Flu FAQ

• people aged 50 years or over (including those becoming age 50 years by 31 March 2022) •
• those aged from six months to less than 65 years of age, in a clinical risk group such as those with:
  • chronic (long-term) respiratory disease, such as severe asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or bronchitis
  • chronic heart disease, such as heart failure
  • chronic kidney disease at stage three, four or five
  • chronic liver disease
  • chronic neurological disease, such as Parkinson’s disease or motor neurone disease,
  • learning disability o diabetes o splenic dysfunction or asplenia
  • a weakened immune system due to disease (such as HIV/AIDS) or treatment (such as cancer treatment)
  • morbidly obese (defined as BMI of 40 and above)
  • all pregnant women (including those women who become pregnant during the flu season)
  • all children aged two to eleven (but not twelve years or older) – guidance and dates TBC
  • careers, health and social care workers – guidance to be confirmed

For further information please visit: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/who-should-have-flu-vaccine/

*Please note, if you are not registered as a carer with the surgery you may not be eligible for a flu vaccination. Please contact us to discuss this.

Check out our brochure

All registered housebound patients who have indicated they want the flu vaccination have been referred to Livewell to receive their vaccination in due course. If you are newly housebound please contact us.

If you are unable to attend your flu vaccination appointment, please cancel this via the NHS App, via our Online Services or via out Automated System, Patient Partner. Alternatively, you can contact us on our dedicated Flu vaccination helpline Monday to Friday on 01752 243 868 from 08.30-6pm and on 01752 279411 Saturday and Sundays between 09.00 to-13.30pm.

Please arrive as close to your 5 minute appointment time as possible, wearing a face covering. Please do not attend with another person unless they are a carer.

As per current guidelines, when you arrive you will be greeted by a member of our team who will direct you to our cleaning station to make use of our hand sanitizer.

Social distancing measures will be in place. There will be a one way system in operation.

Please wear appropriate clothing so that you are ready for your injection.

The NHS have created two short films about the importance of the flu vaccination for people with a learning disability autistic people with certain health conditions and carers of people with a learning disability. The films covers why it is important, who is eligible for a free vaccine, where you can get the vaccine and reasonable adjustments.

View them here:
Flu vaccinations for people with a learning disability https://www.youtube.com/watchv=eZ1vDai8u5o&feature=youtu.be

Flu vaccinations for people with a learning disability (Carers) https://www.youtube.com/watchv=RZWQe21ow8&feature=youtu.be

Flu is an unpredictable virus that can be unpleasant, but if you’re otherwise healthy it will usually clear up on its own in about a week.

It can cause severe illness and even death among vulnerable groups, including older people, pregnant women and people with an underlying health condition.

Certain people are more likely to develop potentially serious complications of flu, such as bronchitis and pneumonia.

For more information on flu, please visit: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/flu/

Public Health England has updated its guidance for the 2021/22 flu vaccination season.This guidance explains to patients how they can help protect themselves and their children against flu this winter. It includes information for children, eligible adults and pregnant women, and details why it’s very important that people at increased risk from flu, or who care for someone vulnerable, to have their free vaccination every year.

If you are booked in for a flu vaccination on and after 14^th December 2020 you will be receiving the Flublok Quadrivalent Flu Vaccination. 

This medicinal product does not have a UK marketing authorisation, therefore is known as an “Off-Label” Vaccination. It has been given authorisation for temporary supply by the UK Department of Health and Social Care and the Medicines & Healthcare products Regulatory Agency for immunisation against influenza.  However, Flublok is licensed for use in the USA by the Food and Drug Administration.  

Flublok Quadrivalent is a vaccine for adults who are 18 years of age and older. This vaccine is indicated for active immunisation against flu (influenza).  None of the ingredients in the vaccination can cause flu.

You may experience a mild fever and aching muscles for a couple of days after having the vaccine and your arm may be a little sore.

Side effects of the child nasal spray vaccine can commonly include a runny or blocked nose, a headache, tiredness and some loss of appetite.

It is very rare that the flu vaccines cause serious side effects.