To jab or not to jab

I received a letter last week from my GP inviting me for a flu jab due to my vulnerable (pregnant) status. Last pregnancy the flu jab had just been proven safe for pregnant women however, there was no formal advice from my GP surgery who told me it was 'up to me' if I took it but they would not give formal advice or recommend I take it.

Upon arrival for the jab three years ago I was asked by the nurse why I was having the injection and my slightly taken back response was that Dr Hilary Jones told me (via the medium of breakfast TV) that it was safe and all pregnant women should contact their GP to organise the jab. I was then subjected to a lecture about not believing everything I see on TV, after all a GP on TV started the MMR scare, and that I should have sourced and read the research myself to make an informed decision. Basically I hadn't done my homework and this was my reprimand from the Head Master. It was his turn to look flustered when I asked him if he had read the research. No, he hadn't. So I summarised, my healthcare provider wasn't up to date with the latest research despite GP's on TV and radio urging pregnant women to consult their GP surgery. He countered that I had a responsibility for my own health and the health of my baby. I then asked if he was telling me not to have this jab. He stated the surgery's policy not to advise either way on this matter. At which point I told him I'd stick with Dr Hilary';s advice then (seeing as he had actually read the research and had the balls to give pregnant women informed advice), rolled my sleeve up and stuck my arm out.

Needless to say I didn't catch flu and Eloise was perfectly healthy. I believe that is a win for Dr Hilary Jones.

This year was a different story. Firstly I was invited my my surgery, so they have got off the fence. The flu jab clinic at the surgery was run with military precision. Not one question was asked why I was having the jab (except the nod towards my mum being clearly the reason why I had been invited) but then things took an interesting twist when I asked about the nasal spray vaccination for two and three year olds which the NHS is currently spending thousands of pounds advertising on every radio station I listen to. My surgery is not offering the vaccination and if they do decide to I will receive a letter in the post.

So here we go again! I am clearly going to have to battle for it if I want Little E to be vaccinated and what a waste of money by the NHS advertising a service the surgery is not even offering it! I'd be interested to know how many surgeries are not offering the service.