Please use the following link to book your flu vaccine. We are accepting bookings for the 2nd of October onwards for NHS eligible patients* and Private Flu Vaccinations.
chapelpharmacy.co.uk/booknow
Flu is a seasonal illness that is highly infectious caused by a virus. In fit and healthy individuals it can cause a range of symptoms, some similar to a cold, but in more severe cases the patient can develop bronchitis and pneumonia which can lead to to the patient needing to go to hospital. Most common symptoms tend to include, fever, chills, headache, aching muscles, cough and sore throat. Antibiotics will not treat the flu as it is not caused by bacteria.
So if the fit and healthy people can become seriously ill with the flu, what about the vulnerable?
Those patient who are classed as vulnerable, such as those who are immunosuppressed, have respiratory conditions (asthma, COPD etc.), pregnant and many other conditions are much more likely to become seriously unwell if they contract the flu.
One of the ways we can help defend against the flu is by getting vaccinated. The vaccine helps your body fight the virus by making antibodies which can take a week to 10 days, and provides protection for the whole year. Most common side effects of the vaccine are relatively minor, some patient experience a slight temperature, aching muscles and your arm may feel a bit sore for a few days. There is no risk of getting flu from the vaccine as it does not conatin any live virus.
What about those that can't be vaccinated?
Unfourtunately, some people still are not able to be vaccinated due to other medical conditions. In order to protect these patients it's vital that the majority of other patients are vaccinated. This creates something called herd immunity.
Herd immunity occurs when a large proportion of the a community is immune to disease, breaking the link of transmission. This can sometimes be the only way of protecting some indivduals from the flu so it is vital that everyone eligible for a vaccine has it.
Am I eligible for the NHS vaccine?
The flu vaccine is given to people who:
- 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's at high risk from coronavirus (on the NHS shielded patient list)
- frontline health or social care workers
Certain health conditions
The flu vaccine is offered free on the NHS to anyone with a serious long-term health condition, including:
- respiratory conditions, such as asthma (needing steroid inhaler or tablets), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including emphysema and bronchitis
- diabetes
- heart conditions, such as coronary heart disease or heart failure
- being very overweight – a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or above
- chronic kidney disease
- liver disease, such as hepatitis
- neurological conditions, such as Parkinson's disease, motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), or cerebral palsy
- a learning disability
- problems with your spleen, for example, sickle cell disease, or if you have had your spleen removed
- a weakened immune system as the result of conditions such as HIV and AIDS, or taking medicines such as steroid tablets or chemotherapy
Talk to your doctor if you have a long-term condition that is not in one of these groups. They should offer you the flu vaccine if they think you're at risk of serious problems if you get flu.
Flu vaccine and coronavirus (COVID-19)
Flu vaccination is important because:
- if you're at higher risk from coronavirus, you're also more at risk of problems from flu
- if you get flu and coronavirus at the same time, research shows you're more likely to be seriously ill
- it'll help to reduce pressure on the NHS and social care staff who may be dealing with coronavirus
If you've had COVID-19, it's safe to have the flu vaccine. It'll be effective at helping to prevent flu.