Updated flu vaccine ready as NHS regroups from busiest summer ever
Everyone is at risk of catching flu. It does not matter how fit and healthy you are, or your age. Dr Doyle said: “Flu can really knock you for six, and for some children and pregnant women it can mean becoming seriously ill or ending up in hospital.” The vaccine cannot give you flu. Instead,…
Everyone is at risk of catching flu. It does not matter how fit and healthy you are, or your age.
Dr Doyle said: “Flu can really knock you for six, and for some children and pregnant women it can mean becoming seriously ill or ending up in hospital.”
The vaccine cannot give you flu. Instead, it helps your body know how to fight the virus.
Children, from the age of two upwards, get a nasal spray version, while adults have an injection. A single dose is all that is needed to offer protection ahead of winter.
High Street pharmacies are offering NHS flu vaccines, along with GPs and schools. People who do not qualify for a free jab can pay about £10 to £20 for one.
School children and pregnant women can get a free NHS flu vaccine from September onwards. You can get a free one from October if you:
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are a child aged two or older who has not started school yet
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are aged 65 or over
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have certain long-term health conditions
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live in a care home
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are the main carer for an older or disabled person, or receive a carer’s allowance
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live with someone who has a weakened immune system
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are experiencing homelessness or staying in a homeless hostel or night shelter
More adults are also being offered another vaccine this winter to protect against RSV or Respiratory Syncytial Virus, which attacks the lungs.
From this September, adults will be invited to have the vaccine when they are 65, rather than waiting until 75, if they have certain pre-existing health conditions, such as chronic lung disease.
