Flu vaccine reminder for Shine members

We recommend all Shine members consider getting a flu vaccination in the autumn before the start of the flu season. A flu vaccine is an easy and free/cheap way to protect your health and the health of those around you. The NHS has webpages with more information about the adult flu vaccine, the children’s flu vaccine and the flu vaccine in pregnancy.

Flu is an infectious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. Flu symptoms range from mild to severe or life-threating. The best way to avoid catching and spreading the flu is by having a flu vaccine each year. Flu is caused by lots of different versions (strains) of the virus which evolve over time. The vaccine is different each year and is designed to protect against the strains that you’re most likely to catch in the upcoming flu season. The vaccine doesn’t protect against every possible influenza strain so there’s still a possibility that you could still catch the flu, but if you do your illness is likely to be shorter and milder.

Flu vaccines are particularly important, and available free through the NHS for:

• children aged 2-3, or school age (reception – year 11)
• older adults (aged 65+)
• people with certain long-term health conditions*
• those who are pregnant
• care home residents
• those living with someone who has a weakened immune system
• people who are the main carer of an older or disabled person, or those in receipt of carer's allowance

*A list of the long-term health conditions this potentially covers is included on the NHS flu vaccine webpage and a more detailed list can be found in the Green Book. Spina bifida and different forms of hydrocephalus are not specifically named but may be covered under chronic neurological disease where “clinicians should offer immunisation, based on individual assessment.” Members likely to be covered would include those with higher spina bifida lesions that affect breathing, or spinal curvature or diaphragmatic hernias that reduce lung expansion. In these instances flu could cause serious chest problems. Members with other long-term health conditions may also be eligible e.g. diabetes, obesity (BMI over 40), learning disability, high blood pressure with cardiac complications. You can discuss your eligibility for a flu jab with your GP.

If you’re not eligible for a free vaccine we recommend that you consider paying for one to protect yourself and others from flu. Common flu symptoms like fatigue, muscle pain, nausea, and fever can make managing a complex health condition like spina bifida or hydrocephalus more difficult. Reduced mobility while poorly with illnesses like flu can increase the risk of pressure sores. For those reliant on carers or having regular healthcare appointments, reducing the risk of spreading the flu is a way to help safeguard those looking after you and help ensure your continued care.

You can pay for a vaccine through a pharmacy, such as Boots, Superdrug, Lloyds Pharmacy, or Well Pharmacy. Independent pharmacies may also have a vaccination service along with larger supermarket pharmacies, e.g. Tesco, or ASDA. Costs vary from around £10-£20.

The vaccines used in the national programme have a good safety record and are thoroughly tested before being used. Side effects are generally mild e.g. arm soreness at the injection site, low fever and/or aching muscles a few days after being vaccinated. For more information see the side effects section on the NHS flu vaccine webpage.

To protect yourself and others, please consider getting a flu vaccine, either through the free NHS programme or by private pharmacy appointment.