The Flu vaccine will not protect you against getting coronavirus that said , getting a flu vaccine is particularly important this year because:
- Many people who are at risk from the flu are also at risk from COVID-19
- If you catch both COVID-19 and flu at the same time, you’re at a much higher risk of becoming seriously unwell
- People who aren’t experiencing flu symptoms can still pass it on to other people who may be at risk of serious illness
Hopefully, by reducing the amount of people who catch the flu, there will be less pressure on hospitals and care homes through the winter.
Some symptoms of the flu are similar to the symptoms of coronavirus. These include having a cough and a high temperature.
This means if you catch the flu, you and others you’ve had close contact with may have to self-isolate until you know which virus you have.
Who can have the flu vaccine?
Anyone in the UK can have the flu vaccine, but some groups of people are advised to have one. This is because they’re either at a higher risk of catching flu, or more likely to become very unwell if they do catch it. These include people who have:
- A heart problem
- An illness which causes breathing difficulties, such as asthma
- Kidney or liver disease
- A weakened immune system
- Had a stroke or a transient ischaemic attack (TIA) – sometimes called a ‘mini-stroke’
- Diabetes
- A neurological condition
- A BMI (Body Mass Index) of 40 or over
This year, it also includes everybody on the NHS Shielded Patient List for COVID-19.
You should also have a flu vaccine if you’re pregnant. This is because having the vaccine reduces your risk of serious complications while you’re pregnant, and helps protect your baby from flu once they’re born.
If you’re part of these at-risk groups, you’ll be eligible for a free flu vaccine through the NHS. Speak to your GP if you think you might benefit from a free flu vaccine, but your circumstances aren’t mentioned in the section above. Your doctor will be able to look at your medical history and make a decision based on your personal situation.
You can also get a free flu vaccine if you are:
- Aged 65 years or over
- Living in a residential or nursing home
- A carer for a vulnerable person
- In the same household, or social bubble, as someone on the NHS Shielded Patient List
- A frontline worker in health or social care
Is there anybody who shouldn’t have the flu vaccine?
You shouldn’t have the flu vaccine if you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to the vaccine in the past.
If you’re allergic to eggs or egg products, you might not be able to have the usual flu vaccine. There are different vaccines available, so speak to your GP or nurse for advice.
If you’re feeling unwell, for example, with a mild cold, you should wait until you’re feeling better to have the vaccine.
If you’ve had symptoms of coronavirus, you shouldn’t go to your vaccination appointment until it’s safe. Follow government guidelines, and phone your GP or pharmacist beforehand if you’re not sure. This helps to protect you, the person giving you your vaccine, and vulnerable people who may also be attending an appointment.
Where can you get the flu vaccine?
You can book an appointment to get the flu vaccine at your GP surgery or at some pharmacies. If you’re pregnant, you may be able to get the vaccine through your midwife.
Lots of employers now offer the flu vaccine to their employees. This might be with a nurse at your place of work, or by applying for a voucher which you can use at a pharmacy.
You can also choose to pay for the flu vaccine yourself.
How effective is the flu vaccine?
Having a flu vaccine is the most effective way to reduce your risk of catching flu. However, having the flu vaccine doesn’t guarantee that you won’t catch the flu.
There are different types of flu, known as ‘strains’. Each year, the flu vaccine has to be changed to try and match the strains you can catch that winter. It’s more effective some years than others, depending on whether the vaccine is a good match for the type of flu going around. Having the flu vaccine each year will give you the best chance of protection.
Why should I have the flu vaccine?
Apart from reducing the risk of you catching flu, there are also other reasons why it’s worth having the flu vaccine.
- If you do catch the flu, your symptoms may be milder if you’ve had the vaccine.
- By protecting yourself, you’re also protecting other people who are more vulnerable.
When’s the best time to get the flu vaccine?
Having the flu vaccine will cover you for one season. So, it’s important to have the vaccine each year at the beginning of autumn – ideally in October or November. However, you can still get the flu vaccine later in the year if you’ve been unable to book an appointment before then.
What are the side-effects of the flu vaccine?
Some people worry that they will feel unwell after having the flu vaccine, or that they will get the flu. But the flu vaccine is considered to be very safe.
You might have a bit of redness and soreness on your arm if you receive the vaccine as an injection. You might get also get a mild headache and aching muscles after your vaccination. These side-effects are nothing to worry about and should go away within a couple of days.
Contact your GP for advise with regards to your personal circumstances and if the flu vaccine is a suitable prevention for yourself.
Take care ………. From All the Team at Ham Dental Practice