Don’t put off the flu vaccination – it’s free because you need it

(October 2016)

NHS Castle Point and Rochford CCG is encouraging those in ‘at risk’ groups to have their flu vaccination.

Flu is a highly infectious disease and can lead to serious complications if you have a long-term health condition like: COPD; bronchitis, emphysema; diabetes; heart, kidney or liver disease or have suffered a stroke. Flu on top of health conditions like these can easily develop into something very serious and could land you in hospital.  People with these and other long-term health conditions are eligible for a free flu jab through their GP or pharmacist.  People aged 65 and over are also eligible for the free flu jab.

The flu campaign also targets pregnant women and parents of children aged 2, 3 and 4 and in school years 1, 2 and 3. For eligible children, the flu vaccine is not an injection, just a quick nasal spray available.

Flu can be horrible for little children, and if they get it, they can spread it around the whole family.  Children who get the flu have the same symptoms as adults – including fever, chills, aching muscles, headache, stuffy nose, dry cough and sore throat. Some children develop a very high fever or complications of flu, such as bronchitis or pneumonia and may need hospital treatment. The flu vaccine can help protect your child from flu and also reduce the chance of flu spreading to others.

If you have a child aged 2, 3 or 4, get their free nasal spray flu vaccine from their GP. Children in school years 1, 2 or 3 will get their vaccinations through their school in most parts of the country.

Dr Danny Showell, Public Health Consultant for NHS Castle Point and Rochford CCG said:

“Pregnancy naturally changes a woman’s immune system making her and her baby vulnerable to severe complications from flu.  The flu jab protects mother and baby against flu; it is safe and effective at all stages of pregnancy.”

Dr Showell continued:

“If you are eligible for the flu vaccine get it now – it’s free because you need it. Contact your GP, pharmacist or midwife to the get the flu jab.” Visit nhs.uk/staywell for more information.

PROTECTING AGAINST FLU THIS WINTER (2015/16)

Local health leaders are advising all those who are eligible for the flu vaccine to protect themselves and others this winter.

Flu is a highly infectious illness that spreads rapidly through the coughs and sneezes of people who are carrying the virus.  Flu symptoms can hit quite suddenly and severely. They usually include fever, chills, headaches and aching muscles. Because flu is caused by a virus and not bacteria, antibiotics won't treat it, for advice residents are being urged to call NHS 111.

Anyone can get flu, but it can be more serious for certain people, such as:

 people aged 65 or over

 people who have a serious medical condition

 pregnant women

 children aged 2-4

 carers for an elderly or disabled person whose welfare may be at risk if the carer falls ill and healthcare workers in direct contact with patients.

Flu can make existing medical conditions worse. Local residents in the at-risk groups are being urged to get vaccinated by visiting their GP or a local pharmacy.

Tricia D’Orsi, Chief Nurse for NHS Castle Point and Rochford Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) said: “Flu has the potential to be really serious, and getting your jab now can help to reduce the risk of you ending up seriously ill or in hospital.

“If you are part of any of the groups identified as being at risk of developing flu, then you should get a flu jab as soon as possible. It’s completely safe and it can’t give you flu. For children, the vaccine can also be delivered via a nasal spray, eliminating the need for injections.

“If you're pregnant, you're advised to have the injectable flu vaccine, regardless of the stage of pregnancy you've reached. The vaccine doesn't carry any risks for you or your baby. The jab will reduce the risk of pregnancy complications as a result of flu and will also help to give your baby protection for the first few months of their life.”

Patients are advised to call their GP practice first.  If the below clinic times are not convenient, patients who are eligible for the flu jab should make an appointment at their GP practice ASAP.

Flu Q&A

Should you have the flu jab?
See your GP about the flu jab if you’re 65 or over, or if you have any of the following problems (however old you are):

 a serious heart complaint

 a chest complaint or breathing difficulties, including asthma, bronchitis and emphysema

 serious kidney disease

 diabetes

 lowered immunity due to disease or treatment such as steroid medication or cancer treatment

 if you have had a stroke or a transient ischaemic attack (TIA)

 if you have a problem with your spleen or you have had your spleen removed

Your GP may advise you to have a flu jab if you have serious liver disease, multiple sclerosis (MS) or some other diseases of the nervous system.

Can I get a flu jab privately?
Yes, you can pay for the flu vaccination privately if you’re unable to have it on the NHS. It is available from some pharmacies and GPs on a private patient basis.

Pregnant women and the flu jab
If you're pregnant, you should have the flu jab, regardless of the stage of pregnancy you've reached. Pregnant women are more prone to complications from flu that can cause serious illness for both mother and baby.

If you are pregnant and catch flu, talk to your GP urgently as you may need treatment with antiviral medicine.

Children and the flu vaccine
The flu vaccine for children is a nasal spray and is available each year on the NHS for two-, three- and four-year-olds.  In some preschools and primary schools children between the ages of four and 10 may also be offered the vaccine.

Children with a long-term health condition should also have a flu vaccination because their illness could get worse if they catch flu. This includes any child over the age of six months of age with a long-term health problem such as a serious respiratory or neurological condition.

If you have a child with a long-term condition, speak to your GP about whether they should have the flu vaccination. Some children with a long-term health condition may be advised to have the flu vaccine injection rather than the nasal spray.

Carers and the flu jab
If you’re the carer of an elderly or disabled person, make sure they’ve had their flu jab. As a carer, you could be eligible for a flu jab too. Ask your GP for advice, or read our information about Flu jabs for carers.

How the flu vaccine works
The injected flu vaccine contains inactivated strains of the flu virus and therefore cannot cause flu. The flu virus in the vaccine is often grown on fertilised hens’ eggs although egg-free flu vaccine may be available for people with egg allergy.

The nasal spray flu vaccine for children contains live, but weakened forms of flu virus that do not cause flu in those vaccinated. Again, the flu virus in the vaccine is grown on fertilised hens' eggs so children with a known egg allergy should be given an alternative vaccine

How to get the flu jab
If you think you need a flu vaccination, check with your GP, practice nurse or your local pharmacist.

The best time of the year to have a flu vaccination is in the autumn from the beginning of October to early November. Most GP surgeries arrange flu vaccination clinics around this time. It’s free and it's effective against the latest flu virus strains.

Even if you've already had a flu jab in previous years, you need another one each year. The flu jab may only protect you for a year. This is because the viruses that cause flu are always changing.

The pneumococcal vaccine
When you see your GP for a flu jab, ask whether you also need the pneumococcal vaccine, which protects you against some forms of pneumococcal infection including pneumonia.

Like the flu jab, the pneumococcal vaccine (also known as the pneumonia vaccine or "pneumo jab") is available free on the NHS to everyone aged 65 or over, and for younger people with some serious medical conditions. But it's a one-off jab rather than an annual one.

How effective is the flu jab?
No vaccine is 100% effective, however, people who have had the flu jab are less likely to get flu. If you do get flu despite having the jab, it will probably be milder than if you haven’t been vaccinated.

Flu jab side effects
The flu jab doesn’t cause flu as it doesn’t contain live viruses. However, you may experience side effects after having the jab, such as a temperature and aching muscles for a couple of days afterwards. Your arm may feel sore at the site where you were injected. More severe reactions are rare.

The flu vaccine only protects against flu, but not other illnesses caused by other viruses, such as the common cold.

Who shouldn’t have the flu jab?
You shouldn't have the flu vaccination if:

 you've had a serious reaction to a flu vaccination before

 you have a high temperature (postpone it until you're better)

Not all flu vaccines are suitable for children, so discuss this with your GP beforehand.

Speak to your GP, practice nurse or pharmacist if you have any further questions.