Get the flu jab – and claim the cost back
12 November 2018
Claim Up to £7 for your seasonal flu jab.
Flu season is October to April, so make sure you get covered.
Protect your own health and that of your family and colleagues.
Last year WMP lost almost 10,500 working days over the winter seasonal illness period, with illnesses including flu, chest infections and colds. This year, NICE is recommending the quadrivalent flu jab, effective against four strains of seasonal influenza.
As part of the force’s commitment to the wellbeing of officers and staff, this year we are redirecting savings from the force’s Salary Sacrifice schemes to fund a programme of vaccinations for anyone not eligible for a free NHS flu jab.
You may be eligible for a free vaccination if:
- You are aged over 65
- You are pregnant
- You have a long term or chronic (listed) condition
- Are a carer for someone with a health condition
Children aged between two and three, or children in reception class and school years 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 are also eligible for a vaccination. If you are not sure if you are eligible check with your GP surgery first.
Tina Cook, Head of Wellbeing – part of People and Organisation Development – said: “We are conscious that many of our officers and staff come into contact with frail, vulnerable and unwell members of society, who are themselves more likely to be at risk from infectious diseases due to poor nutrition, lifestyle or personal care.
“This means that the level of risk is increased. We also recognise that the more people we have in force who have protection through the vaccination, the more contained and less likely to spread any virus is likely to be. We encourage everyone who is eligible for a free jab to access it through their GP, where possible, but other options are available through chemists.
“We would also like to dispel some common myths about the flu vaccine – it does not give you flu! A few people have a slight adverse reaction to the vaccine which may result in a slight rise in temperature and a skin reaction at the site of the injection, but this is short lived and much less serious than having the flu itself.”
An egg-free vaccine is available for people who are allergic to egg protein (contained in the normal vaccine).
In order to get your vaccine, just visit your GP or nearest pharmacy, have your vaccine and then claim back the cost through submission of the receipt through the My Services Portal. Please note – the cash back amount available from WMP is £7. The vaccination is available from ASDA pharmacy for £7 and therefore there would be no cost to the individual.
You can use an alternative pharmacy provision if you wish but the refund is capped at £7.
Operating a cashback scheme means that you can get the vaccination at a location and time to suit you, and get the money back into your account within a few days of submitting your claim.
For those of you who have already paid for the vaccination you can still claim your cost back (£7) via the portal. The offer is available from October to December 31, to any officer of member of staff who would normally have to pay for their flu jab.
Information on how to reclaim the cost can be found here.
For more information about the vaccination, and the benefits, please take a look at the NHS seasonal flu vaccine website.
