Flu Vaccinations

Am I Eligible for the Flu Vaccination?

Flu season is now upon us.  To book an appointment at the flu clinic, please call on 01267 236616.  Check your eligibility using the poster below:

 

Make an Appointment
Further Information

Please contact Furnace House surgery on 01267 236616 to receive your free vaccination.

 

Flu Vaccine Q and A

Most frequently asked questions and answers

Is it safe?

The flu vaccines used in the national programme have a good safety record.    There are 3 types of flu vaccine:

  • a live quadrivalent vaccine which is given as a nasal spray to children and young people aged 2 to 17 eligible for the flu vaccine
  • a quadrivalent injected vaccine which is given to adults aged between 18 and 65 who are at increased risk from flu due to a long-term health condition and for children aged 6 months and above in an eligible group who cannot receive the live vaccine
  • an adjuvanted trivalent injected vaccine. This is for people aged 65 and over as it has been shown to be more effective in this age group.  To be eligible for this you should be 65 on 31st March, 2019 – that is, you were born on or before March 31 1954.

Talk to your GP, practice nurse or pharmacist for more information about these vaccines.

Who should have the flu vaccine?

The flu vaccine, this year will be offered on the NHS to:

  • adults 65 and over (including adults over 18 at risk of flu)
  • pregnant women
  • people aged 6 months and over who are at risk of complications from flu
  • people with a learning disability
  • adults with a higher body weight (a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or more)
  • those on the NHS shielded patient list and their household contacts
  • everyone aged 65 and over
  • Carers  
  • Care home staff with regular client contact.
  • People working as a carer giving care in people’s homes

Who shouldn't have the flu vaccination?

Most adults can have the injected flu vaccine, but you should avoid it if you have had a serious allergic reaction to a flu vaccine in the past.

What are the side effects?

Serious side effects of the injected flu vaccine are very rare. You may have a mild fever and aching muscles for a couple of days after having the vaccine, and your arm may be a bit sore where you were injected.

Side effects of the nasal spray vaccine may commonly include a runny or blocked nose, headache, tiredness and some loss of appetite.