The flu vaccine is a vital tool in protecting yourself and others from the flu, a common illness that can sometimes lead to serious health complications. In the UK, the NHS offers the flu vaccine free of charge to those who are at higher risk, including the elderly, young children, pregnant women, and individuals with certain health conditions. It is recommended to get vaccinated each year, ideally in the autumn, before flu season begins. The vaccine is typically administered as an injection in the arm and helps your body build protection against the flu virus. While side effects are usually mild, such as a sore arm or a low-grade fever, serious reactions are rare. By getting vaccinated, you not only reduce your own risk of getting the flu but also help protect those around you who might be more vulnerable to severe illness. If you have any questions or concerns about the flu vaccine, please consult with the GP or pharmacist for personalized advice.
Information regarding Bell House Medical Centre flu vaccination roll outs:
From 1 September we can give:
pregnant women
all children aged 2 or 3 years old (on 31 August 2024)
all children in clinical risk groups, not in school. If a child is school age they will be getting it done there.
From 3 October 2024:
those aged 18 to under 65 years in clinical risk groups such as those below
those aged 65 years and over
those in long-stay residential care homes
carers in receipt of carer’s allowance, or those who are the main carer of an elderly or disabled person
close contacts of immunocompromised individuals
locum GPs
frontline staff employed by the types of social care providers without employer-led occupational health schemes such as those described below
those living in long-stay residential care homes or nursing homes, other long-stay health or social care facilities or a house-bound patient (defined in the ES specification)
Examples of clinical risk groups
chronic (long-term) respiratory disease, such as asthma (requires continuous or repeated use of inhaled or systemic steroids or with previous exacerbations requiring hospital admission), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or bronchitis
chronic neurological disease, such as Parkinson’s disease or motor neurone disease
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)
chronic heart disease, such as heart failure
chronic kidney disease at stage 3, 4 or 5
chronic liver disease
a learning disability
diabetes and adrenal insufficiency
splenic dysfunction or asplenia