatment it clear states I’m eligible. I have been to boots and had the flu jab. My concern is that they don’t seem to understand the treatment I’m having or the guidelines. I guess I should just make an appointment with the GP and try to understand their thought process. It’s just rather upsetting- I am not a burden to the NHS and feel, for some reason, they think I am being awkward . I just want to make sure I’m correctly on thier system as I had issues when covid broke out and I was on TDM1 then. 

    many thanks for you help

    Karen 

Speak to a nurse

Quick links

Follow us

Registered with Fundraising Regulator (logo)
Cancer Research UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1089464), Scotland (SC041666), the Isle of Man (1103) and Jersey (247). A company limited by guarantee. Registered company in England and Wales (4325234) and the Isle of Man (5713F). Registered address: 2 Redman Place, London, E20 1JQ.