Who should get the flu vaccine?
This year the flu vaccine is being offered on the NHS to:
- adults 65 and over
- people with certain medical conditions
- pregnant women
- children aged 2 and 3 on 31 August
- children in primary school
- children in year 7 (secondary school)
- frontline health or social care workers
Later in the year, the flu vaccine may be given to people aged 50 to 64.
More information will be available later in the autumn.
However, if you’re aged 50 to 64 and in an at-risk group, you should not delay having your flu vaccine.
For more information regarding the Flu Vaccine please visit the NHS website here.
Flu Vaccination Side Effects
After the flu vaccination, you may get a mild high temperature and slight muscle aches for a day or so.
Some people may have a sore arm after vaccination. For example, if you’re aged 65 or over and having the adjuvanted flu vaccine.
Try these tips to ease the discomfort:
- continue to move your arm regularly; do not let it get stiff
- take a painkiller, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen; some people, including pregnant women, should not take ibuprofen unless a doctor recommends it
- Do not give aspirin to children under 16.
For more information please visit the NHS website here
Children’s Flu Vaccine
The children’s flu vaccine is offered as a yearly nasal spray to young children to help protect them against flu.
Flu can be a very unpleasant illness for children, with potentially serious complications, including bronchitis and pneumonia. Please visit https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/child-flu-vaccine/ for more information regarding the child flu vaccination.
Staying Well This Winter
Cold weather can make some health problems worse and even lead to serious complications, especially if you are 65 or older, or if you have a long-term health condition. Please visit the NHS website here for more information regarding staying well this winter.
