IF it’s likely you’ll experience complications from flu, it’s important you get jabbed.
It might sound like a harmless bug, but a nasty bout of flu can lead to serious complications and in some cases even death.
PAFlu can be dangerous and even life threatening for people with certain health conditions[/caption]
Here’s the lowdown on who’s eligible for a vaccine this winter, how to book and where to go.
What is the flu jab and is it free?
From today (September 11), the flu vaccine will be offered free on the NHS to people with certain long-term health conditions.
While flu is unpleasant for most people, it can be dangerous and even life threatening for people with certain illnesses.
The best time to have your flu vaccine is in the autumn or early winter before flu starts spreading in the colder months
But you can get your vaccine later.
Brits can also pay for a flu jab if they wish to have one but are not eligible to have it free of charge.
Am I eligible for a free flu jab?
The flu vaccine is given free on the NHS to:
Anyone aged 65 and over (including those who will be 65 by March 31 2024)Those who are pregnantChildren between the ages of two and threeAll primary school children Those in long-stay residential carePeople who receive a carer’s allowance, or are the main carer for an older or disabled person who may be at risk if you get sickFrontline health and social care workersBrits who with someone who is more likely to get a severe infection due to a weakened immune system, such as someone living with HIV, someone who has had a transplant, or is having certain treatments for cancer, lupus or rheumatoid arthritis
People who have the following conditions are also eligible:
Respiratory conditions, such as asthma (needing a steroid inhaler or tablets), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including emphysema and bronchitisDiabetesHeart conditions, such as coronary heart disease or heart failureBeing very overweight – a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or aboveChronic kidney diseaseLiver disease, such as cirrhosis or hepatitisSome neurological conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease, motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), or cerebral palsyA learning disabilityProblems with your spleen like sickle cell disease, or if you’ve had your spleen removed
Your GP may suggest you have the free flu jab if you have another long-term condition that isn’t mentioned above but may be made worse by flu.
Where can I get it?
You can have the NHS flu vaccine at your local GP surgery, certain a pharmacies (if you’re over 18), and some maternity services if you’re pregnant.
Children will be given the nasal spray vaccine at school, a GP surgery or a community clinic.
The following pharmacy chains offer free jab to eligible adults:
Tesco pharmacy BootsSuperdrugWell pharmacy Lloyds pharmacy
Head to the shop’s website to book your jab.
Thousands of other pharmacies will also be offering the lifesaving vaccine.
Find out if your local pharmacy is offering the service here.
You will be asked to provide your postcode.
What are the symptoms of flu?
THE symptoms of flu are very similar to those of a very bad cold.
The NHS says this includes a suffer high temperature of 38C or more.
You will also experience body aches and a dry cough.
You may also have difficulty sleeping, loss of appetite and feeling or being sick.