Unfortunately, not only does Winter spell the end of flip flops and days on the beach, but it also brings with it an increased risk of catching flu. Nobody wants to get the flu especially as it tends to lead to many people being laid up in bed for a few days feeling generally rotten; but for some the effects can be far more severe and even life-threatening.

Who is most at risk?

As you’d expect two of the main categories at most risk are the young and the older generations. Added to that, pregnant women and those with certain health conditions are more at risk at getting seriously ill for the flu.

Who is eligible for a Free Flu vaccine?

If you are vulnerable to flu, its important you take up the option of a vaccine to keep yourself well in winter. 

The following groups are eligible for a free flu vaccine:

• All adults aged 65 and over
• Anyone under 65 with certain health conditions like diabetes, heart disease, some neurological diseases, liver disease or a weakened immune system (for instance due to being prescribed steroids or treated for cancer)
• All pregnant women
• Children aged 2 to 3 years on 31 August 2023
• All primary school children and secondary school aged children in years 7 to 11
• Those living in care homes
• Certain carers
• Frontline health and social care workers

Find eligibility details on the NHS website.

Does the vaccine actually help?

Last winter, getting vaccinated against flu cut the risk of being hospitalised by around:

• 66 per cent in children
• 25 per cent in adults aged 65 years and older
• 33 per cent in other adults with underlying health conditions

Can Flu harm children?

The flu can be very unpleasant for children and in some cases can lead to hospitalisation and even death in rare cases. The UKHSA states that last year (2022) 10,000 children were hospitalised due to flu – many of which could have been prevented with the flu jab.

Children are offered the vaccine in the form of a quick and painless nasal spray, so it couldn’t be easier.

Most children get it through their school, so parents should make sure to sign and return the consent form. For pre-schoolers, parents will be invited to bring their child forward in the coming weeks, or alternatively you can contact your GP practice to make an appointment.

Does the vaccine protect children against Flu?

The flu vaccine does a dual role, alongside helping to protect children themselves, it also helps stop them passing it onto elderly family such as grandparents who are likely to be more vulnerable.

Infections can be passed on easily in schools, therefore, a higher vaccination rate can reduce the spread to the wider community.

After vaccination, some children may get mild side effects like a runny nose, but the vaccine cannot actually give them flu.

Should pregnant women have a Flu vaccination?

All pregnant women are encouraged to get vaccinated to protect themselves and their unborn babies. Being pregnant changes how the body fights infections like the flu, and catching it while pregnant increases your risk and your baby's risk of complications which may result in a stay in intensive care, or even death.

The flu vaccine can be given safely to expectant mothers at any stage of pregnancy, even right from the start. You can speak to your GP practice, pharmacist or midwife now about booking a flu jab appointment.

What about those with underlying health conditions?

Individuals with certain underlying health conditions are eligible for a free flu vaccine. Conditions that would make someone eligible include those with:

• Heart or liver disease
• Chronic respiratory disease
• Diabetes
• Immunosuppression (weakened immune system)
• Some neurological conditions (like Parkinson’s, motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis (MS) or cerebral palsy)

A full list of who is eligible is available on the NHS website.

When can I book?

The National Booking system for flu vaccine will go live in a couple of weeks but some GP practices are already inviting people to attend. The vaccines are delivered in the autumn to provide protection before infection rates rise. Most eligible adults can get their flu vaccine at their GP practice or a local pharmacy now.

Even if you were vaccinated last year, it is important to get your jab again this flu season because the viruses can change year to year and protection decreases over time.

The best defence is to get your vaccine before the virus starts circulating. If you’re eligible, please take advantage of this preventative measure to keep yourself well and winter strong.

Original article from the UKHSA: Get Winter Strong: why having a flu vaccination matters - UK Health Security Agency (blog.gov.uk)