Thomas had his flu jab today I had to put up a little bit of a fight to get it for him as he doesnt automatically fall into the at risk category. Although with his previous history of severe Bronchitus just last year as well as Thomas seems to catch every cold and flu going which goes on his chest giving him a cough, I thought enough is enough Ive got to get my boy the flu vaccine for this winter! I rang the doctors and explained my concerns, they said that they feel he does not fall in the at risk category but I can pay for Thomas to have the vaccine at the chemist. I thought great thats good I will simply take him to the chemist and pay for the vaccine no problem, I rang the chemist first only to be told they do not vaccinate under 18′s I was so frustraited. It was this point I thought no I am going to get back on to the doctors again and see what they have to say. Thankfully my doctors are quite good, they offered to write Thomas a prescription for the flu vaccine, I have to order the vaccine from the chemist once they have it in book an appointment at the doctors for the vaccine to be given making sure I collect the vaccine just before the appointment so its not out of the fridge for too long.

It has been a bit of a long way to go about it, but the main thing is Thomas had the flu jab today, he didn’t like it! But it Puts my mind at rest for the harsh winter months. I have read a lot of stories online about worried parents who can’t get the flu jab for their children, all I can say is just persist with it ring your doctors, ask about the prescription method that I did. The main issue with the flu vaccine is that the doctors are issued a set amount for their at risk patients and the chemists are equally given a certain amount for their over 18′s customers who wish to pay for the vaccine. Therefore if your doctors give you a prescription for the vaccine then the prescription has to be ordered therefore it doesnt actually come out of anyones budget so in essence everyone is happy.

I hope that Thomas doesnt have another winter like last year where he had illness after illness, we spent most of the winter indoors! I like to think that I am a responsible mum in my persistence to ensure Thomas has the flu vaccine, it wont do him any harm but could do him a lot of good.

Thomas has been driving me crazy this weekend, we’ve had the heating installers at our home fitting us a brand new top of the range free heating system inclucing a new Worcester Bosch high efficiency boiler and 5 radiators! I couldnt believe it when my close friend suggested I look into the Warm Front Grant Scheme The Warm Front grant is a UK Government incentive to bring UK households to a certain level by providing free home improvement grants. The governments main aim is to reduce our carbon emmisions by ensuring we have high efficient boilers in our home, we have adequate loft insulation and cavity wall insulation as well as draught proofing.

The Warm Front grant scheme is a brilliant incentive to help those who would otherwise struggle to pay for a new heating system to replace your tempermental boiler which may be 10 years old or more! By installing a grade A efficient boiler you will automatically reduce your heating bills as it is much more efficient in the way it uses energy. The Warm Front grant entitles you to £3,500 to spend on home improvements improving the efficiency and value of your home.  I can’t wait for the insulation team to do our loft insulation next week, it can get so cold upstairs in our home we have to have the heating on full, which is just throwing money out the roof really as all the heat we do generate just goes up and out of the loft.

I wanted to bring the Warm Front grant scheme to your attention, it has been a life saver for us I don’t know how we would have managed this winter it is really starting to get cold now. Since our new boiler has been in our home has been lovely and warm, we can really tell the difference it is brilliant! If you would like more details about the UK Government grant scheme Warm Front, to see if you qualify for the grant, and read up on what home improvements you could be eligible for simply click here to find out more.