Feedback from our members indicates that most pharmacies are, as in previous years, happy to provide a free NHS flu vaccine to people with ME/CFS who choose to have one.
However, this is not always the case and when one of our members was refused a free flu jab at a pharmacy, she contacted the superintendent pharmacist – who confirmed that a mistake had been made and that she can have a free flu jab.
We have been given permission to use part of the very comprehensive information and apology she received – as this may be helpful if anyone else is refused a flu jab from a pharmacy.
Letter Extracts
Dear….,
Thank you for writing and for setting out your experience so clearly. I’m sorry for the way you were treated. The interaction you describe fell short of the standard we expect—both factually and in tone. You should have been listened to, assessed, and supported.
Having reviewed your account and the current guidance, I agree that people living with ME/CFS can be considered eligible for an NHS flu vaccination based on clinical judgement where influenza could exacerbate the underlying condition. This position is reflected in the Green Book (Influenza, 2025 edition), which notes that the risk-group list is not exhaustive and clinicians should apply judgement where flu may worsen an existing disease.
NICE NG206 also recognises that infection can precipitate relapse in ME/CFS—one of the principal risks you highlighted. The ME Association’s 2025–26 statement, authored by Dr Charles Shepherd, further supports offering an NHS flu vaccine to people with ME/CFS on this basis.
What we’re doing now
- Immediate offer of vaccination. We can administer your NHS flu vaccination at your convenience. We’ll book you a priority slot with minimal waiting and a quiet space, should that help with symptom management.
- Private option clarity. While the NHS route should be available to you as above, if you ever prefer a private vaccination, we will clearly offer and price that option at the counter and on our website as stated.
- Staff refresher & SOP update. We are retraining our entire vaccination team this week on eligibility and escalation, with specific reference to:
- Green Book, Influenza (2025): clinical-judgement clause.
- NICE NG206: relapse risk with infection in ME/CFS.
- ME Association 2025–26 flu position.
We are adding a clear “If in doubt, assess and escalate” step to our flu SOP, including prompts to (a) consider exacerbation risk, (b) check recent guidance, and (c) offer alternatives (NHS via surgery or private) before ending any conversation.
- Website and in-store messaging. We will align our public messaging and counter scripts with the above guidance to avoid the inconsistency you encountered.
Once again, I’m sorry for the experience you had. Thank you for holding us to the standard we aim to meet every day.
Warm regards,
You may find these documents helpful in obtaining a flu vaccination:
- MEA information leaflet covering the pros and cons of flu vaccination
- MEA To whom It May Concern letter that sets out the reasons why people with ME/CFS should be able to have an NHS flu jab if they choose to do so:
Dr Charles Shepherd,
Trustee and Hon. Medical Adviser to the ME Association,
Member of the 2018-2021 NICE guideline on ME/CFS committee,
Member of the 2002 Chief Medical Officer's Working Group on ME/CFS
N.B. It is a personal choice whether to have the Flu vaccination. The above information may help you obtain a free NHS Flu vaccination if you have ME/CFS and decide to have one.