Bust up at Boots !

Sorry I used the wrong quote in my last post, I should have used vampirequeen’s.

Sorry I used the wrong quote in the above post, I should have used VampireQueen’s.

suziewoozie

I used Boots online system this morning and it was quick and straightforward. I’ve also used their online ordering system during lockdown and found it easy and efficient. I usually go to the GP but this year didn’t want to risk it for a variety of reasons. Boots are allowing 15 mins between appointments which is reassuring

Not just Boots, other pharmacies such as SuperDrug or Lloyds Pharmacies do it.

September!

After reading this thread, I have just booked at our Boots pharmacy which is next door to GP surgery.

I looked on the GP website first, no mention at all of their plans for the flu vaccinations this autumn, so I thought blow it, we’ll go where I can book in for Seotember.

I used Boots online system this morning and it was quick and straightforward. I’ve also used their online ordering system during lockdown and found it easy and efficient. I usually go to the GP but this year didn’t want to risk it for a variety of reasons. Boots are allowing 15 mins between appointments which is reassuring

I didn't know we could have our flu jabs for free at Boots. DH missed his last year because the GP could only do it on a Saturday and DH collects his son that day so couldn't fit in an appointment.

We always used Boots for our flu jabs until last year because our surgery have mass sessions on Saturdays when I used to look after our grandchildren. We made the appointment and turned up at the appointed time only to be told that the member of staff who did them was off sick. The girl said she was just about to phone us which was a bit late so we went away in disgust. We walked over to Sainsbury's where there is a small Lloyds pharmacy with the intention of making an appointment with them. A delightful young man said he would do them there and then. When I mentioned what had happened I remarked that I was surprised a company as big as Boots wouldn’t have Relief staff to cope with such a situation. He was very diplomatic and said that only staff with a certain qualification can carry out the procedure but I wasn’t convinced. The next day we had an email from Boots saying that we hadn’t attended our appointment and to contact them to make another one. We won’t be using Boots again.

I think we did at one time kate.

Thanks Kitty we should have a thread for good and bad companies but no doubt HQ wouldn’t like that.

I got so frustrated BlueBelle just like you. If a company such as Boots can’t sort it’s software what hope is there. Hope you can sort it by going to the pharmacy but that was just as bad for me.

I have found Boots on line hopeless since lockdown.

nankate I ve just tried to book a jab at Boots online and it won’t accept my email address which I ve tried about ten times now

I normally pop into my local pharmacy and it is done there and then. I could walk there but I normally drive because it is en route to Waitrose.

I must find out if I have to make an appointment this year but I doubt it. As soon as they have the vaccine it is all systems go.

Never a problem in my small town. GP/nurses already have appointment sessions set up. Over 65s first - Ours is 12th Sept at 9.40am. They run very smoothly. In one door out the side door. Be interesting with social distancing this year as normally it is a bit of a get together with lots of chatting and hugging going on.

I see fat fingers were at work on the first line of my post!

Ouqur local practice has details on its website of the arrangements to be made for the flu immunisations this autumn. Instead of the massive queue we usually have each year, they will allocate times to each of us, a smaller group at a time, and will not be using their consulting rooms but are hiring bigger spaces - I expect community centres will be used. A lot of careful planning is going into trying to avoid crowds,

I always think that timing can be a problem. No point in waiting until flu cases are recorded everywhere, but you have to allow 2 to 3 weeks after the flu shot to get immunity and then you’re covered for at least 3+ months. We try to aim for early October in the hope that we’ll then get through to end January-ish with real cover. Wonder if masks will make a difference this year......bet we’ll still be wearing them in the winter

Wonder if there will actually be more of an uptake this year? We have medics in the family who confirm that not enough people have the flu shot in the UK., even if they’re at high risk. Same here in France, so our Doctor says. Pensionable age we’re sent an invitation for a free shot each autumn. You take the form to the pharmacy and are given the vaccine to put in the fridge. Then you can go see a Nurse or, if you prefer, phone and ask her or him to come to your home for that. The reason that nurses will call at your home if asked is to encourage everyone to take up the Government drive to inoculate! If you don’t qualify for a free shot, the pharmacy will charge anyone about £3 and the Nurse will charge about £6. Your form is signed when you are given the inoculation and sent to your Doctor so that it’s recorded on your notes.

Navigated the Boots system Nankate, it wouldn’t work for a few minutes and then suddenly it did. Busy I guess. I used the option to also book for another family member for Mr C, all confirmed. Pleased you finally got there. We also prefer the convenience of a timed appointment so have used Boots for a few years.

I booked with our pharmacy (Lloyds) for both DH and I. Our surgery was very late offering last year and I am not prepared to wait though I do know the reasoning behind using the gp.

Anyway, the extremely lovely and perceptive pharmacist told me that if it was decided to only offer it free to over 65s then I would need to pay! I love him!!

On the back of this thread, I called my surgery to ask about arrangements. I was told that the local Health Board had informed surgeries that they would be taking over the flu programme but that as far as the surgery knows, nothing has been done.

If the surgery is allowed to run a programme, it won’t be until late autumn/early winter. Madness!

I’ve just booked my jab at our local Boots online with no problems at all.

I’ve had mine done at our small local Boots for the last few years. They ask if we want one then do it straight away. Usually had to wait around at the surgery, sometimes for an hour despite having an appointment.

Do you have to make an appointment this year at a pharmacy as I normally just walk in off the street

I use Boots or Superdrug too I normally just walk in while I’m out shopping.... to go to the GP takes me two bus rides and have to go on a certain day and join a queue so very much easier for me to goon town centre while out and about