Flu Vaccination Service

How effective is the flu vaccine?

Most years it provides a 70 to 90 per cent probability of complete protection. This is the best defence available against flu.

How does the vaccine work?

The vaccine contains viral protein that enables your immune system to make antibodies. These protect it against the strains of the virus predicted by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as the most likely to hit the UK.

Can the flu jab cause the flu?

Absolutely not. The vaccine contains no live flu virus so it is impossible for it to give you the flu.

Are there any side effects from having the jab?

Some people may feel some slight soreness in their arm where they had the injection. Occasionally a slight temperature or headache 24 hours after the jab may be experienced. Serious side effects are extremely uncommon.

How long does the vacine take to work?

Protection develops about a week after receiving the vaccine.

Does the vaccine protect against colds?

No, the viruses that cause colds are different from the ones that cause flu. But the effects of flu at home and at work are far nastier than a cold, so its good to be as protected as possible.

Can anyone catch flu?

Yes, no matter how fit and health the individual is, they can end up in bed with the flu.

What is flu?

Flu - or to give it its proper name influenza - is a highly infectious virus which affects your respiratory tract (nose, throat and lungs). Symptons include headache, high fever, chills, sore throat, aching muscles and joints and a dry cough. For most people the flu lasts for about a week and can leave them feeling very tired for some time after. Occasionally complications develop in at-risk groups and some people are ill for longer, and need hospital care.

Will having the jab hurt?

Discomfort is minimal. The injection is given in the upper arm via a small needle and only takes a couple of seconds to administer.

Can you avoid catching the flu?

The flu virus is highly infectious, so if there is an outbreak, it can be hard to avoid unless you have natural immunity to it. The most effective way to avoid flu is to get vaccinated, which offers around 70 to 90% protection. Handwashing and trapping coughs and sneezes in your handkerchief will also help avoid the spread of infection.

Does having the jab protect you for life?

No. Unfortunately, you have to be vaccinated yearly as the flu virus is constantly changing, so each year the virus is slighty different.

Should anyone not have the flu jab?

You should not be vaccinated if: you have serious allergy to hen's eggs, if you have had an allergic reaction to a previous flu vaccine, if you are allergic to the antibiotics used in production of the vaccine (check with the SPC of the vaccine you have selected). Flu vaccine is safe and recommended in pregnancy.

Does the NHS provide flu jabs?

Yes, but it focuses its effort on specific groups such as the over 65s. Healthy working adults only receive a flu vaccine if provided by their employer or if they choose to pay for it privately.

Is there a vaccine shortage?

No. A shortage is not currently forecast. The NHS has advised that adequate supplies are available. The Flu Fighters campaign complements the NHS programme as the more people who are protected, the fewer people there are to pass on the virus to family, friends and the wider community - this is called 'herd immunity'.

What is Bird and Avian flu?

Influenza is a family of viruses which affect humans, pigs and birds, producing the illness 'flu', which is of variable severity. Swine flu and Bird flu are variants. Swine flu does not normally affect humans, but in 2009 this particular strain had crossed into humans. Pig to human spread is usually limited to rural and farming communities. However, if human to human spread occurs, then the range and speed of transmission will increase and create a lot of trouble. The same biological principles apply to Bird flu.

In 2011, influenza will contain protection against H1N1. Patients who have either had swine flu illness, or received a dose of H1N1 monvalent or 2010/11 trivalent vaccine may safely receive trivalent vaccine 2011/12.

What is a flu epidemic?

A flu epidemic is when a high proportion of people get influenza - often as a result of a significant change in flu virus. Flu epidemics tend to happen every few years in the UK.

What is a flu epidemic?

A flu pandemic occurs when a major change to the flu virus emerges, for which worldwide, patients have little defence. During the 20th century there were three flu pandemics, including th Spanish flu which is estimated to have infected half the world population, killing some 30 million people.

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