How to book your flu jab before winter
Granskad av Dr Krishna Vakharia, MRCGPAuthored by Lydia SmithUrsprungligen publicerad 27 Sept 2023
Uppfyller patientens redaktionella riktlinjer
- Ladda nerLadda ner
- Dela
- Language
- Diskussion
- Ljudversion
- Add to preferred sources on Google
Winter is coming and with it comes an increased risk of catching flu. Flu can leave many of us feeling dreadful and bedridden for days, but for some people, the effects can be more severe or even life-threatening. Getting your flu jab is the best way to protect yourself and others - and here’s how to get yours.
I den här artikeln:
Video picks for Flu and vaccination
People are being urged to have their flu jab and COVID-19 booster vaccine as soon as possible to protect themselves against winter viruses. This year, the NHS autumn flu and COVID-19 vaccine programmes started earlier - on 11 September - as a precautionary measure after the spread of a new COVID-19 variant.
There are many different flu viruses and a flu jab helps protect you from the main ones. Although there's still a chance you could get the flu - even if you are vaccinated every year - your symptoms will likely be less severe. Having the vaccine also helps to prevent you from spreading the virus to other vulnerable people.
Fortsätt läsa nedan
Who can have the flu vaccine on the NHS?
The flu vaccine is given free on the NHS in England - Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have different eligibility - to adults who:
Are 65 and over - including those who will be 65 by 31 March 2024.
Have certain health conditions.
Are gravid.
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 is more likely to get a severe infection due to a weakened immunsystem, such as someone living with HIV, someone who has had a transplant, or is having certain treatments for cancer.
The flu vaccine is offered free on the NHS to people with certain long-term health conditions, including:
Respiratory conditions like astma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Heart conditions like heart disease.
Very överviktig (If you have a body mass index of 40 or above).
Liver disease.
Some neurological conditions, such as Parkinson's disease, motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), or cerebral palsy.
A learning disability.
Problems with your spleen like sickle cell disease, or if you've had your spleen removed
A weakened immune system as a result of conditions such as HIV and AIDS or chemotherapy.
How to book the flu vaccine
Tillbaka till innehållIn England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, if you're eligible for an NHS influensa, you can get your vaccine from your doctor's surgery or a pharmacy that offers the NHS influensa. If you are pregnant, some maternity services may offer the jab.
You may receive an invitation to get vaccinated, but if you are eligible, you don’t need to wait for a text, letter or email before booking an appointment.
Fortsätt läsa nedan
Can you have your flu jab privately?
Tillbaka till innehållIf you aren’t eligible for a free NHS flu vaccination, you can book an appointment at a local pharmacy through Patient Access.
People who are at highest risk of serious complications from influensa are offered a free flu vaccination on the NHS. But even if you’re not in one of these groups, flu can make you feel extremely unwell - and the flu jab is the best way to protect yourself.
Patient picks for Flu and vaccination
Infektioner
Where to get your flu jab this year
It's that time of year again - winter will soon be upon us and that means it's time to get your flu jab. This year it's especially important to get your flu jab because it's our best defence against the winter virus spreading and putting extra pressure on the NHS while COVID-19 is still circulating.
av Andrea Downey
Infektioner
Will flu vaccinations be available after Brexit?
Leaving the EU without a deal on 31 October 'likely' to disrupt flu vaccine delivery just as UK faces virulent strain, doctors warn.
av Ashwin Bhandari
Fortsätt läsa nedan
About the authorView full bio
Lydia Smith
Feature writer
BA, MA, MSc
Lydia Smith is an award-winning journalist and feature writer who has written extensively on women's health and mental health. She is currently studying for an MSc in psychology.
About the reviewerView full bio
Dr Krishna Vakharia, MRCGP
Chief Medical Officer for Health, Optum UK
MBChB, MRCGP(2013), BMedSci (hons), DFSRH, DRCOG, PGDipDerm (Distn)
Dr Krishna Vakharia is an NHS GP. She is also a regular examiner for the postgraduate Diploma in Practical Dermatology at Cardiff University as well as being the Chief Medical Officer for health at Optum UK.
Artikelhistorik
Informationen på denna sida är granskad av kvalificerade kliniker.
27 Sept 2023 | Ursprungligen publicerad
Författad av:
Lydia SmithGranskad av
Dr Krishna Vakharia, MRCGP
Fråga, dela, anslut.
Bläddra i diskussioner, ställ frågor och dela erfarenheter inom hundratals hälsorelaterade ämnen.
Känner du dig sjuk?
Bedöm dina symtom online gratis
Anmäl dig till Patientens nyhetsbrev
Din veckovisa dos av tydliga, pålitliga hälsoråd - skrivna för att hjälpa dig känna dig informerad, självsäker och i kontroll.
By subscribing you accept our Sekretesspolicy. Du kan avsluta prenumerationen när som helst. Vi säljer aldrig dina uppgifter.