Autumn is here and it won’t be long until everyone starts sniffling! As the children are back at school infection is spreading. We are as yet unsure as to how the forthcoming winter will play out in terms of covid interacting with the regular flu. In Vitalis we are providing the flu vaccination for £25.

Many people can get the flu vaccination for free from the NHS but likewise many are not eligible. So we are happy to offer the vaccination to those unable to get it through the NHS.

In this blog post I will go into some detail about the flu vaccine, what it is and how it works, who is eligible to get it in the NHS and what side effects you may encounter.

Flu (influenza) is a common infectious respiratory virus. Symptoms may include a fever, a cough, a headache and tiredness. The virus spreads through the air when people cough or sneeze, or when they touch surfaces where the virus has landed then touch their eyes, nose or mouth. You can catch flu all year round, but it's especially common in winter. It can be serious, even if you're healthy.

Every year, flu vaccination prevents illnesses, medical visits, hospitalisations, and deaths. Flu vaccination also is an important preventive tool for people with chronic health conditions. For example flu vaccination has been associated with lower rates of some cardiac events among in people with heart disease.

While flu is unpleasant for most people, it can be dangerous and even life threatening for some people, particularly those with certain health conditions

It is important to note that more people are likely to get flu this winter as fewer people will have built up natural immunity to it during the COVID-19 pandemic.

If you get flu and COVID-19 at the same time, research shows you're more likely to be seriously ill.

Not everyone is offered the flu vaccine from the NHS therefore our service in Howard Street Private GP is important, you can book privately even if you are not eligible for the vaccine in the NHS.

The flu vaccine is given free on the NHS to adults who:

• are 65 and over (including those who will be 65 by 31 March 2023)

• have certain health conditions

• are pregnant

• 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 immune system, such as someone living with HIV, someone who has had a transplant, or is having certain treatments for cancer, lupus or rheumatoid arthritis

• are frontline health workers

• are social care workers who cannot get the vaccine through an occupational health scheme at work

If you are not eligible for the flu vaccine from the NHS  you can book to receive it privately with our flu vaccination service in Howard Street, Belfast.

Are there side effects from the flu vaccine?

Like any medical product, vaccines can cause side effects. Side effects of the flu vaccine are generally mild and go away on their own within a few days. Common side effects from the flu shot include:

• Soreness, redness, and/or swelling from the shot.

• Headache.

• Fever.

• Nausea.

• Muscle aches.

Will I be safe if I get the flu vaccine in Vitalis Health private GP in Belfast?

Flu vaccines have a good safety record. Hundreds of millions of people have safely received flu vaccines over the past 50 years, and there has been extensive research supporting the safety of flu vaccines. A flu vaccine is the first and best way to reduce your chances of getting the flu and spreading it to others.

Are there some people who should NOT receive a flu vaccine?

Individuals who can’t get the flu shot include:

• Children younger than 6 months, since they are too young to get a flu shot.

• Individuals with severe, life-threatening allergies to flu vaccine or any ingredient(s) in the vaccine.
  
  

Individuals should talk with their doctor before getting the flu shot if they:

• Have had a severe allergy to eggs or any of the ingredients in the vaccine.

• Have had Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS).

• Are not feeling well.
  

How effective is the flu vaccine?

Vaccination gives the best protection against flu.

Flu vaccines help protect against the main types of flu viruses, although there's still a chance you might get flu.

If you do get flu after your vaccination at Vitalis Health, it's likely to be milder and not last as long.

Having a flu vaccine may help stop you spreading flu to other people who could be more at risk of serious problems from flu.

It can take 10 to 14 days for the flu vaccine to work.

What exactly is in the flu vaccine?

Ingredients usually include deactivated influenza viruses, chemicals that boost the body's response to the vaccine, preservatives to prevent contamination, and stabilizers.

How does it work?

The flu vaccine uses a deactivated or weakened version of the influenza virus to train your body to recognize an antigen (protein) on the surface of the virus. This causes your immune system to develop antibodies that will fight the flu.6

Getting the Flu Vaccine at Vitalis

To book your flu vaccine NOW from Vitalis Health book HERE.

Our flu vaccines are administered by health clinician Ms Tina Fegan (pictured). Tina Fegan has been working as a part-time phlebotomist in Vitalis since May 2021, taking bloods, doing Wellness consultations, administering vaccinations and ear wax removal procedures.