Why I get my flu jab every year
Lucy, 64, lives in Orkney and has bronchiectasis. She tells us why she has her flu jab every year and what she would say to those who are unsure about getting theirs.
I’ve been getting my flu vaccine for more than 20 years now. I used to work in adult social care before I retired, so I used to get it every year, to help protect me and those I was working with, during the winter months.
As well as bronchiectasis, I have autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). I take immunosuppressants and oral steroids for this, which means I am much more likely to develop infections. I have regularly suffered from chest infections since I was a child and most years have at least 2 periods of treatment.
I take as many precautions as I can in relation to my health
I always get my flu jab at my local GP surgery and this year was no different. This year, I went in for a routine appointment for my lung condition and was offered my flu jab at the same time, so took my doctor up on the offer. I think this is a great idea, as being offered your flu vaccine when you’re in for a regular appointment can be the difference between getting it that year and not getting it.
I live 150 miles away from my specialist in Aberdeen, so anything that stops me needing a hospital admission is very useful! Where I live is fairly isolated and seeing my consultant requires me getting up at 5:30am and getting home late, so I take as many precautions as I can in relation to my health. I know the flu vaccine isn’t 100% effective, but it’s certainly a lot better than not getting it.
My husband also gets his flu jab every year, as do some other family members and most of my friends. All 3 of my children have asthma, so I get my flu vaccine to protect them, as well as myself.
I’m very grateful to be offered my flu jab every year
For anyone with a lung condition who's worried about getting a flu jab, I say speak to your GP or pharmacist.
Getting the flu can be a lot worse for some people than others, especially those with long-term health conditions like me. I’m immunosuppressed, so don’t have as much of an immune system to fight viruses and infections as a lot of other people – I’m very grateful to be offered my flu jab every year.
If you want more information and advice, you can call the BLF helpline. I’ve called them a few times myself and they’re always a fantastic help – it felt very reassuring to be talking to someone who knew all about lung conditions and could answer my questions!
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