FLU VACCINATION
Your questions answered
Who is offered flu vaccination?
Everyone aged 65 years and older. Also people are considered to be in an at risk group if their age or medical condition means that contracting flu might lead to serious complications, or have a long term impact on their health. You are in an at risk group if you have:
√ a chronic heart or chest complaint, including asthma treated by an inhailed steroid;
√ chronic kidney disease;
√ diabetes;
√ lowered immunity due to disease or treatment such as steroid medication or cancer treatment;
√ any other serious medical condition;
√ or if you are living in an older people’s home or nursing home;
Why do I need the flu vaccine?
Because flu is more than just a heavy cold. Though not usually serious in younger people, as you get older it can really knock you out.
When should I have the vaccine?
The best time to be vaccinated is between late September and early November, ready for the winter. Protection lasts for about one year.
Will I have to pay for the vaccine?
No, the vaccine is completely free on the NHS. You may be asked to pay if you choose to go to a private doctor.
Can you still catch flu if you have had the vaccine?
Some people think they have caught flu even though they have had the injection. In fact, it probably wasn’t flu. There are other heavy colds and chest infections around every winter – flu is just one of them. Unfortunately, the flu vaccine won’t prevent the other infections, but it will stop you getting flu.
Can you catch flu from having the vaccine?
No. There is no active virus in a flu vaccine so it can’t cause flu. If you have been ill following the flu vaccine in the past, you could have had one of the other viruses described above. Or, very occasionally, you could have caught flu before the vaccination took effect. Vaccinations are given before the flu season usually starts but occasionally flu appears earlier than expected.
I have heard that having the flu vaccine makes you ill. Is this true?
You may feel some discomfort and possibly get some swelling where you have been given the injection, which is usually in your upper arm.
A very small number of people get a temperature and aching muscles after the injection, sometimes with joint pains beginning a few hours after the injection and lasting up to 2 days.
Other reactions are very rare. If you have had a serious reaction in the past, however, you should discuss with your GP whether you should have the vaccine again.
Is there anyone who should not have a flu vaccine?
In people who have severe hypersensitivity to hen’s eggs, the vaccine may cause a reaction. If you are, or think you may be, allergic to eggs, you should discuss this with your GP before arranging to have the vaccine.
Can I have the vaccine if I am not in one of the priority groups?
The NHS is not currently offering the vacine to those not in one of the high risk groups, however some Boots pharmacies are offering the vacine this year. Please visit here for more information.
How can I find out more?
You can
Call your GP surgery
Call NHS Direct on 0845 4647 or visit their website
Pick up a leaflet from your GP surgery
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