Currently, influenza vaccination is offered for free to all patients over the age of 65 and for those in at-risk groups like diabetics and those with chronic respiratory diseases.
But a number of GPs have raised concerns about having to deal with an increased workload caused by patients who have had an adverse reaction to a flu jab that was not administrated on the NHS.
Wiltshire GP Dr Nick Brown, said: ‘One of my patients recently bought his influenza vaccine in a local supermarket as he did not fit the criteria for NHS provision.
‘He was left with no choice but to pay for an off the shelf service.’
Unfortunately, three days later he had an adverse reaction from the flu jab and had to visit me again, said Dr Brown.
But GPC deputy chairman Dr Richard Vautrey, said: ‘There are wider issues and ramifications attached to charging for vaccinations that complicate the issue.’
Comment below and tell us what you think
