Flu is always unpredictable and this season it is even more unpredictable than ever before as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
The influenza virus can be life-threatening, spread more easily in winter and it’s easy for us to pass the virus on without knowing.
The best way to stay protected is by getting the flu vaccine.
You are eligible for the flu vaccine if you:
- are 65 and over (including those who will be 65 by 31 March 2023)
- have certain health conditions
- are pregnant
- are in long-stay residential care
- receive a carer’s allowance, or are the main carer for an older or disabled person who may be at risk if you get sick
- live with someone who is more likely to get a severe infection due to a weakened immune system, such as someone living with HIV, someone who has had a transplant, or is having certain treatments for cancer, lupus or rheumatoid arthritis
Starting from mid-October, people aged 50 years old or over (including those who will be 50 years old by 31 March 2023) can have a free NHS flu vaccine. This is so that at-risk groups can be offered a vaccination first.
If you’re aged 50 to 64 and have a long-term health condition that puts you at risk from flu, you do not have to wait until mid-October.
Some children will also be offered the vaccine in a nasal spray, which is safe and effective. Find out who is eligible and where children will get the nasal vaccine spray.
It’s now more important than ever that you help us to help you and protect yourself, protect your family and those you care for. If you are eligible for the flu vaccine, please take it when you are offered.
Who is eligible and why do we need the flu vaccine?
Carers and the Flu Vaccination
Flu can be easily spread (even if you are not showing symptoms) to those around you who are vulnerable and for whom you have caring responsibilities. If you are in receipt of a carer’s allowance or are the main carer of an older or disabled person you are eligible for the free flu vaccination. Ask your pharmacist or GP.
Dr Sarah Whiteman explains why it is so important for Carers to get vaccinated and how you can access a free flu vaccination as a carer – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-LUGu5b7HYc
Mythbusting Information
Flu Vaccine – Mythbusting for Adults
Flu Vaccine – Mythbusting for Children
Flu vaccination – Who needs it and why?
A number of local health professionals have created videos in various languages to explain the flu vaccination, who needs it and why. You find these linked below:
Useful information about the flu vaccine
If you need an easy read version of the information above, you can download a leaflet and poster below:
If you need an audio version of the information above, you can download the files below:
Flu Vaccine, who should have it and why audio – Click here to listen to the audio file
Protect your child from flu audio – Click here to listen to the audio file
If you need BSL version of the information above, you can download the files below:
Protect your child from flu leaflet – British Sign Language (BSL) version
Flu vaccination, who needs it and why leaflet – British Sign Language version
BSL – Dr Sarah Whiteman talks about the importance of getting your flu jab
If you need a large print version of the information above, you can download the files below:
Large Print Flu_vaccination who should have it and why
Large Print Protect_your_child_against_flu
Leaflets have also been created in various languages. You can find these below:
- Bengali PHE_Flu_Vaccination_12pp_A5_booklet_2020
- Flu_Vaccination_who_needs_it_and_why_12pp_A5_booklet_2020
- Gujarati PHE_Flu_Vaccination_12pp_A5_booklet_2020_0
- Hindi_PHE_Flu_Vaccination_12pp_A5_booklet_2020
- Polish PHE_Flu_Vaccination_12pp_A5_booklet_2020_0
- Punjabi_PHE_Flu_Vaccination_12pp_A5_booklet_2020_0
- Romanian PHE_Flu_Vaccination_12pp_A5_booklet_2020
- Urdu PHE_Flu_Vaccination_12pp_A5_booklet_2020_0
Information for Parents and Carers
Various leaflets have been created in different languages for parents and carers explaining the flu vaccination for children. You can find these below:
- Bengali Protecting_Your_Child_Against_Flu_
- Childrens vaccination_Flu_5_reasons_poster_2020_2021
- Gujarati Protecting_Your_Child_Against_Flu_
- Hindi_Protecting_Your_Child_Against_Flu
- Paper-5.0 GB Action Tracker Part 1
- Polish Protecting_Your_Child_Against_Flu_
- Protecting_Child_Against_Flu_DL_leaflet_20
- Urdu_Protecting_Your_Child_Against_Flu_
Vaccine Supplies – Why am I being asked to wait to have my flu vaccine?