Vaccinations
Flu information centre
Some links on this page have been colour coded to make it easier to find the information you need:
The flu information centre answers many of the common questions asked about flu and flu vaccinations including covering some common myths.
Many people are not aware who is entitled to a free flu vaccination, and why that it is. A number of important groups including pregnant women, people with learning disabilities and some carers may not realise the strong evidence of benefit for flu vaccination for their group. This is covered in the questions below.
Flu
As the NHS suggest
“Flu will often get better on its own, but it can make some people seriously ill. It’s important to get the flu vaccine if you’re advised to.”
“Flu.” The NHS website. Retrieved 26th January 2024
Further information on the flu can be found under:
Flu
The NHS suggests
- How to treat flu yourself
- How a pharmacist can help with flu
- When you should ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111
- When to call 999 or go to A&E
The NHS provides answers to all these questions about flu under
There is further information and detail from Patient info and NICE
Influenza and Flu-like Illness
- What is flu? | Influenza Symptoms and Treatment | Patient
- Influenza – seasonal | Health topics A to Z | CKS | NICE
From the Oxford Vaccine Group (Oxford University)
Influenza (flu) Influenza (flu) | Vaccine Knowledge Project
Antibiotics are not routinely prescribed for viral illnesses such as flu
As the NHS suggests with antibiotics
“GPs do not recommend antibiotics for flu because they will not relieve your symptoms or speed up your recovery.”
“Flu.” The NHS website. Retrieved 26th January 2024
Patient info suggest further that
“Antibiotics kill germs called bacteria, but not viruses. Therefore, they are not routinely prescribed for viral illnesses such as flu or flu-like illnesses. However, they may be used if a complication develops like a chest infection caused by a germ (bacterium) or pneumonia. “ What is flu? | Influenza Symptoms and Treatment | Patient
the importance of understanding Sepsis
It is also worth understanding about sepsis which though not common is an emergency and can happen after a flu illness. Information can be found under
The Flu Vaccination
Latest information on local flu clinics
From the Integrated Care Board Buckinghamshire Oxfordshire, and Berkshire West
- See under Flu vaccine for the latest information on local flu clinics when available Immunisation and vaccination – Stay Well
- The latest Flu guidance in Buckinghamshire COVID-19 booster and flu vaccines | BOB ICB
Note: if the above link changes then information on Flu can also be found by scrolling to bottom of the page Your health | BOB ICB
Further information
Some common topics raised by patients include:
Recommended groups for free flu vaccination
From the NHS
- For Adults : See under “Who should have the flu vaccine” Flu vaccine – NHS
- For Children: See under “Who should have the children’s flu vaccine” Children’s flu vaccine – NHS
Gov UK answer these questions very simply
Flu vaccination: who should have it this winter and why Flu vaccination: who should have it this winter and why – GOV.UK
From Patient info and NICE
Flu vaccine (Immunisations – seasonal influenzae)
- Immunisation for Flu | Flu Jab | Vaccinations | Colds & Flu | Patient
- Immunizations – seasonal influenza | Health topics A to Z | CKS | NICE
From the Oxford Vaccine Group (Oxford University)
Flu vaccine Flu vaccine | Vaccine Knowledge Project
From Gov UK
Influenza: the green book, see under chapter 19 Immunisation against infectious disease: the green book front cover and contents page – GOV.UK
Pregnant women
From the NHS
The flu jab in pregnancy: includes “Why are pregnant women advised to have the flu vaccine?” The flu jab in pregnancy – NHS
From the Oxford Vaccine Group (Oxford University)
Flu vaccine in pregnancy Flu vaccine in pregnancy | Vaccine Knowledge Project
Learning disabilities
From Mencap
Getting a flu jab Flu Jabs For People WIth A Learning Disability | Mencap
Carers
From Carers UK
Flu Jabs Flu jabs | Carers UK
Safety and side effects
From the NHS
Why vaccination is safe and important Why vaccination is important and the safest way to protect yourself – NHS
From the NHS
- For Adults : See under “Side effects of the flu vaccine” Flu vaccine – NHS
- For Children: See under “Side effects of the children’s flu vaccine” Children’s flu vaccine – NHS
When not to have the flu vaccine
As the NHS suggests
- “Most people who are eligible for the flu vaccine can have it. You only cannot have the vaccine if you’ve had a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to a previous dose of the vaccine or an ingredient in the vaccine.”
- “Some of the flu vaccines used in the UK contain egg protein. Tell the person vaccinating you if you have an egg allergy.”
- If you have a high temperature, wait until you’re feeling better before having your flu vaccine.
Flu vaccine – NHS
From Patient info
See under “Who should not have the seasonal flu jab?” Immunisation for Flu | Flu Jab | Vaccinations | Colds & Flu | Patient
From Gov UK
See under “People who shouldn’t have the vaccination” Flu vaccination: who should have it this winter and why – GOV.UK
Having the most up to date annual flu vaccination in the Autumn protects you from the latest variant of the flu virus
As the NHS suggests
“Protection from the flu vaccine goes down with time and the flu strains the vaccine protects against are updated each year. This is why it’s important to get the flu vaccine every year.” Flu vaccine – NHS
As Patient info suggest
“Seasonal flu is the particular type of flu virus that arrives in the UK each autumn. The actual type varies from year to year. The new jab is developed each year to protect against the expected type. The flu jab takes up to 14 days to give full protection after having the jab.” Immunisation for Flu | Flu Jab | Vaccinations | Colds & Flu | Patient
Common Myths and some answers
From the World Health Organization (WHO)
5 myths about the flu vaccine 5 myths about the flu vaccine (who.int)
From Gov UK
Flu vaccine: myths and the facts behind them Flu vaccine: myths and the facts behind them – GOV.UK
For more detail:
From the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
This is an American website so some of the information on vaccines may be different to the UK but the principles are all the same as the UK.
Misconceptions about Seasonal Flu and Flu Vaccines Misconceptions about Seasonal Flu and Flu Vaccines | CDC
Easy read guidance on flu vaccination
From Gov UK
Flu vaccination: easy-read flu vaccination resources Flu vaccination: easy-read flu vaccination resources – GOV.UK
General information on vaccines
General information on vaccines can be found in the section “frequently asked questions – overview” under
Spotting sepsis
Having some basic knowledge of the symptoms and signs of sepsis can allow you to identify when someone is becoming seriously ill and take immediate action. This is explained under
