Influenza (Flu) Vaccines
Flu vaccines have started to arrive at GP surgeries. The vaccine protects adults and children against flu and its complications. This year more than any we need to be protected from flu.
Why is the flu vaccine so important this year?
For most flu can be an unpleasant experience but - if you're otherwise healthy - you will recover from the worst of the symptoms within a week. But flu can be more severe in certain people. At risk groups are more likely to develop potentially serious complications of flu, such as pneumonia (a lung infection), so it's recommended that they have a flu vaccine every year to help protect them.
Over 50y olds
There is an extra cohort eligible for flu vaccines this year due to the extra pressures of coronavirus. This special group consists of those over 50y of age that wouldn’t normally be eligible as they do not fall into an at risk group. The government are procuring vaccines to meet the needs of this extra group. You will be invited later in the year when supplies are secured. The government has instructed that those in at risk groups get vaccinated first.
Why is the flu vaccine so important this year?
- We will not be able to tell who has flu and who has COVID. The NHS might struggle to manage the burden of COVID this winter and an influenza epidemic at the same time would stretch the NHS to its limits.
- Co-infection with more than one virus is surprisingly common, especially for hospitalised patients. A combination of Flu and COVID would be especially dangerous and deadly.
For most flu can be an unpleasant experience but - if you're otherwise healthy - you will recover from the worst of the symptoms within a week. But flu can be more severe in certain people. At risk groups are more likely to develop potentially serious complications of flu, such as pneumonia (a lung infection), so it's recommended that they have a flu vaccine every year to help protect them.
Over 50y olds
There is an extra cohort eligible for flu vaccines this year due to the extra pressures of coronavirus. This special group consists of those over 50y of age that wouldn’t normally be eligible as they do not fall into an at risk group. The government are procuring vaccines to meet the needs of this extra group. You will be invited later in the year when supplies are secured. The government has instructed that those in at risk groups get vaccinated first.
How do I get one? Will there be enough vaccines?
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You will have heard that the take up for flu vaccines is higher than normal. The vaccines were ordered over a year ago in September last year. That was before COVID came on the scene and changed everything.
In a typical year, of those eligible & invited (circa 5500), only 70% will take up the offer. We order stocks to cover the expected demand. We always slightly over order and normally return a few hundred each year. This season, the demand is much higher. So - full disclosure - we do not have enough vaccines to vaccinate everyone yet. The few hundred we have left must be reserved for the COVID shielders still to be vaccinated. However, please be reassured that we are able to place orders for extra stocks from Monday the 19th October. The plan is to double the number of vaccines this year so the supplies are coming, you will be vaccinated eventually but you may have to wait a few more weeks. There is nothing we can do to change this situation. We are unable to get more vaccines now. Believe me, we have tried! |
How do the clinics work?
This year is different! We are running walk in car park flu clinics. We have chosen to do the vaccination in the car park to keep you safe. The risk of COVID transmission is lowest outdoors with natural air flow. Outside in the tent we will be able to offer a COVID safe vaccination environment.
Important points to bear in mind
Important points to bear in mind
- No appointment needed. Arrive within your time band and bring this letter with you. If you don't bring your letter you may not get your vaccine.
- You do not need to book an appointment. You do not need to phone the surgery. If you arrive with an invitation letter you will be vaccinated.
- Wear suitable clothing: something with short sleeves or that can be pulled off the shoulder.
- Frail and shielding patients will be directed to a priority vaccine station.
- The car park will be CLOSED to parked cars. Walk to the site if you can. Otherwise park in nearby on-street parking.
- If it rains, bring a coat and umbrella. The vaccine stations will be under cover but you will be outside before you receive your vaccine. Don’t worry, you won’t be waiting long!
Who is eligible for the NHS flu vaccine?
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The flu vaccine is routinely given on the NHS to:
How effective is the flu vaccine?
Flu vaccine is the best protection we have. Studies have shown that the flu vaccine will help prevent you getting the flu.
It will not stop all flu viruses and the level of protection may vary. But if you do get flu after vaccination, it's likely to be milder and shorter-lived than it would otherwise have been. |
Taken from VeryWellHealth - click for comparison of COVID and Flu
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