How Can You Get Your Flu Vaccination This Winter?

Every year, there is a new flu vaccination available at your local chemist that boosts your immunity to the most common strains and helps you avoid dealing with an all-too-common illness this winter.

It is available from the start of October through to the end of March, although the sooner you get it, the sooner you will get the immunisation benefits.

If you are worried about the flu this year and want to get vaccinated, the best place to start is to come to us. We can provide advice and assistance, as well as let you know if you are potentially eligible for a free vaccine.

How does the flu vaccine work? Why does it change every year? Who can get it for free? And should you get immunised this winter?

How Does The Flu Vaccine Work?

The most common cause of illness in the UK, influenza is a viral infection that is often unpleasant in its most common side effects but most of the time will get better on its own as the body’s immune system adapts to fight it.

The flu vaccine gives your immune system a helping hand, which can be incredibly important if you are older, have a weakened immune system or are taking care of someone who does, as the effects of the flu can potentially lead to dangerous complications.

As with other types of immunisation, a vaccine works through the use of a deactivated strain of the virus. The body’s immune system uses this to learn how to generate the right antibodies and so will be better equipped to protect against the virus if you come into contact with it.

Why Does The Flu Vaccine Change Every Year?

An unusual aspect of the flu vaccine is that it changes every year, which means that the flu immunisation programme must also change each year to target the main strains of flu virus that are expected to be the most virulent.

Because the flu is so common, it keeps mutating and changing, which means that last year’s flu vaccine may not protect you from this year’s influenza.

These are identified by a worldwide team of researchers ahead of the flu season, and the vaccine chosen protects against the most common new virus strains. 

As long as the vaccine closely matches the virus, it will provide protection and reduce the chance of serious illness.

Can You Get The Flu Vaccine For Free?

Many people are eligible for the free flu vaccine, some as early as 1st September whilst another set will become eligible on 1st October.

Even if you are not in either group, you can still get the flu vaccine privately if you are worried about becoming seriously ill from the flu.

From 1st September:

• All pregnant people
• Two- and three-year-old children
• Children in primary and secondary school
• Young people with a clinical risk attending a special educational needs school
• All children in a clinical risk group

From 1st October:

• Everyone over the age of 65
• Every adult in a clinical risk group
• Anyone in a long-stay care home
• The main carer or any carers who have a carer’s allowance
• People who are in regular close contact with immunocompromised people
• Homeless people and people living in hostels or night shelters
• Frontline social carers who do not otherwise qualify for an occupational health scheme

When Should You Not Get The Flu Vaccine?

• If you have had an allergic reaction to a previous flu vaccine.
• If you are allergic to any of the ingredients.
• If you already have a fever when you are meant to have your vaccine.