Protect yourself and your family against flu this winter
The flu vaccine, or flu jab, is available every year on the NHS to help protect adults and children at risk of flu and the complications it brings. On average 8,000 people die from the flu every year, but in the winter of 2017/18, there were an estimated 26,000 deaths.
This 2019/20 winter will see a record number of people in England being offered a flu vaccine. And for the first time, the nasal spray vaccine will be offered to all primary school aged children, which means an extra 600,000 children will be protected.
Does everyone need a flu vaccine?
No, just people who are at particular risk of problems if they catch flu including:
- those aged 65 years and over
- those aged 6 months to under 65 years in clinical risk groups
- pregnant women
- those living in a residential or nursing home
- the main carer of an older or disabled person
- children aged 2-3 (on 31 August 2019) and all primary school aged children
Frontline workers such as care workers, social workers and health care workers are at more risk of being exposed to flu, and spreading the flu virus – this is why vaccinations are a vital part of infection control to help stop flu spreading.
What the local health professionals say
Dr David Kelly, local GP and Chair of NHS North Kirklees Clinical Commissioning Group said: “Your GP practice will be in touch to let you know if you’re eligible for the free flu jab. It’s really important that you go along to your local flu clinic or book an appointment with your surgery or pharmacist as soon as you can to make sure that you and your family are protected throughout the winter months”.
Dr Steve Ollerton, local GP and chair of NHS Greater Huddersfield Clinical Commissioning Group said: “Vaccination really is the best protection against the virus and it’s free for those who need it most. Flu is potentially a very serious illness so it’s really important that people with an increased risk get their flu jab this winter”.
I feel fine
Unfortunately being healthy won’t stop you getting flu or passing it on – the flu virus can infect anyone, and someone who is not displaying symptoms is still at risk of passing the virus on.
Tricky virus
Flu virus strains change, so it’s important to have a flu jab every year ahead of the flu season. And remember, having a flu jab can’t give you the flu.
Have I got the flu?
Where can I get the flu vaccination?
- Your GP surgery
- a local community pharmacy ( Over 18 years of age)
If you have your flu vaccine at a community pharmacy, the community pharmacy will make sure your GP is made aware.