Who should have the flu jab?
For most people, flu is an unpleasant illness, but it's not serious. If you are otherwise healthy, you will usually recover from flu within a week.
However, certain people are more likely to develop potentially serious complications of flu, such as bronchitis and pneumonia These people should have a flu jab each year.
We are expecting to begin booking for flu vaccinations from September/October, depending on the provision of flu vaccinations to the practice.
People who should have a flu jab
The injected flu vaccine is offered free of charge on the NHS to people who are at risk to ensure that they are protected against catching flu and developing serious complications.
You are eligible to receive a free flu jab if you:
- are 65 years of age or over
- are pregnant
- have certain medical conditions (see below)
- are living in a long-stay residential care home or other long-stay care facility
- receive a carer's allowance, or you are the main carer for an elderly or disabled person whose welfare may be at risk if you fall ill
- are a healthcare worker with direct patient contact or a social care worker (see below)
Pregnant women and the flu jab
If you're pregnant, you're advised to have the injectable flu vaccine, regardless of the stage of pregnancy you've reached.
That's because there's strong evidence to suggest that pregnant women have an increased risk of developing complications if they get flu.
If you're pregnant, you will benefit from the flu vaccine because it:
- reduces your chance of getting serious complications of flu, such as pneumonia, particularly in the later stages of pregnancy
- reduces your risk of having a miscarriage or your baby being born prematurely or with a low birthweight, due to flu
- will help protect your baby because they will continue to have some immunity to flu for the first few months of their life
It's safe to have the flu vaccine at any stage of pregnancy, from conception onwards. The vaccine doesn't carry any risks for you or your baby. Talk to your GP or midwife if you are unsure about the vaccination.
Flu jab for people with medical conditions
The injected flu vaccine is offered free of charge on the NHS to anyone with a serious long term health condition. That includes these types of illnesses:
- Chronic (long-term) respiratory disease, such as asthma, COPD or Bronchitis
- Chronic heart disease, such as heart failure
- Chronis Kidney Disease
- Chronic liver disease, such as hepatitis
- Chronic neurological conditions, such as Parkinsons Disease or motor neurone disease.
- Diabetes
- Problems with your spleen – for example, sickle cell disease, or if you have had your spleen removed
- A weakened immune system due to conditions such as HIV & Aids or as a result of medication such as steroid tablets or chemotherapy
If you live with someone who has a weakened immune system, you may also be advised to have a flu vaccine. Speak to your GP about this.
Flu jab for children with medical conditions
If you have a child aged six months to two years with a long term health condition, their condition may get worse if they catch flu. Speak to your GP about whether they should have the flu jab.
Older children (aged two to 18) with a long term health condition should have the flu vaccine nasal spray along with two and three-year-old healthy children.
Flu jab for health and social care workers
Outbreaks of flu can occur in health and social care settings, and, because flu is so contagious, staff, patients and residents are all at risk of infection.
If you're a frontline health and social care worker, you can protect yourself, your colleagues and other members of the community, by having the flu vaccine.
If you care for someone who is elderly or disabled, speak to your GP about having a flu jab along with the person you care for who has the flu jab.