Just had my flu shot in the nurses office in Lautrec this morning.
Here in France those of us of a certain age (over 60) or in high risk groups–like diabetics–get the shot free.
The paperwork comes in the post. I take it to the pharmacist, who supplies the vaccine and then drop by the nurse’s office and she gives me the dreaded jab.
Good system for me.
Our French neighbour, Robert (fellow type-twoer and the same age) was in the pharmacy too today. He told me he never takes up the offer. He’s an independent spirit and looks hail and hearty, so “chacun a son choix” [to each his own]!
My wife, Meredith, chooses to go down a homeopathic route–which has worked for her these past few years.
Madame l’Infirmiere (the nurse) told me that flu was already on the prowl in the district.”Without the jab there’d be an epidemic,” she claimed, as she stuck the needle in my upper arm–doubly demonstrating how good she is at her job–first by distracting me from the shot then by reassuring me I was doing the right thing!
Diabetes Health is giving out this advice to pharmacists:
How Pharmacists Can Help Diabetes Patients During Cold and Flu Season
Patients with diabetes are six times more likely to be hospitalized and three times more likely to die from flu-related complications. With cold and flu season upon us, be sure to spend extra time advising your patients with diabetes on the importance of keeping up-to-date on their vaccinations, what to do if they do become sick, and how to self-treat with over-the-counter (OTC) medications when needed.
Robin Ellis 
In the Netherlands it’s the same, people over 60 and in a high risk group get the flu shot for free.
I get mine next monday, together with all the other “lucky” people who get that shot. The doctor has one hour to give everyone their shots, so when you get there, you take off your coat, roll up your sleeve and stand in line. As the line progresses you start to think that everybody in this village is either ill or over 60, so many people are there. And as the doctor or his assistant use my arm for dartpractice, I realise that I’m not the only one with health issues.
We are protected for another year. I roll down my sleeve, take my coat, and tell the people who come in after me that the doctor is having a good day, I hardly felt the needle. ” See you next year….”
Dieneke
I think it is a very good idea to have this injection,flu is horrible I had it last year.
Here in England as I am sure you are aware you have to be over 65 before you can have the jab free, unless of course you are a high risk case like,Jimmy ( he had his last week) who is diabetic 1 or our son who had a collaspsed lung at 20,he gets one free too.
I the young health one at 61 will have to pay, which I am willing to do, as I do not want it again and I do not want to infect the others in the family.
Regards to you both Elaine
Thanks for your message. My pre-diabetic husband has been resisting getting his flu shot, but this information has changed his mine.