Can I get the flu jab iam not a resident

Hi Tracy,

As you're not resident, you'll need to pay to have a 'flu jab privately.  (I'm guessing your registration with the local Health Centre was with your EHIC, but that's for urgent treatment, rather than routine.)

Kind regards,

Kim

It maybe worth a try because I had blood tests last year just to check my cholesterol level on my ehic card.

Hi Kim, do you know about those of us with private health cover?

I have read that the vaccine will only be available through the public health system this year.

Thanks

Hi ldp,

My husband and I have PHI, but we've never had the 'flu vaccine - although 62 and 59 years old, we have no underlying health conditions, so have always felt it wasn't necessary.  However, because of Covid-19 this year, we're thinking that we should get the 'flu jab, if only to ensure that, should we become sick this winter, we will at least be able to rule out the 'flu.  Our PHI is with ASSSA and although it covers things such as routine blood tests, it doesn't cover specific vaccines.

Are you able to post a link to what you've read about the vaccine only being available through the public health system?  This seems to be to be discriminatory.  It would be interesting to contact some private facilities locally, such as Quiron, the private hospital in Torrevieja, and one of the IMED clinics, to see what they say.

Kind regards

Kim

Hi Kim, we are in same situation as yourselves and like you haven't had flu vaccine since living here.....although I did in UK as I was a teacher and we were asked to.

I have emails from Medcare saying vaccine will not be available in pharmacies or private hospitals/clinics.

Not sure if I can copy and paste on here?

I will ask at Quiron Torrevieja where we go when doctor needed.

Lynne

Hi Kimmy, noted your remarks about ‘ruling out’ ‘flu assuming that you have the injection. I would not necessarily rely on this as completely accurate, as the overall efficacy of the annual vaccination is , I understand,  thought to be less than 75% - the figures vary. And the only two times which I have had it myself, once to avoid spoiling a long arranged trip to New Zealand,  I have been extremely ill about a week later on both occasions. The other occasion was here last year and I thought I was dying.

This may of course have simply been a reaction to the vaccination itself and I am , admittedly, extremely susceptible to any kind of chest infection, but whilst I wouldn’t discourage anyone from having it, from my wn experience it’s not a panacea.

Hi Stephanie,

I had an interesting conversation with my Spanish (Spanish) teacher today.  She said that, because of Covid-19, the Ministry of Health has brought forward the usual programme for the 'flu vaccine by 3 weeks this year - they are hoping to offset the potential impact on hospitals of having to cope with seasonal 'flu admissions coinciding with a spike in Covid-19 admissions.  She told me that the Spanish government is encouraging everyone to get a 'flu jab, other than children under 6 months' old.  

Two people in my class had the 'flu vaccine this week and felt no ill effects, so I'm hoping that it will be OK for me too.  Now I just need to persuade my husband, who doesn't like needles.... 😬

Kind regards,

Kim

Hi Kim

Have you worked out how to get the vaccine yet, having private health cover?

Thanks

Lynne

Hi Lynne, 

Not yet.  My private insurer confirmed that vaccinations are not included in our policy.  I tried to call the private hospital we use, Quiron in Torrevieja, but couldn't get through.  Your question, however, is timely, as we're going down that way today, so I will call into Quiron (assuming I can get in without an appointment) and see whether the information desk can advise on availability and cost.

Kind regards, 

Kim